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Sep 3^rd, 2026 at 1:33pm (UTC)

QuietJourney Forums › Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums › Fishing Tips for the BWCA and Quetico › Nobody fishing the Q anymore?

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Nobody fishing the Q anymore? (Read 16409 times)

JChief Inukshuk Offline Posts: 196 Location: Ohio Joined: Mar 29^th, 2009	Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Apr 12^th, 2015 at 1:15pm	Quote Print Post
	The fishing tips discussion page has shown N/A for a few weeks. Just wanted to make sure a fishing ban had not been instituted in the Q. Did a search for Strike King Zulu's but did not get any results. Has/does anyone fish these. Would think they would work well early in the year for SB on their beds or in moving water most anytime of the year. Has Strike King stopped making them? Can't seem to find any in stores. Hoping for a response to prove a) there has been no fishing ban b) folks using this sight are still interested in fishing and c) some feedback on fishing Zulu's (if I can find any to add to my Q arsenal). J


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Kerry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 427 Location: Toronto Joined: May 13^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #1 - Apr 12^th, 2015 at 2:55pm	Quote Print Post
	Looks like they may no longer be available in stores although you can still get them on e-bay: (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) The Redfish Magic Zulu are still available, I've seen them at Bass Pro and Cabelas.


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zski Inukshuk Offline Posts: 447 Location: IL Joined: Sep 30^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #2 - Apr 12^th, 2015 at 3:51pm	Quote Print Post
	I thought there was a whole BWJ article on that bait some years ago. A quick search on "zulu bwj" brought up a thread in bwca.com and this (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) i've used them a bit here and there but have not given them a fair chance. brought some a few years ago (mid june) but didn't use them so no actual experience to share.


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Old Salt Inukshuk Offline Posts: 4871 Location: Crossville, TN Joined: Jun 17^th, 2004	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #3 - Apr 12^th, 2015 at 10:58pm	Quote Print Post
	Unfortunately, due to the environmental disaster that occurred late last year, there are no fish in the Q. So, there's no reason to fish there. The good news is that you won't need to pack any heavy, bulky fishing tackle, nor will fish interrupt your travel. Park management anticipates that users will report improved experiences due to no fish kills at campsites. Bears will avoid contact with campers due to a renewed focus on berries. I really hate being the bearer of bad news, but look on the bright side. Politically incorrect fishermen are still welcomed in the bwcaw as that area was untouched. Environmentalists estimate recovery could take 50 years or more.


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JChief Inukshuk Offline Posts: 196 Location: Ohio Joined: Mar 29^th, 2009	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #4 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 12:20am	Quote Print Post
	Old Salt wrote on Apr 12^th, 2015 at 10:58pm: Unfortunately, due to the environmental disaster that occurred late last year, there are no fish in the Q. So, there's no reason to fish there. Damn. Anyone need a September enrty permit for Nym?


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portage dog Inukshuk Offline Posts: 536 Location: Virginia Joined: Oct 26^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #5 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 11:16am	Quote Print Post
	Sounds like those berry pickers could be in for a rough season, OS. I hear the bugs will be bad reallty too - good news, though, research and development has come up with a new, highly effective bacon scented bug repellent. pd


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portage dog Inukshuk Offline Posts: 536 Location: Virginia Joined: Oct 26^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #6 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 11:18am	Quote Print Post
	Apparently, my spelling is worse than the bugs....


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Jimbo Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 4604 Location: Florida Joined: Oct 6^th, 2002	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #7 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 5:05pm	Quote Print Post
	Old Salt wrote on Apr 12^th, 2015 at 10:58pm: Unfortunately, due to the environmental disaster that occurred late last year, there are no fish in the Q. So, there's no reason to fish there. The good news is that you won't need to pack any heavy, bulky fishing tackle, nor will fish interrupt your travel. Park management anticipates that users will report improved experiences due to no fish kills at campsites. Bears will avoid contact with campers due to a renewed focus on berries. I really hate being the bearer of bad news, but look on the bright side. Politically incorrect fishermen are still welcomed in the bwcaw as that area was untouched. Environmentalists estimate recovery could take 50 years or more. Egads, this development sounds more ominous - by far - than even the infamous & fabled Belgian Birch Bark Beetle infestation that devastated Jean Lake and its environs nearly a decade ago! As I recall, it was actually the stuff they sprayed on those danged beetles (versus the foliage actually destroyed by beetles) that was the real problem. I still have the "twitches" from when I paddled within a couple miles of Jean Lake and got "exposed" a few years ago. Yet another reason to make the long trek further northward to WCPP. Furthermore, aren't those green army worms due to reappear in the Q sometime soon too? It appears that plagues of Biblical proportions are upon us. Somebody better start repenting on behalf of us all real soon...... Jimbo


