Headed up in late May this year and was trying to decide on taking Leeches or Minnows.. may end up taking both but wanted to ask everyone what they prefer that time of the year. I have had mixed results with both with no real winnner.

Leeches... easier to keep and transport.

bobbernumber3: "Leeches... easier to keep and transport."

If you can find them

AmarilloJim: "

bobbernumber3: "Leeches... easier to keep and transport."

If you can find them"

Leeches become number one in May. And are readily available at most bait shops.

Northland Tackle.

But... reading further... Minnows are the first choice in spring.

Leeches

If your after walleyes, nothing beats a properly presented leech. Minnows are over rated, they will catch fish but are overall more of hassle.

I took my first trip last year in late May. I bought 2lb of leeches for me and my nephew. When we got back to the landing after our 5 day trip we had 8 leeches left.

live leeches are much better than dead minnows

BuckSutherland: "I took my first trip last year in late May. I bought 2lb of leeches for me and my nephew. When we got back to the landing after our 5 day trip we had 8 leeches left. "

Barbless hooks? or?

1/8oz jig with barb. 4-10 feet of water.

Bringing minnows on a BWCA trip (either camping or using resort boats with no live well) is totally unnecessary. Use gulp minnows, small swimbaits, or other plastic imitations, much easier to carry and just as effective (lots of videos from John Thelen, Tom Boley or of course the Lindners on related techniques for walleyes). Leeches on slip bobbers are great for some lazy walleye fishing to be sure. Of course, I am sure no one on this thread needs live bait to catch bass or NP in the BWCA, so that is not an issue...