I'm taking a group of Boy Scouts to the Boundary Waters June 22-27 and wanted to check with those that have been fishing recently on the number chain of lakes on how well the fishing has been and what depth and areas you're catching fish in. Hoping to get these kids on some good fishing during our trip.

I've never claimed to be a great fisherman.
I have great success because I go where others don't
My advice.... get them in further.... Insula or Alice.
Other than that.... just bring live bait.

Like Stumpy, I’m not great at walleye fishing but have been reading the posts of a lot of better fishers than me. To maximize the chances for your scouts, I suggest three things:
1- like Stumpy mentioned, live bait - leeches or night crawlers. There is another thread going right now about them. A leech locker of modified Nalgene will work great.
2- learn about and stock up on slip bobbers.
3- learn the TGO method. TGO was the owner of a bait shop and esteemed member of this site.

There are numerous posts over the years about each of these, but here are a few.

Live bait
Slip bobber
TGO method

Thanks for your replies. Good advice on going further in I was planning to spend a couple days fishing around Lake 3/4 but will depend on the bite. If the boys want to go deeper we will head in but will let them decide with a little influence from me. :)

I have reviewed slip bobbers and live bait fishing with the troop for all our groups going. I do plan to use leeches and have a Leech king already. I know a couple years back it was hard to get bait. Any concerns or do I need to call now to reserve? How many leeches do you guys think I would need for 6 fisherman over 6 days? I read a pound a piece should work but seems like a lot.

Didn't think about the TGO method but it reminds me of a post I read from Quetico Mike several yest back by now using a hook and Z Man jerk shad if I remember? Which I also reviewed with the boys in the troop.

Have several deeper cranks to bring as well as jigs but will have to see on what is biting at the time.

Getting exited on the water in 12 days.

My main trip every year is 2 guys for 9 days fishing hard in mid June. 1# of leeches and 5 dozen crawlers has always been enough for us, but we target Lake Trout and Smallies on our trips as well as Walleyes. For me, I love the Quetico, but miss the live bait shore fishing when we are there instead of the BWCA.

highly recommend trolling some diving Rapalas while your cruising the lakes. Ive taken a couple scout groups thru that same area and every boat has hooked a large walleye or northern when we have been just out sight seeing.

Good luck Mike and oh btw Happy Birthday!

Hope you catch some fish!

Have the kids try the TGO method someone said above. It's the simplest thing and the boys may look at you like "are you serious?" but it really does work well!

Bring my bear barrel back in one piece! lol

lyontyl: "Good luck Mike and oh btw Happy Birthday!


Hope you catch some fish!


Have the kids try the TGO method someone said above. It's the simplest thing and the boys may look at you like "are you serious?" but it really does work well!


Bring my bear barrel back in one piece! lol"

Thanks Tyler looking forward to it be in the water Tuesday morning. Definitely shown them the TGO method. First time with a bear barrel so looking forward to using it. I will plead the bears but not sure they will listen.

Live bait will get those boys on some fish. Good luck!

DRob1992: "Live bait will get those boys on some fish. Good luck!"

Thanks. I do have a Leech Kind and was planning to get 2 lbs to take in. Hope that will be enough as not everyone in the group will likely use them.

Wables: "My main trip every year is 2 guys for 9 days fishing hard in mid June. 1# of leeches and 5 dozen crawlers has always been enough for us, but we target Lake Trout and Smallies on our trips as well as Walleyes. For me, I love the Quetico, but miss the live bait shore fishing when we are there instead of the BWCA. "

If there is a little of chop on the water while fishing Quetico lakes from shore try a fake leech, jig or tube bait under a slip float. Not as effective as live bait, but I have had some success with the setup.