Fishing at Lac Retable, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec

• Overview

  Lac Retable is an Abitibi-Témiscamingue water, Quebec side. It stands 362 metres above sea level. At roughly 3 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Abitibi-Témiscamingue list. The nearest place of any size is Val-d'Or, 85 km away. Senneterre is 102 km away, with Malartic at 104 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lac Retable

  Our records hold no depth for this water. 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 Abitibi-Témiscamingue include northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, white sucker and brown bullhead. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Fish Lac Retable where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 17°C, with January the cold end at about -16°C. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early May. The water is typically free of ice between early May and late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. At Lac Retable the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Lac Girofle, 0.6 km away. Check the position at Lac Retable before loading the car.