LAKE JACQUES-CARTIER | Located in the heart of the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve off Route 175, Lac Jacques-Cartier is home to very beautiful gray and spotted trout, just waiting to be caught by anglers looking to compete.
“We offer anglers a unique experience of trying their luck on this huge lake in the heart of the reserve,” explains Director Mathieu Caron. You must meet certain requirements, such as a suitable boat. A fisherman can successfully catch interesting gray fish ranging in weight from three to ten pounds. »
My two fishing friends, happy to have caught this beautiful gray fish. On the left, the director of the reserve who accompanied us, Mathieu Caron, and the pilot and owner of the boat, Yvan Théberge. Photo courtesy of Karl Tremblay
Significant efforts have been made for several years to increase the population of this species in the lake.
First, spawning samples were taken from the former fish farm very close to the lake to breed young trout.
Spawning areas were then established at the locations frequented by the species in the lake.
Eventually, the catch and ownership limit was set at two fish, allowing the season to be extended.
You must provide your boat and register at the reception
the otter
There is currently no Sepaq boat in this body of water. For safe navigation, it is recommended to use at least a 16 foot boat with a 9.9 hp engine. When it gets stormy, Lac Jacques-Cartier offers you impressive waves.
CONDITIONS AND TECHNIQUES
We have observed that the conditions at the lake can be changeable. During our visit, certain parts of Quebec were being ravaged by wildfires, it was windy, raining and the cold froze us in place. We were dressed for the hunt. By the end of the trip the temperature had returned giving us glorious sunshine but the fishing was over.
Luckily for us, our efforts paid off with the harvest of three gorgeous shades of gray. We caught them trolling out of the river at the top of the lake. Pink and white wobblers gave the best results. Yes, an unorthodox mix, but one that was very effective that day. We also tried our luck with the jig, in pits where you could see that there were a lot of fish, without success.
At the time of our visit, the water temperature was so high that the gray was still roaming the surface looking for sea skunk, which is its main food. As the water warms up, the trout stay in pits where they find their ideal temperature. Then you have to fish deep, be it with the help of bottom walkers or downriggers.
FISHING
There are three ways to fish on this very special lake.
For daily fishing just go to La Loutre reception where you pay for the fishing rights.
The second option is to stay at the La Loutre campsite. Before you can fish in peace, you have To again.
There is also the option to stay in one of L’Étape’s huts and follow the fishing procedure. In all three cases you must provide your boat. A project is currently underway to build Horizon type chalets in a new sector on the edge of the lake. The people who live there have direct access to the lake with Sepaq rowing boats.
To learn more about costs, reservations and other relevant details, you can visit the website www.sepaq.comunder the Réserve des Laurentides tab, or call 1.800.665-6527 or the reserve office at 418.528-6868.
