Lac Embryon in Nord-du-Québec: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lac Embryon lies within the bounds of Nord-du-Québec, Quebec. The ground around here is taiga. With some 10 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Shoreline comes to about 1.5 km, small enough to learn in a day. Most waters listed here for Nord-du-Québec are larger. Start from Chibougamau, 25 km down the road. Chapais is 31 km and Mistissini 90 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lac Embryon

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name Arctic charr, brook trout, lake trout, lake whitefish and cisco. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Lac Embryon light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 16°C in July and bottoms out near -19°C in January. Open water arrives late and leaves early, which concentrates the fishing. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early May. Open water usually runs from early May until about mid November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. At Lac Embryon the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. For a change of water, Lac du Gabbro is 2.6 km distant. Rules at Lac Embryon are worth checking on the day.