Trout fishing at Laurentides Game Reserve is one of my favorite summertime activities. The huge fishing area is not only surrounded by wild nature, but also between the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Quebec regions. There are fishing packages for every taste and budget: day, camping, overnight or multi-day packages.
The Laurentides Game Reserve has over 2000 lakes; it’s still amazing. Sépaq considers this area to be the largest native brown trout tank in the world. By car, on the 175, you will see the names of some lakes along the road. You will read green signs pointing to Horatio Walker, à l’Épaule, Davenport, du Général Tremblay or Talbot lakes.
All of these names have a story – which, moreover, is very well summarized in the book spanning the 125 years of the game reserve, written by Marc Vallières and published by Publications du Québec in 2021. All of these lakes have a unique location and offer exceptional fishing quality throughout the fishing season. Some of these bodies of water are over 700 meters above sea level.
During the day
The simplest formula for those who want to throw a line in the water without complicating their lives is to treat yourself to a day of wading. The rivers are within walking distance and enthusiasts can have fun for $20 a day.
You can also enjoy a day of fishing in the lake with a boat provided by Sépaq for $62.25. If there are two of you, the fishing day costs $81 or $40.50 per fisherman. It remains affordable considering the boat will be waiting for you on the shore of the lake. You also have the option of renting a motor, gas or electric, for around $40.
If you have your own motorboat, you can opt for Grand Lac Jacques-Cartier. The right of access is mandatory and must be purchased online before the activity or at the Camp Mercier reception from 7am. Please note that La Loutre reception opens at 11:00. Grand Lac Jacques-Cartier is the only lake in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides where fishing with a personal boat is allowed.
With the online access rights purchase service, the fisherman can come to the lake earlier to take advantage of the morning fishing.
With accommodation
When fishing with accommodation you are spoiled for choice. Simply visit the game reserve’s website to select one of the 25 accommodation options. On each page you will find photos of the chalet you wish to book and a detailed description of the accommodation unit.
If you are a last-minute type and the weather can influence your decision, you can consult the reservation calendar, which will tell you which chalet is available. It is possible to book for just one night or for longer stays. You can expect to pay upwards of $100 per day per person, but keep in mind that this includes the right to fish, a boat on the edge of a lake, a motor with gas, and a cabin. You undoubtedly get what you pay for.
If you like to plan ahead, you can choose where to stay based on your needs, such as distance in the forest, with or without electricity, or available lakes. Fisheries statistics for each lake in the game reserve are available on the website. You can select a lake based on average catch weight or fishing success.
The nautical charts available online even show you strategic fishing spots for trout fishing. Brown trout fishing is the most popular form of fishing in Quebec, an activity that allows you to get in touch with nature. It is recommended by mental health doctors.
