Fishing Lac Anna in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  The Abitibi-Témiscamingue entry here is Lac Anna, in Quebec. Pine and birch runs right down to the water. With some 17 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. There is roughly 2.4 km of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Saint-Boniface lies 104 km from the water. The big place round here is Gatineau, 215 km distant. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac Anna

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Abitibi-Témiscamingue records list northern pike, yellow perch, walleye and white sucker among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. At Lac Anna light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -17°C in January to roughly 17°C in July. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. Open water usually runs from early May until about late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lac Anna.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Lac Norante, 0.9 km out. Check the position at Lac Anna before loading the car.