Fishing at Lac Camel, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec is where Lac Camel sits. The bank gives way to northern bush. It runs to roughly 11 hectares — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The whole outline is near 1.4 km, and most of it is walkable. Nearest town is Leblanc, 112 km off. After that come Senneterre at 117 km and Manawan at 134 km. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac Camel

  We hold no depth figure for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Abitibi-Témiscamingue, recorded fish include northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, white sucker and brown bullhead. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. At Lac Camel the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 16°C, with January the cold end at about -18°C. The fishing year opens late and shuts early. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early May and starts locking again about mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. That is the shape of the year on Lac Camel.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Lac Ruth, 1 km away. Signs at Lac Camel carry more weight than any list.