Lac Howard near Mont-Laurier: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Laurentides, Quebec, this is Lac Howard. It sits at 261 metres above sea level. At about 99 hectares, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. The edge covers about 5.3 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. On our Laurentides list it sits near the top for size. The town to know is Mont-Laurier, 14 km out. After that come Ferme-Neuve at 20 km and Saint-Boniface at 27 km. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lac Howard

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Laurentides cover pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Treat Lac Howard as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 18°C in July and bottom out at -15°C in January. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to late November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. The season on Lac Howard rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Lac Pope, 2.2 km out. Check the position on Lac Howard before loading the car.