Hi friends! What bait has worked best for you?

I’ve been to the BWCA many times and have only fished a select few times with little luck. I’m looking to change that. Mainly looking to catch walleyes for eating, but anything really for fun.

As far as walleyes go, what bait has worked best for you? I’ve heard Jigs & leeches. Jigs with grub tails? Any info for walleye would be awesome, and same for smallies & pike. Guessing maybe crankbaits for those?

I’m fairly new to fishing and any info on what baits USUALLY work better than others is helpful.

Thanks.

If you had some skill pitching jigs into current, I'd say a jig and 3" curly tail. If not, I'd say a DDHJ #10 trolled or cast.

I have an article called Grand Slam Lures that should help you. Send me an email at queticomike@yahoo.com, request the article and I will send it to you.

If you look down the messageboard, there is a thread called Sharing Fishing Articles. If you would like any of those articles, just request those as well.

Spinners tipped with a leech, or a leech under a slip bobber.

When you go makes a huge difference in what lures work for walleyes. In late June to late July my wife and I do well trolling shad raps. We find the fish to be in 7 to 15 feet. We fish bog-stained lakes which will be a factor. I took my wife out one morning and within our 2 hour fishing trip (that's how long my butt will tolerate the canoe seat) we landed over 20 walleyes. YMMV

In previous years we have done pretty well casting jigs with twister tail and plastic worms. Sometime even a big Rapala (7 inch) will get them too. They like black and silver or florescent orange.

They're fish. They don't have big brains. They grab what they see.

Time of year plays a part but a jig and leech or a leech under a bobber on a plain hook is a hard combo to beat most of the year.

A leech on some sort of spinner trolled behind the canoe is also a good option. As you get into August I've had more luck with bobbers though.

For pike I like spoons or anything flashy.

Early in the season a jig and Mr Twister or some sort of plastic swim bait can also be a very good option. I always have them with as they can also be used if you run out of leeches or if you have a mishap and leave your bait bucket at a portage or the lid comes off and the leeches escape.

My tip - follow Quetico Mike's advice.

Thanks guys. Appreciate the info.