Fishing at Lac de la Grosse Ile, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec

• Overview

  Set in Nord-du-Québec, Quebec, this is Lac de la Grosse Ile. Around the bank it is northern bush. This is sizeable water at about 1.51 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. The perimeter runs near 10 km, so plan the walk before you start. Matagami lies 49 km from the water. It is 453 km to Saguenay, the nearest city. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lac de la Grosse Ile

  Our records hold no depth for this water. 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. Nord-du-Québec records list Arctic charr, brook trout, lake trout, lake whitefish and cisco among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Read Lac de la Grosse Ile before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 16°C and January at -19°C. The freeze holds for the better part of the year. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around early May. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early May and starts locking again about mid November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Time your trip to Lac de la Grosse Ile by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. For a change of water, Lac Mad is 4.2 km distant. Rules at Lac de la Grosse Ile are worth checking on the day.