I am going to the BW in Mid August for 4 nights. The exact route is not decided yet, but there is likely to be a couple long (for us) portages...300ish rods each. My question is the groups opinion on the best option for bait. Just for clarification, I will also be bringing my tackle box loaded with all the favorite lures.

I've brought leeches in the past, but haven't had enough success with them to make them a necessity. We mainly fish for small mouth and walleye, with no particular preference as long as we are catching fish. This is the latest in the summer that we have ever gone in, so I'm a bit concerned about the fishing. For walleye, I plan on drifting and trolling with spinners and or Lindy rigs, and jigs. I'm trying to decide what to bring for bait and I've narrowed it down to three options for easy portaging.

Option 1 - continue to bring leeches, but instead of the 4 dozen I usually bring, go with 2 dozen and transport them in a 48 oz Nalgene bottle with one normal lid for portages, and one lid that has been liberally perforated and a mesh screen to keep the squigglies in while it's in the water. I also have several Leech Totes that I could use, but I've never tried portaging with them.

Option 2 - Gulp or a similar product that comes in it's own container.

Option 3 - twister tails or flukes/zulus with scented dip. I've never tried dip, but I know some people like it.

I have also considered bringing crawlers, but with the likely heat, I don't see that being practical.

So, gurus of the BW, please share your wisdom.

RW

Sounds like a small combo of all 3 would work best for you. Personally, I would just take some fake leeches, a J9 gold Rapala and gold Husky Jerk for trolling. Zulus with jig heads work as well.