Fishing Lac de l'Ecluse de Castor in Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec

• Overview

  Out in Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, sits Lac de l'Ecluse de Castor. The country here is boreal forest. The nearest town is Saint-Félicien, 20 km away. It is 113 km to Saguenay, the nearest city. Also on the doorstep: Lac du Castor just 1.5 km, Lac Froid 1.5 km, Lac Jos-Brassard just 2 km, Lac Dallaire 2.5 km and Lac Vinceset just 2.6 km. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lac de l'Ecluse de Castor

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean, recorded fish include northern pike, Atlantic salmon, lake whitefish and fallfish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Lac de l'Ecluse de Castor gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 17°C in July and bottoms out near -18°C in January. This far north the hard season runs and runs. Winter locks it down, and early May brings it back. Ice usually gives way near early May, and forms again about mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. At Lac de l'Ecluse de Castor the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Lac du Castor at 1.5 km is the nearest alternative. Signs at Lac de l'Ecluse de Castor carry more weight than any list.