Fishing Lac Gingras in Mauricie, Quebec

• Overview

  In Quebec, Lac Gingras belongs to Mauricie. The setting is rolling bush on every side. It measures about 86 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The whole outline is near 5.0 km, and most of it is walkable. Size puts it in the front rank of our Mauricie list. Nearest place of any size is La Tuque, 54 km away. Métabetchouan is 66 km and Chambord 70 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lac Gingras

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. 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. Mauricie records list northern pike, brook trout and walleye among the fish reported. The county list is broader than any single water. On Lac Gingras the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -16°C and July at about 17°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early May. In an average year the thaw lands around early May and the freeze near mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. On Lac Gingras the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Lac Surprise is 1.6 km off. Treat Lac Gingras as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.