Fishing Lac des Erables in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  Look for Lac des Erables in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue part of Quebec. The country here is pine and birch. It measures about 43 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. About 3.8 km of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. The town to know is Notre-Dame-du-Lac, 34 km out. Greater Sudbury is the closest city, 181 km away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lac des Erables

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Abitibi-Témiscamingue include northern pike, yellow perch, walleye and white sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Read Lac des Erables for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -15°C and July at about 18°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lac des Erables.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Lac des Rossolis at 0.9 km is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Lac des Erables for certain.