If you want to discover this fierce fish that abounds in the waters of Lac Saint-Jean, now is the time. You’ll love this emblematic species of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region because it doesn’t give up easily.
Fighting a landlocked salmon is still an excruciating pain for fishermen who have had the chance. This freshwater salmon, as anglers often refer to it, engages in epic battles by leaping out of the water and emptying the reel.
For years, the Lac-Saint-Jean Fishing Activity Corporation, CLAP, has been working to develop the species for sport fishing.
“For once, we are not able to predict the course of the season, as the Ministry was not able to measure the melt stock in Lac Saint-Jean last summer due to a major defect on the workboat,” explains CLAP Managing Director Marc archer
“On this element we can track the resource and make predictions. Although we can’t make a reliable forecast, I’m still optimistic given the events of the last few years. »
In 2020, the season set a record.
“Yes, we had a record, but that can’t always be the case. In 2021 and 2022 the abundance of the resource was about the same and they were average catch times. »
In fact, there have been a total of 6,800 inland salmon catches, including releases. The fishermen kept 5000 landlocked salmon.
Photo courtesy of Aventure Lac Saint-Jean
Manage for stint
For several years, CLAP has been developing a management method that is bearing fruit. One of the most important points is to keep the smelt population at a good level so that landlocked salmon can get a good diet.
“Since we’ve been managing smelter inventories, year-to-year fluctuations are much less pronounced than before. In 2017 we opened up 25 smelt spawning grounds. This year we created 22 twice the size, which tripled the area of smelt spawning grounds.
“After the development in 2017, through the three-year monitoring, we could see that the developed sector had produced 3.3 times more melt. So if we triple this year, we should get very good results. »
Photo courtesy of Aventure Lac Saint-Jean
Observe the rules
Getting back to fishing, the DG had this message for the amateurs.
“There is a traditional gillnet fishing area in the area opposite Mashteuiatsh. It’s very well marked. We ask fishermen to avoid this area.
“This agreement allows the Innu to pursue their fishing while also allowing all other amateurs to try and outsmart landlocked salmon anywhere else on the lake. In any case, it is well known to the vast majority of fishermen who come to us. »
As for the quota, it remains the same, two landlocked salmon as the daily catch and ownership limit. This measure applies to every fishing license holder.
“I believe the best thing for amateurs is to visit our website claplacsaintjean.com where all the relevant information is available.
“Fishermen must purchase their fishing permit locally. You can also find out about the services of the tour guides recognized by our organization. I think we’re going to have another great season. »
The cost of a fishing license is $10 per day for a fisherman or $18 for a family. There is the annual plan for individuals, which is $75, or the annual plan for families, which is $100.
In conclusion, if you catch other species of fish, you need to do the catch and release, because fishing for zander and others will not open until June 1st.
