Lac Bignell, Quebec: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lac Bignell is one of the Côte-Nord listings for Quebec. Tidal water begins 35 km from here. Around 61 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. Around 6.6 km of bank, which is a long day on foot. Baie-Comeau sits 63 km from the bank. Saint-Alexandre follows at 70 km, then Hauterive at 70 km. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lac Bignell

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name logperch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Lac Bignell decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 16°C at the top of summer and -16°C at the bottom of winter. Long winters and short summers set the pattern. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early May. In an average year the thaw lands around early May and the freeze near mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. On Lac Bignell that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the perch, a small jig tipped with worm, dropped along the edges, is hard to beat. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Lac Huard, 3.8 km away. The position on Lac Bignell is worth confirming on the day.