So, I wanna go to WCPP.

I'm an experienced paddler, but not an expert. If you called me last minute to go to the BWCA, I could pack myself and all the equipment for a group of 2 - 9 (minus food, other people's sleeping bags and clothing, and canoe) in less than an hour, and food would only take a half hour in the store, and I'd repack it in the car.

So, what should be on my list special that I might want/need in WCPP that I would not miss in the BWCA?

And

I am NOT a fisherman, but will want to fish on this trip. Assume my fishing gear consists of a Snoopy rod and reel. What should I get? In this case, price matters more than quality. As an example, my golf drivers are actual wood. I golf about once a year when I have to. I bought the clubs 30 years ago for $10. I'm not gonna ask Santa to spend $1,000 on fishing gear on the off chance I might catch one, if I stop traveling long enough to fish...

Generally the gear you'd take to BWCA should serve you well on a WCPP trip. If you don't normally carry a decent saw, I'd add one to the gear list for trail clearing purposes. The portages are generally in good shape, but historically the funding for clearing all portages each season is not available to the staff at WCPP. Thus, you might encounter some areas which have not received a visit from a trail crew in a while. (However, with the massive effort expended last season to clear dead fall in a major "snow-down" even, I think you are likely to find all of the popular routes open ... but who knows was new challenges this winter might bring. It is also conceivable that you might select a campsite that hasn't been used in several seasons. You can usually clear the dead grass growing in the fire ring by hand, but you may need to do a little trimming around potential tent pads areas ... and don't expect to find soil deep enough to drive in a tent peg. An inch or two of soil is not too uncommon, so you might consider other means for anchoring your tent.

I did finally find a tick on my last trip, but having an issue with ticks is uncommon.

As for fishing gear, I'd bring some descent equipment, but not high-end. The gear available thru Walmart would be OK for a non-avid fisherman. However, you shouldn't expect to produce the same quality and quantity of fish that an experience angler with more sophisticated equipment would produce. But unless you just catch a terrible weather pattern, you should have no problem catching fish.

Other questions about fishing gear and what to fish for can only be answered after you have some idea of where you are going. Unlike places like BWCAW and Quetico, the fish species are not as widely distributed. Northerns will be everywhere but lakers and walleye are not as commonly in the same lakes ... it was explained to me that the species are somewhat tied to the watershed that feeds individual lakes. There are, of course, exceptions where you will find all three species in the same location ... but that's reasonably rare, by comparison. Smallies do exist, but only in very isolated areas of the park.

Finally, when you go would influence your choice of lures and potential fishing depths.

dd

I agree, most if not all the gear you take to the BW will be fine in WC. The campsites on average are smaller, so it maybe hard to find sights for multiple tents. Though some sites are plenty large, it all depends upon where you go.
Fishing gear can be kept simple. Most of the time, you can throw out any spoon, jig, or rapala and have success. But its the same with everything, if you have good gear, you're more comfortable and successful.
One thing you really need, is maps, compass and a GPS is really helpful. Portages can be tricky to find in some areas, and remember this a more remote place than the BW, so you can't ask people where the portage is. You need to be safe first and foremost.

WCPP is my favorite place to go now, and I struggle to go anywhere else, other than a more remote area. Why? Good question, probably because of the challenge and different area.

Good luck, if you have any questions, many of us on this board have gone and can be of assistance, but I would really contact Harlan at Red Lake Outfitters, he lives and places there, and can lead you in the right direction.

Greg

I don't usually take binoculars to the bw, but have taken them to WCPP. If you do want a glimpse of the illusive caribou, then bring binoc's and focus on areas higher in the hills as much as at waterline.
You can get around with just the park map (new one coming out soon) and compass, but much better if you add a gps. One big difference is that you'll be leaving one named lake and going into two or three unnamed lakes before hitting another named lake. Keep track of which unnamed lake you are on.
The new map will list many 'camp sites'. Many of these are established and will be easier to find, but a lot of them are spots on a lake that the park staff thinks would possibly qualify as a camping location. Best to beg and steal info from others as to where the good ones are along your planned route. Most sites will be large enough for only one or two tents, but there are a few that are larger.

Since WCPP is more remote and you will not always be able to depend on someone coming along in a few hours or even days a Satellite Phone or a Spot device is a good idea. In case you did need to be picked up a brightly colored tarp is a must. Portages are not used as much so you cannot depend on seeing them as easily. Pay attention to exactly what the map shows for the location and look closely for a blaze. These will be very hard to see from very far out on the water. Binoculars may help you in this. Easiest is to ask for a GPS file from frequent travelers up there. It also is nice to have an idea from their info about what campsites lay ahead.

One thing I think of is if you don't have or believe in good foot wear, this is the place I feel you'd need them. No place out there for ankle or foot problems and when wet the litchen and rocks are extremely slippery. Sewing kit used a bit out there. Also, a repair kit for your canoe, even if just duct tape.All gear should be in good condition before you go.