BWCA Trout

[Ginner26]

Heading up to the BWCA for a Gunflint loop of Caribou, Pine, West Pike, and Clearwater lakes on September 19th. We're thinking of trying for some lake trout on the trip but we're all walleye anglers so we need some help. Is it worth the effort on these lakes and what type of rigging would you recommend?

I've also just recently dipped my toe into the world of fly-fishing. Any stimulating reasons to bring up my rod to the BWCA?

[bailey27]

It is definately worth it that time of year. I have caught monster lake trout in the BWCA in the past, out of a canoe and it can be fun...and a little dangerous.

I don't know which of those lakes hold Lakers so find that out first. The rig you want is a lead in line sinker which has eye holes on both sides. It kind of looks like a big bullet with ties on both sides. Tie your line to one end and a mono leader of about 2 to 3 feet to the other. Tie a snap swivel to the end of that so you canb change lures. Spoons, Rapalas, you name, get em deep and they will work. You have to let out a ton of line and troll very deep drops, but they should be active. I like to place the pole between my legs and let it hang over one side while paddling on the other. Find nice deep flats and troll them back and forth. When one hits it will be like a snag, but when you set the hook you will feel the weight. They tend to pull like dead weight until they see daylight and then hold on....they will rocket back toward the bottom and give you a helluva fight. One big thing to remember, when pulling fish out of deep water like this, the catch and realease aspect is unlikely. The fish get mightly played out so if you catch a couple of nice ones, call it a day, take em back to camp and have a fish fry.

Last bit of advice, bring a gaff or a good size net. Trying to grab one of these over the side of a canoe with a rapala hanging from its mouth is a dangerous endevour. For one they don;t let you bring them in easily, 2 you will gash your hands up on the trebels, and three, the tip factor is increased with bigger fish. No one like to go over the side of a canoe in September.

Have fun and let us know how you do.