Fishing Lac Mello in Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec

• Overview

  In Quebec, Lac Mello falls inside Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean. The bank is 367 metres above sea level. At roughly 5 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to Normandin, 40 km off. It is 157 km to Saguenay, the nearest city. Neighbouring water: Lac Long 2.2 km away, Lac Verrie 2.4 km off, Lac de la Savane 2.7 km away, Lac Dargoire 2.9 km off and Lac Crouaque 3.1 km away. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Lac Mello

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Species logged across Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean include northern pike, Atlantic salmon, lake whitefish and fallfish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Lac Mello the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 16°C in July and bottoms out near -18°C in January. Open water is the exception rather than the rule here. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. From about early May to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Expect Lac Mello to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Lac Long is 2.2 km off. Check the current arrangement for Lac Mello.