Lac Pickerel Fishing in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  In Quebec, Lac Pickerel falls inside Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The surface lies 329 metres up. Around 15 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. The whole outline is near 3.3 km, and most of it is walkable. 99 km away sits Val-d'Or, the nearest town. The nearest city of size is Greater Sudbury, 247 km away. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lac Pickerel

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Open biodiversity records for Abitibi-Témiscamingue list northern pike, yellow perch, walleye and white sucker. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Read Lac Pickerel for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 17°C and January about -15°C. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around late April. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near late November in autumn. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lac Pickerel.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Lac Liotot is 2 km off. Where Lac Pickerel is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.