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Old Salt Inukshuk Offline Posts: 4871 Location: Crossville, TN Joined: Jun 17^th, 2004	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #8 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 8:40pm	Quote Print Post
	Sad but true. It is said that the truth hurts, and this is much worse than the Belgian birch bark beetle days that curtailed fishing in parts of the Q. Seems like only yesterday, and I still find it hard to believe... And, just when the lakes recovered, we have an epic disaster which has not been experienced in modern times. Even Park authorities are in denial mode. But, if it's on the internet, you know it's true...


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8126 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #9 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 9:03pm	Quote Print Post
	Quote: Furthermore, aren't those green army worms due to reappear in the Q sometime soon too? A big chunk of the world get's it's protein from bugs. Canada MAY decide these are not pests but renewable/sustainable food sources. Maybe charge an additional GST TAX the years they appear. With "NO" fish in the Q, it will be somewhat ironic that their food is now ARE food. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)


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jaximus Senior Member Offline Posts: 343 Location: wisconsin Joined: May 12^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #10 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 11:16pm	Quote Print Post
	that got silly fast! as for the zulu, it seems no different than other other fluke type bait. ive had good luck with the zoom super fluke in white with silver flake.


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JChief Inukshuk Offline Posts: 196 Location: Ohio Joined: Mar 29^th, 2009	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #11 - Apr 13^th, 2015 at 11:47pm	Quote Print Post
	Thanks for bringing the conversation back Jax, though I must admit, I did enjoy the diversion. I have heard, maybe read on the internet , that the Zulu's were either floating or at least had neutral buoyance (sp???) and are/were made from a tougher material than other soft jerkbaits. Having only fished twister type plastics, have no basis to form a conclusion. Perhaps just manufacturer marketing....


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jaximus Senior Member Offline Posts: 343 Location: wisconsin Joined: May 12^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #12 - Apr 14^th, 2015 at 5:47am	Quote Print Post
	as for the added durability.. toothy pike will tear up anything so i dont see that as being useful. and neutrally buoyant? i fish flukes on jigheads so it doesnt matter if it floats or sinks to me. in quetico, as much as we all have our favorite baits, they will eat just about anything. if you are comfortable/confident in twisters, get a few colors (white/chartreuse/orange/pink) and that will catch fish for you. the most success ive had with flukes has been using them as a glide bait in water 4-8 ft deep. i use a lighter jighead compared to a twister to let them glide more instead of bouncing. maybe the neutral buoyancy would help? thats one of the reasons i like ringworms so much. you can fish them on a heavier jig like twister, or on a lighter jig or even worm hook and have them glide like a fluke.


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Old Salt Inukshuk Offline Posts: 4871 Location: Crossville, TN Joined: Jun 17^th, 2004	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #13 - Apr 14^th, 2015 at 2:03pm	Quote Print Post
	Did I misunderstand the title of this thread? I'm sorry. It's good to know that there are fish in the Q, or at least that some will be fishing...


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PhantomJug Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 2859 Location: 1/2 way there Joined: Feb 12^th, 2003	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #14 - Apr 14^th, 2015 at 3:01pm	Quote Print Post
	Since the genesis of Gulp, I'm not sure why anyone would use another type of plastic in shield lakes. Seriously, it outfishes everything. Sorry if that sounds rude - not intended to be. Seems like bait companies want to keep re-inventing the wheel. Did I ever tell you the time I caught a NP on an empty beer can?
	« Last Edit: Apr 14^th, 2015 at 5:02pm by PhantomJug »

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zski Inukshuk Offline Posts: 447 Location: IL Joined: Sep 30^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #15 - Apr 14^th, 2015 at 7:18pm	Quote Print Post
	PJ, Are you talking about gulp or gulp!alive! ?


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PhantomJug Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 2859 Location: 1/2 way there Joined: Feb 12^th, 2003	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #16 - Apr 14^th, 2015 at 7:31pm	Quote Print Post
	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) I guess. 4" minnow, Shaky Shad, Fat Bottom Shad, and Ripple Shad are impossible to fish incorrectly. If my wife can catch fish, anyone can.


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JChief Inukshuk Offline Posts: 196 Location: Ohio Joined: Mar 29^th, 2009	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #17 - Apr 14^th, 2015 at 10:02pm	Quote Print Post
	Have taken Gulp alive shad and leeches and they do catch fish. PJ, assume you fish these as Jax does, jigheads? Was curious about using any of the above on an unwieghted hook to fish either surface or just below. Topwater smallmouth are a lot of fun!


