Fishing Lac des Pics in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec

• Overview

  In Quebec, Lac des Pics belongs to Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Mixed forest runs right down to the water. It covers about 4 hectares, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Compared with other Quebec water on our list, it sits high. Sainte-Anne-des-Monts lies 50 km from the water. Saguenay is the closest city, 390 km away. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lac des Pics

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine records list American eel, striped bass and alewife among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read Lac des Pics for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is -14°C to 15°C. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Winter locks it down, and mid May brings it back. Averages suggest open water from about mid May through to roughly mid November. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lac des Pics.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Lac de la Branche Nord, 1.4 km out. Confirm access to Lac des Pics locally before you travel.