Lac Panda in Abitibi-Témiscamingue: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lac Panda sits within Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec. It sits at 355 metres above sea level. At 5 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Val-d'Or sits 73 km from the bank. For a city, Gatineau is 264 km off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lac Panda

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Abitibi-Témiscamingue records list northern pike, yellow perch and walleye among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The near bank of Lac Panda is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 17°C; by January the average is down near -16°C. A short, intense season is the rule this far north. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early May. Ice usually gives way near early May, and forms again about mid November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. It sets the rhythm of the year at Lac Panda.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. You can camp about 760 m away, going by the mapping. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Lac Dalem, 0.8 km away. Signs at Lac Panda carry more weight than any list.