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PhantomJug Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 2859 Location: 1/2 way there Joined: Feb 12^th, 2003	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #18 - Apr 14^th, 2015 at 11:38pm	Quote Print Post
	AGree, top water SM fishing is exciting! I like my Rapala J-5's for this but Gulp alive does have a floating minnow, too.


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Ranger Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 850 Location: West MI Joined: Oct 16^th, 2002	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #19 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 1:48am	Quote Print Post
	PhantomJug wrote on Apr 14^th, 2015 at 3:01pm: Since the genesis of Gulp, I'm not sure why anyone would use another type of plastic in shield lakes. I'm bringing Gulp along this year for the first time. Although I always plan to jig and never do. I get too carried away with my cranks and the bass and pike. Problems worth having. Sorry, JChief, no experience with the Zulu's. But yes, I am still fishing the Q!


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db Web-lackey Inukshuk Voyageur Offline Posts: 5465 Location: Just off the beaten path. Joined: Sep 14^th, 2002	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #20 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 6:02am	Quote Print Post
	I tried Gulp once years ago. I wasn't pleased. The tails didn't twister to my satisfaction and if I left one on a jig it would get hard as a rock. I like the other sented baits better but like I said, it was years ago before the big die-off.


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db Web-lackey Inukshuk Voyageur Offline Posts: 5465 Location: Just off the beaten path. Joined: Sep 14^th, 2002	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #21 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 6:03am	Quote Print Post
	I did see Strike King Zulus on Amazon if that helps.


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Kerry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 427 Location: Toronto Joined: May 13^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #22 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 12:28pm	Quote Print Post
	db wrote on Apr 15^th, 2015 at 6:03am: I did see Strike King Zulus on Amazon if that helps. DB, they're on Amazon but if you look more closely you'll see that they are unavailable, which suggests that they're probably no longer in production.


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8126 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #23 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 1:32pm	Quote Print Post
	Kerry wrote on Apr 15^th, 2015 at 12:28pm: db wrote on Apr 15^th, 2015 at 6:03am: I did see Strike King Zulus on Amazon if that helps. DB, they're on Amazon but if you look more closely you'll see that they are unavailable, which suggests that they're probably no longer in production. I see they're listed at Bass Pro and FishUSA. Didn't see anything about them being unavailiable, but maybe you have to try and put them in your cart to find out?


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Kerry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 427 Location: Toronto Joined: May 13^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #24 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 2:12pm	Quote Print Post
	You know what? I don't know what I'm talking about! I don't even use this bait. But anytime someone talks about some bait or technique I just have to investigate (I don't want to miss out on "the secret") Strike King has a whole bunch of Zulu baits with different names: Zulu Jerkbait, Redfish Magic Zulu, Zulu Body Bait. I don't know if they are just different names for the same thing but the Zulu Jerkbait seems designed specifically for walking-the-dog, jerk type action and they don't seem to be available. Seems the big deal about Strike King soft baits is that they are made of "ElaZtech" which is their special, super, secret technology that makes them more durable than similar baits. Who knew?


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PhantomJug Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 2859 Location: 1/2 way there Joined: Feb 12^th, 2003	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #25 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 7:25pm	Quote Print Post
	Snapped this the last time Pascanel and I were on Jean. This is the only way he can catch fish. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)


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Kerry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 427 Location: Toronto Joined: May 13^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #26 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 8:30pm	Quote Print Post
	Can I get one of those nets at Cabela's?


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8126 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #27 - Apr 15^th, 2015 at 10:00pm	Quote Print Post
	Kerry wrote on Apr 15^th, 2015 at 8:30pm: Can I get one of those nets at Cabela's? Probably, but you'll have to ask PJ where Pascanel buys his "Banana Hammocks" at?


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Old Salt Inukshuk Offline Posts: 4871 Location: Crossville, TN Joined: Jun 17^th, 2004	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #28 - Apr 16^th, 2015 at 12:37am	Quote Print Post
	PhantomJug wrote on Apr 15^th, 2015 at 7:25pm: Snapped this the last time Pascanel and I were on Jean. This is the only way he can catch fish. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) And some thought I was spreading wild rumors regarding the environmental disaster in the Q... I knew the internet would vindicate me.


