Fishing at Lac Nistam Esachistuwach, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec

• Overview

  In Quebec, Lac Nistam Esachistuwach belongs to Nord-du-Québec. It lies 170 metres above sea level. With some 12 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The edge runs 1.7 km or so, easy to work in an afternoon. It is a small entry by Nord-du-Québec standards. Head to Waskaganish, 76 km away, for anything you forgot. Beyond it, Moose Factory at 207 km and Moosonee at 208 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lac Nistam Esachistuwach

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Across Nord-du-Québec, recorded fish include Arctic charr, brook trout, lake trout and lake whitefish. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Lac Nistam Esachistuwach gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 16°C and January about -20°C. This far north the hard season runs and runs. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid May. The lid tends to go about mid May and return around mid November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Time your trip to Lac Nistam Esachistuwach by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. 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 tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Lac Emachisachistuwach at 1.5 km is the sensible second choice. What applies at Lac Nistam Esachistuwach may have changed since it was mapped.