Fishing at Lac Ritchot, Outaouais, Quebec

• Overview

  Lac Ritchot lies within the bounds of Outaouais, Quebec. Height above sea level is 193 metres. Small at around 5 hectares: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is low-lying compared with other Quebec water we list. The closest town, Saint-Raphaël, is 13 km distant. After that come Maniwaki at 28 km and Saint-Boniface at 39 km. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lac Ritchot

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Public occurrence data for Outaouais names pumpkinseed, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Lac Ritchot the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 19°C, the coldest about -14°C. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Look for the thaw near late April; the fishing lifts straight after. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near late November in autumn. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Plan around that when you fish Lac Ritchot.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. A ramp is mapped within 780 m. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Lac Barrette, 1 km away. Confirm before you fish Lac Ritchot.