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db Web-lackey Inukshuk Voyageur Offline Posts: 5465 Location: Just off the beaten path. Joined: Sep 14^th, 2002	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #29 - Apr 16^th, 2015 at 8:10am	Quote Print Post
	My "dream outfit" starts with the Pocket Fisherman. I tie a banjo minnow onto that puppy and if I don't catch a green carp on the first cast I switch to the Flying Lure or if that fails to produce on the second cast, there is the always successful Magic Bait. (My apologies if any of these things still exist.) Hey I bought a fish caller from the back of Boy's Life once. Might have been Fishing Facts… Both were good magazines at the time imo.


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8126 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #30 - Apr 16^th, 2015 at 1:09pm	Quote Print Post
	I have a friend who has ALL those items you mentioned and swears by them IF you don't expect too much. I think you can still get most of them on-line. My buddy keeps that pocket fisherman under the seat of his truck and has caught more than his fair share of stream trout and pan fish with-it. He loves the look he gets from people who are too young to remember it and can't believe it will actually catch fish. If nothing else he always gets a beer or two out of it. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)


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jaximus Senior Member Offline Posts: 343 Location: wisconsin Joined: May 12^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #31 - Apr 18^th, 2015 at 1:31am	Quote Print Post
	PhantomJug wrote on Apr 14^th, 2015 at 3:01pm: Since the genesis of Gulp, I'm not sure why anyone would use another type of plastic in shield lakes. Seriously, it outfishes everything. ive used gulp, and caught some fish, but i disagree with the highlighted portion. to me, gulp is not even a consideration on canada trips, or any fishing anymore really. its too much hastle. it stinks, its slimy, it has to be cared for differently than any other soft plastics. it dries out. it DOES catch fish, but the negatives far outweigh the positives to me. i prefer unscented. i have the same soft plastics nicely stowed in my plano tray year round and its always ready and never dried out. plus i can change baits easily. i dont have to worry about the stink on my fingers, the stink in my tackle box/pack if a bag or tub breaks, bears trying to eat my tackle. from my fishing experience, scent is one of those things that sounds good on the surface but lacks substance. the only time i see scent useful is vertical jigging in a light wind/current or icefishing when your bait is immobile. if you are casting, you are leaving little trails of scent that wont lead to your bait, and if you are jigging in the right spots, you will get reaction strikes. scent MAY help the fish hold the bait longer, but why not set the hook right away?


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8126 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #32 - Apr 18^th, 2015 at 2:22pm	Quote Print Post
	Q-Dave likes to tell the story about 2 Newbies ( to the Q) who rented all their gear from him for a basecamp fishing trip on Quetico Lk. Dave had just bought a new 4-man Eureka A-frame outfitter tent they took along. He went into detail about keeping a clean camp. Hanging their food pack away from camp, cleaning fish and not bringing food into their tent at night. 2nd day he gets a call from Ranger Station on BH to come and pick his party, they had a bear come into camp 1st night and were ALL done. When he picked them up they were still freaking out. Seems they were in their tent playing some cards after the mosquito's came out. Heard some guttural growls and suddenly the tent roof was ripped open and a big bear’s head poked in! They starting screaming and the startled bear took off. The rest of the night was spent huddling around their campfire. At first light they didn’t even pack up, just threw everything in canoe. Dave asked them IF they had done something to attract the bear into camp. They insisted they did everything he told them too. Just about then, Dave sees a plastic tail protruding from one of the guys’ shirt pocket. Turns out they were using Gulp for the 1st time and apparently didn't realize how strong that scent is to a bear’s sensitive nose. Dave told them that’s why the bear tore into tent. He managed to repair the tent, but the guys never came back. I make sure I don’t have any plastics in my shirt/jacket pockets, unscented or not because I think ALL plastics, especially when new have a “scent” that humans might not smell, but a bear could. Funny story, but it could of ended very badly IF that bear hadn't decided to cut and run.


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partschaser09 Inukshuk Offline Posts: 17 Location: Clover, SC Joined: May 10^th, 2010	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #33 - May 1^st, 2015 at 12:12pm	Quote Print Post
	Assuming that is a true story, I wonder when it happened. I haven't heard a Quetico bear issue in a long while.


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8126 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Nobody fishing the Q anymore? Reply #34 - May 1^st, 2015 at 1:19pm	Quote Print Post
	Quote: Assuming that is a true story I saw the tent, it was a 4-man Eureka A-frame outfitter. Q-Dave didn't report it and I doubt the two base campers did either. Dave probably figured that since it wasn't due to a predatory or aggressive bear actively going after campers, it was a case of someone doing something really stupid. Base campers probably after learning THEY caused the the problem just wanted to slink back home as quietly as possible. Time line would be about 2005-06.


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