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Reel in Your Best Catch with the Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Quebec

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about casting a line in a place where the fish are bigger, the waters are cleaner, and the only thing you’ll hear is the sound of nature, then welcome to Quebec—Canada’s hidden fishing paradise, even for ice fishing.

Now, I’m no expert (I’ve definitely lost my fair share of lures), but after countless hours on Quebec’s waters, I’ve learned one thing: it’s not just about the catch—it’s about the adventure.

So grab your rod, and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to fishing in Quebec—from fishing spots to the charters—you never know when you’ll reel in a monster!

Lac Saint-Pierre

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Location: Public access points around Sorel-Tracy and Nicolet

Best Fish to Catch: Walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass.

Contact details: N/A

Website

Lac Saint-Pierre, nestled between Montreal and Trois-Rivières, is a favourite among anglers who love expansive waters with plenty of fish. This part of the St. Lawrence River has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering fantastic fishing surrounded by protected wetlands and a variety of wildlife.

The lake itself stretches for nearly 30 km and has plenty of coves and shallow areas to explore, making it a great place for both boat fishing and shore casting.

Walleye is the star here, and there’s something deeply satisfying about the tug of a hefty walleye on your line. Perch and pike are abundant, too, so you’ll likely get a good mix.

Pro tip:
For walleye, try trolling around the deeper channels in the early morning or late evening. These fish are a bit elusive during the heat of the day, but as the sun sets, they get more active, especially around the weedy edges.

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

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Location: 1010 Promenade Des Anciens, Havre-Saint-Pierre

Best Fish to Catch: Atlantic salmon, arctic char, sea trout

Contact details: +1 418-538-3285

Website

For those who thrive on adventure, the Mingan Archipelago is a fishing destination that feels almost otherworldly. Tucked away on Quebec’s northern coast, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this chain of limestone islands offers more than just great fishing—it’s an escape into a raw, untamed wilderness.

If you’re over the crowded, over-hyped spots and want something more remote and wild, this is where you’ll find it. The water’s so clear you can see down, and fishing for Atlantic salmon or arctic char in this kind of peaceful setting is something special.

Fly fishing here is next level. Picture yourself casting your line with those massive limestone cliffs behind you, and then—bam—when that salmon bites, the adrenaline kicks in like nothing else.

Pro tip:
Salmon fishing is best in the early summer months, especially from mid-June to mid-July. If you’re new to fly fishing, consider hiring a guide.

Lake Memphremagog

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Location: Magog, QC

Best Fish to Catch: Lake trout, smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon

Contact details: N/A

Website

Lake Memphremagog is one of those spots that give you the best of both worlds: a giant, crystal-clear lake perfect for all kinds of fishing and an easy-going lakeside town (Magog) to enjoy after a long day on the water. 

This lake, located in the heart of the Eastern Townships, is a favourite for anglers looking to reel in lake trout, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon. It’s huge, stretching more than 40 km, with the southern portion crossing the border into Vermont.

One of the great things about fishing here is the accessibility. Whether fishing from a boat or casting from the shore, there’s plenty of space to explore. 

Pro tip:
When trolling for lake trout, try using downriggers to get your bait deep into the cold water, especially during the summer when the fish hang out near the bottom. 

York River, Gaspé Peninsula

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Location: York River, Gaspé Peninsula

Best Fish to Catch: Atlantic salmon

Contact details: 418 368-2324

Website

York River on the Gaspé Peninsula is known for its clear water and excellent Atlantic salmon fishing, where you can perfect your casting technique while surrounded by stunning landscapes. Even if you’re new to fly fishing, there’s a good chance you’ll get hooked (pun intended) after a day on the river.

What makes York special is the clarity of the water. You can often see the salmon swimming just beneath the surface, which adds an extra thrill to the experience. 

Whether you’re wading in or casting from shore, this river delivers both challenges and rewards, especially for anglers looking to land that prize salmon.

Pro tip:
The best time to visit is between June and September when salmon runs are at their peak. For a smoother experience, consider booking a guided trip through a local outfitter—they’ll handle permits and show you the most productive stretches of the river.

Lac Témiscamingue

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Location: Ville-Marie

Best Fish to Catch: Walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass

Contact details: N/A

Website

Lac Témiscamingue, sitting on the Quebec-Ontario border, is a fishing destination where you’re practically guaranteed to land something. Known for its walleye population, this lake is a favourite among seasoned anglers, but it’s also an excellent spot if you’re bringing along the family or newer fishers. 

The lake is massive, with over 100 km of shoreline, and its various bays and inlets create plenty of spots to cast without feeling crowded. The fishing here is diverse, too. 

In addition to walleye, you’ll find northern pike and smallmouth bass, so it’s a great option if you like a mix of species. The lake’s waters are calm, and the surrounding landscape is serene, with lots of forested areas and the occasional rustic cabin peeking through the trees.

