Fishing Etang de la Chute in Côte-Nord, Quebec

• Overview

  Etang de la Chute is a Côte-Nord water, Quebec side. It lies 146 metres above sea level. It runs to roughly 24 hectares — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. There is roughly 2.3 km of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. It is low-lying compared with other Quebec water we list. Supplies mean a trip to Havre-Saint-Pierre, 99 km off. Gaspé is 151 km and Perce 166 km. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Etang de la Chute

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Fish documented in Côte-Nord include logperch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Etang de la Chute to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 16°C; by January the average is down near -13°C. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early May. The water is typically free of ice between early May and late November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. It sets the rhythm of the year at Etang de la Chute.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the perch, a small jig tipped with worm, dropped along the edges, is hard to beat. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Etang Jessie sits 2.4 km off and takes the overflow. The position on Etang de la Chute is worth confirming on the day.