I'll admit that I am a terrible fisherman and can usually only catch a couple fish when I go to the BWCA. I am going to entry point #14 in the Little Indian Sioux area and plan to head north to Slim Lake, North & South Lake, Steep Lake, Eugene Lake, Gun and Beartrack Lake.

Are any of these lakes better than others? I really want to catch fish this time around and don't really care what kind I catch.

My methods usually entail Mepps Cyclops spoons but this year I think I will try a hook and rubber worm.

Any advice for this area would be appreciated including any 'secret' fishing spots.

Try trolling a 6 inch perch or tiger colored rapala behind the canoe as you paddle in. You'd be surprised how well that works. If you hook into something, stay there and fish that spot awhile and throw everything you've got in the box at them. Then continue on your way.

All these lakes hold great fish but some are better than others. Try hauling in some live bait this year, leeches or minnows. I prefer minnows but more often I use leeches because they are easier to take care of on longer paddling trips. I use jigs more than anything and work from sand in towards gravel at different depths. The rocky lakes I like to stick to the smaller sized rock piles and fish all around the islands. Use a lake contour map to find the structure and work the area until you find them.

If you like artificial lures, use some texas style worm rigs for the smallies, top water frogs or zara spooks and work the weeds in bays, mouths of streams or over the top of rock piles near the shoreline and islands. Jigs with leeches/minnow or deep diving crank baits for walleyes. I've never had luck with spoons or buzz baits in the BWCA. The best lures have been jointed diving crank baits and jigs. Everything in the lake will eat a jig tipped with live bait.

your hook and rubber worm will work. "Wacky-rigged senko" is what to ask for at the shop.