Lac Ventadour, Quebec: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lac Ventadour stands in Mauricie, Quebec. It stands 415 metres above sea level. It measures some 3.89 sq km, and wind has room to build across it. The edge covers about 24 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. Size puts it in the front rank of our Mauricie list. Nearest place of any size is La Tuque, 67 km away. Métabetchouan lies 67 km off, Laurentides another 72 km. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Lac Ventadour

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name northern pike, brook trout, walleye and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Lac Ventadour the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 17°C and January reads -16°C. The freeze holds for the better part of the year. Once it clears, about early May, the fishing comes on quickly. The season between ice runs from about early May to mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Expect Lac Ventadour to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Lac du Bras, 1.2 km away. Confirm before you fish Lac Ventadour.