Lac Ginseng Fishing Guide, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  Lac Ginseng lies in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, in Quebec. Elevation runs to 352 metres. At roughly 6 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Abitibi-Témiscamingue standards. The nearest town is Val-d'Or, 81 km away. Further out sit Malartic (99 km) and Senneterre (104 km). This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lac Ginseng

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Survey and observation records for Abitibi-Témiscamingue include northern pike, yellow perch and walleye. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. On Lac Ginseng the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 17°C; the cold one sits at -16°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about early May. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lac Ginseng.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Lac Vinette at 1 km is the nearest alternative. Rules at Lac Ginseng are worth checking on the day.