Fishing at Lac de l'Ecluse, Mauricie, Quebec

• Overview

  Lac de l'Ecluse is a Mauricie water, in Quebec. This is pine and birch country. Shawinigan is the closest place, 19 km off. The nearest city of size is Trois-Rivières, 48 km away. In the same area: Lac du Camp at about 1.5 km, Lac Bureau after 1.7 km, Lac des Iles at about 1.7 km, Lac Grant after 2.1 km and Lac Jackson at about 2.9 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Lac de l'Ecluse

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. 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. County-wide records name northern pike, brook trout, walleye, yellow perch and white sucker. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Work Lac de l'Ecluse in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 18°C, the coldest about -14°C. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. The water is typically free of ice between late April and late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Time your trip to Lac de l'Ecluse by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Lac du Camp, 1.5 km away. Rules at Lac de l'Ecluse are worth checking on the day.