Fishing Lac Cholenec in Nord-du-Québec, Quebec

• Overview

  This water sits in Nord-du-Québec, Quebec. Taiga runs right down to the water. About 4.08 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. You have roughly 26 km of edge to choose from, which rewards a scouting trip. Compared with other Quebec water on our list, it sits high. The closest town, Fermont, is 235 km away. The nearest city of size is Saguenay, 547 km away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac Cholenec

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Species logged across Nord-du-Québec include Arctic charr, brook trout, lake trout, lake whitefish and cisco. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Lac Cholenec the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 14°C and January near -24°C on the long-run figures. Open water is the exception rather than the rule here. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late May. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late May and starts locking again about late October. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. On Lac Cholenec the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Lac Rageot sits 6.1 km off and takes the overflow. Rules at Lac Cholenec are worth checking on the day.