Lac Fontaine in Outaouais: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Lac Fontaine in Outaouais, Quebec. Elevation runs to 312 metres. At roughly 6 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Deep River lies 26 km from the water. Gatineau is the closest city, 175 km away. Also on the doorstep: Lac Caspary just 1.5 km, 2.2 km away is Lac Nuage, Lac Brunet just 2.2 km, 2.5 km away is Lac Perdu and Lac la Truite just 2.7 km. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lac Fontaine

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Outaouais cover pumpkinseed, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and rainbow smelt. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Lac Fontaine the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 18°C and January at -14°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late April. The open-water window runs from around late April to about late November in an average year. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Lac Fontaine.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Lac Caspary, 1.5 km out. For Lac Fontaine in particular, ask before you travel.