Lac Arethuse, Quebec: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Laurentides, Lac Arethuse is a Quebec water. The ground around here is pine and birch. Nearest town is Ferme-Neuve, 43 km off. The nearest city of size is Orléans, 179 km away. Other water within reach: 1.3 km out stands Petit lac Atocas, Lac Lavallee a shade over 1.9 km, 2.2 km out stands Lac Atocas, Lac Boot a shade over 3.2 km and 3.3 km out stands Lac Ciossy. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lac Arethuse

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, brook trout and rock bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Lac Arethuse where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 17°C; by January the average is down near -16°C. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late April. The season between ice runs from about late April to late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Lac Arethuse fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. 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 Petit lac Atocas, 1.3 km out. Check the position at Lac Arethuse before loading the car.