Lac Louis near Saint-Raphaël: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  You will find Lac Louis in Outaouais, Quebec. The water sits 233 metres up. Surface area runs to about 8 hectares — small enough to read in one session. 20 km away sits Saint-Raphaël, the nearest town. Further out sit Maniwaki (28 km) and Saint-Boniface (35 km). More in the same country: Lac Philip a shade over 1.4 km, Lac Roan out at 4.3 km, Lac Baril a shade over 4.6 km, Lac Carl out at 4.7 km and Lac Yama a shade over 4.7 km. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lac Louis

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Outaouais include pumpkinseed, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt and Iowa darter. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Lac Louis before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 18°C, with January the cold end at about -14°C. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Winter locks it down, and late April brings it back. Climate averages put the opening at about late April and the closing near late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. It holds true on Lac Louis more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Lac Philip, 1.4 km out. For Lac Louis, the notice at the access point is the final word.