Lac des Routes Longues in Côte-Nord: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Côte-Nord end of Quebec holds Lac des Routes Longues. Northern bush runs right down to the water. Around 17 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. At about 5.1 km of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Nearest place of any size is Port-Cartier, 86 km away. The big place round here is Saguenay, 375 km distant. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lac des Routes Longues

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Côte-Nord, recorded fish include logperch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Lac des Routes Longues responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 14°C, the coldest about -19°C. This far north the hard season runs and runs. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid May. In an average year the thaw lands around mid May and the freeze near early November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. On Lac des Routes Longues that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Perch take small lures and worms fished near the bottom close to structure. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Lac Barriault, 1.7 km away, makes the obvious fallback. For Lac des Routes Longues in particular, ask before you travel.