Fishing at Lac de la Cruche, Mauricie, Quebec

• Overview

  Look for Lac de la Cruche in the Mauricie part of Quebec. It lies 403 metres above sea level. It measures about 17 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 2.3 km of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. La Tuque lies 59 km from the water. Saguenay sits 113 km out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Lac de la Cruche

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Mauricie, recorded fish include northern pike, brook trout and walleye. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. At Lac de la Cruche the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -16°C in January up to 17°C in July. Cold dominates the calendar on water this far north. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Plan around that when you fish Lac de la Cruche.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Lac Oreille, 0.9 km away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Lac de la Cruche before loading the car.