Lac des Souches Fishing near Saint-Boniface, Quebec

• Overview

  Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec is where Lac des Souches sits. It sits in mixed forest country. It runs to roughly 39 hectares — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The bank runs about 2.9 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Nearest place of any size is Saint-Boniface, 114 km away. The nearest city of size is Gatineau, 215 km away. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Lac des Souches

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Across Abitibi-Témiscamingue, recorded fish include northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, white sucker and brown bullhead. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Lac des Souches repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 17°C, with January the cold end at about -16°C. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. Climate averages put the opening at about early May and the closing near late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It holds true on Lac des Souches more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. You can camp 1.4 km off, which suits an early start. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Lac Petiole, 1.7 km away. Signs at Lac des Souches carry more weight than any list.