Lac Rene Fishing Guide, Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec

• Overview

  Look for Lac Rene in the Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean part of Quebec. It lies 673 metres above sea level. It sits higher than most water we list in Quebec. Supplies mean a trip to Saint-Fulgence, 65 km off. The big place round here is Saguenay, 75 km distant. Also within reach: Lac Denis some 0.5 km off, Lac Delisle after 0.9 km, Lac Damien some 1.1 km off, Lac de l'Hermine after 1.4 km and Lac Bourbeau some 1.5 km off. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lac Rene

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. 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. Anyone new to Lac Rene should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 16°C at the top of summer and -18°C at the bottom of winter. Long winters and short summers set the pattern. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid May. Open water usually runs from mid May until about mid November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Time your trip to Lac Rene by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Lac Denis is 0.5 km distant. The position on Lac Rene is worth confirming on the day.