Fishing at Lac a la Vandoise, Mauricie, Quebec

• Overview

  Lac a la Vandoise sits in Mauricie, out in Quebec. It sits at 427 metres above sea level. It measures about 12 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Roughly 1.8 km of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. Start from La Tuque, 20 km down the road. Beyond it, Laurentides at 60 km and Sainte-Thècle at 88 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lac a la Vandoise

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name northern pike, brook trout, walleye and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Lac a la Vandoise gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 17°C and January near -16°C. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to mid November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. The season on Lac a la Vandoise follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Lac Bourgeoys at 0.7 km is the sensible second choice. Ask locally about Lac a la Vandoise if anything is unclear.