Do you think it is worth taking a fly rod the end of September or early October? Planning on going in the Gunflint side.

Yes. I would take some sort of sinking line and streamers. I've caught both smallies and pike at the end of September with my 7 weight.

It's always a good idea to have a fly rod in the BWCA! You can carry a wide variety of presentations in a small light fly box, as opposed to a tackle box packed with lead jigs and spinners. Carrying two spools (one floating line, one sink tip/full sink) will make changing presentations pretty simple.

RM

If you are on pike lakes, the pike come in shallow that time of year and it can be great for larger pike. The bass go deeper though. A sink tip line and large streamers on an 8-9 wt would be good for pike.

I always have some sinking AirFlo Polyleaders on hand, converts your floating line to a sink tip quickly if you need to change strategy.

Sinking leaders are a pretty good idea if you don't need to get real deep. Probably a little easier to cast as well. I think a 7 wt would be a pretty good all around rod. But I'm far from a expert for BW fly fishing equipment.