Lac a Raoul Fishing in Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec

• Overview

  Lac a Raoul is a Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean water, Quebec side. It stands 448 metres above sea level. The closest town, Saint-Félicien, is 46 km distant. Saint-Prime lies 50 km off, Roberval another 54 km. Not far off: Lac a la Raquette at 1.1 km, Lac McNicoll a touch under 1.7 km, Lac Ensemence at 1.8 km, Lac du Pit a touch under 2.3 km and Lac Reniere at 2.4 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac a Raoul

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name northern pike, Atlantic salmon, lake whitefish and fallfish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Lac a Raoul the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 16°C and January at -18°C. Little of the calendar is open water, so timing counts for everything. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, early May opens the water and mid November closes it again. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Lac a Raoul runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Lac a la Raquette, 1.1 km out. Confirm before you fish Lac a Raoul.