Catching Fish in the BWCAW & Quetico

Shore Lunches, Trophy Fish & Timeless Memories

When was the last time you caught a big one and cooked it over an open fire?

There’s nothing quite like a shore lunch in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Canada’s Quetico Park — fresh fish, open flame, a quiet lake. It’s one of the great joys of wilderness travel. But catching that fish takes more than luck — it takes a little planning.

What Can You Catch?

The BWCA and Quetico are best known for:

• Walleye
• Smallmouth bass
• Northern pike
• Lake trout

We recommend coming prepared to fish for multiple species, as location, depth, and behavior can vary by season and lake.

Fish Where the Fish Are

It may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: location matters. Too many people start fishing in the middle of a lake — instead, try these proven spots:

• Shoreline weed beds
  These areas attract baitfish — which in turn draw in walleye, bass, and pike.
• Inflow areas
  Where a stream or creek enters a lake, the current delivers oxygen and food — and fish gather here to feed.
• Underwater structure
  Look for reefs, rock piles, submerged logs, or trees overhanging the shoreline. These are natural ambush spots for predator fish.

Tip: Use lake maps (like Fisher or McKenzie) to spot narrow channels, inlets, and structure. Our staff can help you mark top fishing spots on your route.

Fish the Right Depth

Depth can be the difference between a quiet day and a great catch. Many beginners fish too shallow. Water temperature, air pressure, and time of year all impact fish depth.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Walleye: Typically found 15–25 feet deep, especially in warmer weather
• Smallmouth bass: Around 8–10 feet in spring; move to surface and structures in summer
• Northern pike: Lurk near weed beds, ready to ambush prey
• Lake trout: Usually deeper — ask us for seasonal depth updates

Stop by our bait shop for the latest depth and location reports. We talk to local guides and guests every day and are happy to share what’s working.

C.P.R. — Catch. Photograph. Release.

Protect the fishery and future of the wilderness. We strongly encourage C.P.R.:

• Catch your trophy
• Photograph the moment
• Release the fish safely

Why? Large fish are often breeding females with superior genetics — they’re the future of the lake. Harvest only what you’ll eat, and keep smaller sizes:

• Walleye: 12–14 inches
• Bass: 12 inches
• Northern pike: 20 inches

Release the rest for tomorrow’s adventure.

Attend Our Fishing Ely Seminar

Want to actually catch fish on your trip?
Our Fishing Ely Seminar will teach you the top strategies for success in the BWCA and Quetico. You’ll learn:

• Where to fish and why
• What lures and tackle to bring
• Seasonal fish behavior and depth changes
• How to read a map like a pro

Led by experienced anglers, this nationally recognized seminar condenses decades of fishing knowledge into an approachable format for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

We can’t teach a lifetime of fishing in one evening — but follow our tips, and most wilderness travelers will catch fish.

Visit Our Ely Bait & Tackle Shop

After the seminar (or before your trip), swing by our shop in Ely. We’ll help you:

• Choose the right lures, bait, and tackle
• Understand current fishing conditions
• Select lake-specific maps
• Get tips from our experienced team

From outfitting your gear to setting your expectations, Spirit of the Wilderness is your trusted source for a successful fishing trip in canoe country.