A buddy and I are coming up to BWCA the second week in July. This will be be his first trip and my 4th trip (though the first 2 trips were about 30 years ago). We have been eyeing Wood Lake as an entry point, but ultimately want to base camp somewhere that we can make day trips to other areas (we will only be on the water for 3 nights). I want him to experience the beauty of the BWCA, so the day trips will fulfill that, but our main focus is fishing.

I’m not married to entering at Wood Lake but am interested in any recommendations.

Also do you recommend wire leaders? I want to catch some pike without losing too many lures, but feel like wire leaders mess up the lure action. And definitely want to get into some good smallies! Love catching those!

Thanks for any input!

At this time, choose your entry date and then search for an entry permit. Many were take in late January when permits were first opened. Once you find an entry that coincides with your date, then ask again.

RMinMN: "At this time, choose your entry date and then search for an entry permit. Many were take in late January when permits were first opened. Once you find an entry that coincides with your date, then ask again. "

We are entering at #26 Wood Lake and will be on the water for 3 nights, starting July 15th.

Regarding leaders ........... you can go without and risk losing your lures. I have read on this forum many prefer to fish that way and take the risk. If you are concerned about losing some of the action on the lure due to a normal wire leader you may want to look into getting some of the Titanium leaders in a smaller diameter (12-15 lb test). You can actually tie a knot in this leader material, and most of the time it does not kink after several fish. Tight lines!

gqualls: "Regarding leaders ........... you can go without and risk losing your lures. I have read on this forum many prefer to fish that way and take the risk. If you are concerned about losing some of the action on the lure due to a normal wire leader you may want to look into getting some of the Titanium leaders in a smaller diameter (12-15 lb test). You can actually tie a knot in this leader material, and most of the time it does not kink after several fish. Tight lines!"

I totally agree. I rarely use leaders anymore, but if I do, I use titanium leaders. Sure they cost more, but they last forever unless you get snagged. They are stronger than steel, they are thinner than steel and they don’t kink up like steel.

QueticoMike: "

gqualls: "Regarding leaders ........... you can go without and risk losing your lures. I have read on this forum many prefer to fish that way and take the risk. If you are concerned about losing some of the action on the lure due to a normal wire leader you may want to look into getting some of the Titanium leaders in a smaller diameter (12-15 lb test). You can actually tie a knot in this leader material, and most of the time it does not kink after several fish. Tight lines!"

I totally agree. I rarely use leaders anymore, but if I do, I use titanium leaders. Sure they cost more, but they last forever unless you get snagged. They are stronger than steel, they are thinner than steel and they don’t kink up like steel. "

Since you don’t use a leader often, what is your line of choice? Braided? Fluorocarbon?

Get some PowerPro braided line and you'll be just fine.