Fishing Lac Horsefly in Nord-du-Québec, Quebec

• Overview

  This water sits in Nord-du-Québec, Quebec. Land around it is boreal forest. The water covers around 1.53 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Some 11 km of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. Chapais at 51 km is the nearest place to stop. Beyond it, Chibougamau at 81 km and Waswanipi at 91 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac Horsefly

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. County-wide records name Arctic charr, brook trout, lake trout and lake whitefish. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Lac Horsefly gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 16°C, with January the cold end at about -19°C. The season is measured in weeks rather than months. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early May. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Lac Horsefly follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Lac Phooey, 3 km out. Confirm access to Lac Horsefly locally before you travel.