Lac a l'Eau Claire Fishing near Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Quebec

• Overview

  The Abitibi-Témiscamingue entry here is Lac a l'Eau Claire, in Quebec. The setting is lake country bush on every side. Some 7.7 km of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. It is among the larger waters listed here for Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The nearest place of any size is Notre-Dame-du-Lac, 51 km away. The big place round here is Greater Sudbury, 195 km distant. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lac a l'Eau Claire

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, white sucker and brown bullhead. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Work Lac a l'Eau Claire in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 18°C at the top of summer and -15°C at the bottom of winter. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late April. Break-up near late April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Lac a l'Eau Claire follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Lac Souki at 1.9 km is the nearest alternative. Treat Lac a l'Eau Claire as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.