Fishing Lac Arnot in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  The Abitibi-Témiscamingue entry here is Lac Arnot, in Quebec. The setting is mixed forest on every side. The water covers around 2.97 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The shoreline runs about 19 km, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. On our Abitibi-Témiscamingue list it sits near the top for size. Start from Deep River, 98 km down the road. Notre-Dame-du-Lac is 99 km and Mattawa 100 km. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac Arnot

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Abitibi-Témiscamingue include northern pike, yellow perch and walleye. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Lac Arnot light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 18°C; the cold one sits at -15°C. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near late November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Plan any trip to Lac Arnot around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Lac Pave sits 1.5 km off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Lac Arnot before loading the car.