Lac Chinusaw in Nord-du-Québec: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lac Chinusaw sits in Nord-du-Québec, out in Quebec. Height above sea level is 6 metres. Surface area is around 26 hectares, which gives you real water without needing a boat. A shoreline of some 2.9 km keeps the choices simple. Most waters listed here for Nord-du-Québec are larger. The closest town, Chisasibi, is 98 km away. The nearest city of size is Greater Sudbury, 732 km away. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lac Chinusaw

  Our records hold no depth for this water. This is tidal water: the state of the tide decides where fish sit, so plan the session around it. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Nord-du-Québec cover Arctic charr, Pacific cod, brook trout and lake trout. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Fish Lac Chinusaw to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 14°C on average, January about -22°C. Open water arrives late and leaves early, which concentrates the fishing. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid May. Climate figures give an open season running mid May to mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It sets the rhythm of the year at Lac Chinusaw.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Lac Sapwayaskunikap, 3.3 km away. Treat access at Lac Chinusaw as something to verify.