Pro tip:
Walleye tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, especially around rocky points and underwater structures. If you’re on the lake during a sunny afternoon, switch up to targeting northern pike in the shallows.

Lac Mistassini

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Location: Mistissini

Best Fish to Catch: Lake trout, brook trout, northern pike

Contact details: (418) 923-3461

Website

Lac Mistassini is located in northern Quebec. This massive lake is a haven for trophy-sized lake trout, brook trout, and northern pike. 

The lake’s cool, crystal-clear waters create the perfect environment for giant fish, and the whole place feels frozen in time—wild, peaceful, and almost completely untouched by humans. 

With miles of shoreline and deep, sprawling waters, Lac Mistassini is perfect for anglers looking to lose themselves in a day—or even a few days—on the water. It’s the kind of remote, rugged adventure that’s hard to beat.

Pro tip:
Because the lake is so large and deep, having a guide is a good idea if it’s your first time here. They’ll know the best spots for big trout, especially in the early season when fish are moving closer to the surface.

Lake Saint-Jean

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Location: The town of Alma, QC, is a great starting point

Best Fish to Catch: Walleye, brook trout, landlocked salmon

Contact details: +1 877-253-8387

Website

Lake Saint-Jean is a massive lake located in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean that’s popular for its huge walleye, brook trout and landlocked salmon. 

The lake is surrounded by charming towns and villages, so after a day on the water, you can easily kick back at a local café or explore the area’s famous blueberry fields. Fishing here is excellent year-round, but summer and early fall are when the action heats up. 

With so many different fish species to target, you’ll never get bored. The lake’s size also means you can explore different spots each time you visit—the open water or one of the lake’s tributaries.

Pro tip:
Focus on fishing near the mouths of tributaries during the spring and fall when the fish are more active. If you’re new to the lake, local outfitters offer charters that can take you to the best fishing spots.

Réservoir Gouin

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Location: La Tuque

Best Fish to Catch: Walleye, northern pike

Contact details: 1-800-434-6846

Website

Réservoir Gouin is the ultimate destination for anglers who want a true wilderness adventure. This massive reservoir in the heart of Quebec is full of islands, channels, and secret coves, making it a great spot for those who enjoy exploring while they fish. 

The reservoir is remote, so getting there is part of the adventure, but once you arrive, the fishing is incredible. Walleye and northern pike are the two main draws, and you’ll find them in abundance here. 

Because it’s such a large, complex body of water, it’s a good idea to either bring your boat or rent one from a local outfitter. The good news is that you’ll rarely run into other anglers, so it feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

Pro tip:
Walleye love to hang out near rocky points and drop-offs, so target these areas with jigs or crankbaits. Northern pike can be found in the shallower, weedy areas, especially in the warmer months.

Lac du Poisson Blanc

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Location: Lac du Poisson Blanc Regional Park, Notre-Dame-du-Laus

Best Fish to Catch: Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike

Contact details: +1 819-767-2999

Website

Lac du Poisson Blanc is a hidden gem for anglers who want to combine great fishing with outdoor adventure. The lake is part of a regional park, so in addition to fishing, you can also enjoy kayaking, camping, and hiking. 

But let’s get to the fishing—this lake is known for its excellent smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike fishing. The clear water and rocky shorelines create ideal habitats for these species, so you’re likely to have a successful day on the water. 

And since the lake is part of a larger park, there are many campgrounds and even canoe-in camping sites, making it a solid destination for a multi-day trip. It’s the perfect spot if you want to feel like you’re off the grid without being too far from civilization.

Pro tip:
If you’re targeting smallmouth bass, cast near rocky shorelines or submerged boulders—they love hanging out around structure. Early mornings and late afternoons are your best bet for topwater action.

Sept-Îles

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Location: Sept-Îles

Best Fish to Catch: Cod, mackerel, halibut

Contact details: +1 418-968-8383

Website

For those who want a taste of saltwater fishing in Quebec, Sept-Îles offers a unique experience along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Located on Quebec’s north shore, this coastal town is known for its charters that take anglers out for cod, mackerel, and even halibut.

The ocean air and stunning coastal views add an extra layer of enjoyment to your fishing adventure. Sept-Îles is the perfect spot for anglers looking to try something different, especially if you’ve never done saltwater fishing before. 

The local charters are great because they provide everything you need—gear, bait, and even some expert guidance. You’ll likely come back with a cooler full of fish and a head full of memories.

Pro tip:
If you’re after halibut, make sure to book a longer charter. These fish are usually found in deeper water, so it takes a bit of time to reach them, but it’s well worth the trip when you reel in a massive one.

FAQs about Fishing in Quebec

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