Fishing Lac des Quatre Milles in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  Set in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, this is Lac des Quatre Milles. Country round the bank runs to rolling bush. About 2.62 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. You are looking at roughly 12 km of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. It ranks high for size among our Abitibi-Témiscamingue listings. Val-d'Or is the closest place, 91 km off. For a city, Greater Sudbury is 240 km off. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac des Quatre Milles

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Abitibi-Témiscamingue include northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, white sucker and brown bullhead. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Lac des Quatre Milles the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -16°C in January up to 17°C in July. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, late April opens the water and late November closes it again. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Plan any trip to Lac des Quatre Milles around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. If the gate is shut, Lac des Elymes at 2.6 km is the nearest alternative. For Lac des Quatre Milles in particular, ask before you travel.