Lac de l'Esterlet Fishing Guide, Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec

• Overview

  Lac de l'Esterlet is a Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean water, in Quebec. It lies 591 metres above sea level. Surface area runs to about 6 hectares — small enough to read in one session. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Quebec listings. For supplies, Saint-Honoré is 70 km out. For a city, Saguenay is 79 km off. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac de l'Esterlet

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name northern pike, Atlantic salmon, lake whitefish and fallfish. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Work Lac de l'Esterlet in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -19°C to 16°C. Long winters and short summers set the pattern. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. Climate figures give an open season running mid May to mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Plan any trip to Lac de l'Esterlet around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Lac de l'Immortelle at 1 km is the sensible second choice. For Lac de l'Esterlet, the notice at the access point is the final word.