Hi guys!

This will be my first trip through the boundary waters! We're set for June 19-22nd...but I'm not sure what to bring? I was just going to bring my spin rod with random lures. I'm not sure where we are going up there. Anyone have some advice as for fish? We're going to be out of point of entry #77 from Hegman Lake. Hows the weather during mid June? Do you need any type of weapon? I was going to bring just a pocket knife. Is the water REALLY safe to drink? Are the mosquitos thick out there? Should I be worried about bears or other animals? Sorry about the noob questions...I just want to be prepared. I did a search.....but it brought up soooo many bwca topics...it wasn't search friendly.

Thank you for any help! I've been searching the net for answers today! Any help will be great!

When you get your permit the forest service or outfitter will brief you on what you need to know. If you want fishing info check out the book fishing the boundary waters.

My avatar picture was taken at hegman.

First trip - you're gonna love it!

I'll give your questions a shot.

Spinning rod with standard bass, walleye, pike lures will work. Don't forget good leaders and I would not be shy trolling with them regardless of what you are targeting. Obviously know what kind of fish are in the lakes you are hitting.

June BWCA weather is known to be rainy, but you can have hot sunny days too. You'll want good rain gear and should consider long underwear and a stocking cap.

No need for a weapon (except fishing rod, LOL).

You'll get varying opinions, but IMO, if you get your water over deep water, you are safe drinking straight out of BWCA lakes without filtering. We could spend days debating this, but life is too short. Oh, and drink lots of water - dehydration headaches and constipation are no fun but common for rookies.

Mosquitos in June can be very thick, especially on portages and at dusk. On the lakes they should not be a problem, so spend most of your time on the lakes!

Don't worry about bears and other animals, but do hang your food pack high and between two trees. The Forest Service will have info on how to hang packs. Watch fish on stringers - theft by snapping turtles is common in BWCA.

Have a great trip!

My standard tackle for up there is a 7 foot medium action spinning rod with 8 or 10 pound test. Bring extra line!

As for lures... can't go wrong with shad raps, husky jerk-baits, jigs and grubs, spinnerbaits. I catch most of my fish on Rapalas or live bait in those areas. Pretty much any standard presentation will work. Might want steel leaders if you are fishing a presentation that pike will tend to eat... sucks to lose a nice lure because you get bit off.


I drink the water in non-motorized lakes all the time... go out in the middle, don't take it right off the surface (submerge your water bottle) and you should be fine.

Don't even bother with bug repellent, IMO the only stuff that works will probably give you some sort of genetic mutation. I just deal with the bugs by choosing campsites with a nice breeze, staying out in the lake, etc.

I would NOT drink the water untreated. Just buy some iodine pills before you go and use those. They are cheap, and if you dont like the taste there is a second bottle available you can buy with it to remove the taste. It is not worth it to get giardia. I had a friend who got it up there and it was not fun to say the least.

Hey Katman: WOOL SOCKS The best you can find. Keep extra pair for back-up. DON'T skimp on raingear. 100% Deet works well for bugs, be careful don't overuse.

Bring a vacuum. It's really dirty up there.

Headlamp.

I'd also bring a pair of shoes you can get wet, and stay in all day. And then a second pair of "dry shoes" for when you're off the water.

And like ditchpickle said, headlamp plus extra batteries. Sunscreen is a big one too. And good sunglasses.

I've been drinking the water unfiltered for years up there and never had problems. But I guess it only takes one time. I'd take a filter rather than iodine if you don't mind spending a bit more, that stuff is nasty

Here are the things I would not forget when going to the boundary waters:

-First Aid Kit
-Lightweight Raingear
-High Energy Food
-Waterproof Matches
-Headlamp
-Emergency Blanket (the one that looks like tinfoil)
-Extra shoes and a pair of water shoes that can get wet and dry out quickly
-Wool Clothing and socks
-A sharp knife (for doing chores around camp and to use as a survival tool, you don't need any type of weapon or self-defense in the BWCA if you follow all of the forest service guidlines). Weather is always your biggest enemy in the BWCA!
-Sunscreen and a wide brimmed fishing hat
-Sunglasses (polarized)
-An extra collapsible rod (I had a large northern snap one of my rods right in the middle of the rod on the first day of my trip. If I had not brought an extra rod, that would have been the end of my fishing on that trip.
-Bring lots of spoons, jigs, crankbaits, hooks, line, and terminal tackle. I also bring leeches and freeze dried minnows
-Stocking cap and waterproof gloves
-A lightweight cooking burner just in case it is raining and you can not find dry firewood to cook with
-A map of the area you will be in
-A cell phone (granted you are not going to have reception most times, but it could save your life should something serious happen, there are some areas that you can get reception in, especially higher elevations). Keep it off at all times to save your battery, only turn it on if and when you need to use it.
-Rope
-Bring strong new paddles (having a cheap paddle break on the first couple days of your trip could make for a very unenjoyable one). If you do have a paddle break, find a log that closely resembles a paddle and start carving with your knife!

I am sure I am forgetting some other minor things, but that is a good starting point for you. Good luck and have fun. The B-dub is heaven.

GoggleEye