Lac Melrand Fishing in Nord-du-Québec, Quebec

• Overview

  Look for Lac Melrand in the Nord-du-Québec part of Quebec. The land about it is northern bush. At roughly 5 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Most waters listed here for Nord-du-Québec are larger. Chibougamau lies 50 km from the water. The big place round here is Saguenay, 248 km distant. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lac Melrand

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Nord-du-Québec include Arctic charr, brook trout, lake trout, lake whitefish and cisco. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Take Lac Melrand a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 16°C, the coldest about -19°C. Cold dominates the calendar on water this far north. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early May. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Lac Melrand fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Lac Argein, 0.6 km away. None of that is settled for Lac Melrand in what we hold.