Lac Carrare, Quebec: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lac Carrare lies within the bounds of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec. Country round the bank runs to pine and birch. At 9 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Val-d'Or lies 98 km from the water. The nearest city of size is Gatineau, 235 km away. Round about: Lac Thug just 0.6 km, Lac Girouette about 1.3 km, Lac Carrick just 1.7 km, Lac Thune about 1.9 km and Lac Drege just 2 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lac Carrare

  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 soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Reported across Abitibi-Témiscamingue: northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, white sucker and brown bullhead. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The near bank of Lac Carrare is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -16°C in January up to 17°C in July. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. 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 late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Anyone fishing Lac Carrare regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Lac Thug at 0.6 km is the sensible second choice. For Lac Carrare in particular, ask before you travel.