Discovering fishing is a big catch of pleasure! Go back to basics and tame the majestic St. Lawrence River. Explore Québec’s many beautiful lakes and rivers and uncover their incredible fish diversity. You are going to get hooked!
Discover the world of fishing
Fishing is not only about fish. Experiment with beginners’ activities and mentoring, spend some time in nature and even discover an incredible film festival. Create your own fishing stories. There is something for everyone – a whole new world to explore!
Experience
Fishing in the St. Lawrence River
Where should I fish, what should I bring?
Experience
Women are fishing
Fly fishing introduction programs by women, for women.
True story
Taking the time to live
Isabelle, a teacher and mother of 3, discovers the joys of fishing.
True story
Trying it is loving it
A father who didn’t like fishing gets an invitation he can’t refuse.
True or false: fishing myths and realities
After hearing about stereotypes, false beliefs and fishing stories, you might think that fishing is not for you. Here, we challenge your preconceived ideas.
Fish are cold-blooded
True
Well, they are during winter! We usually say that fish are poikilothermic animals, which means that their body temperature varies according to their environment. Thus, their temperature is the same as the water surrounding them, whether it is cold or warm.
During winter, fish tend to rest at the bottom of lakes and rivers, where the water does not freeze. Some of them live in slow motion and their cardiac rhythm decreases. Others stay active, but rarely get to the surface because the water is colder and there is no food for them.
Fishing is expensive
False
You do not need to plan a two-week trip up north to enjoy fishing! You can stop by a river after work or you can go to a nearby lake to try wading with the kids on a Saturday morning. That’s all it takes to enjoy the fresh air and clear your head.
As for the equipment, no need to smash your piggy bank either! Forget about sonars, boats and giant gas engines! All you really need are a fishing rod, a few lures, a few baits and a fishing licence. And here’s some good news: the price for a general fishing licence has been adjusted downward last spring.
If you want to try fishing, but still hesitate to purchase a licence, here’s something just for you: during the Fête de la pêche (in French only), every Québec resident can fish without a licence. This event is usually held on the first weekend of June.
Fishing is a middle-aged-man activity
False
Well, it is partly true, but it is not what you think. Of course middle-aged men go fishing! Fathers, uncles, and even grandfathers are often the ones taking the younger people fishing for the first time – which is the exact reason why fishing is not solely a middle-aged-man activity.
Indeed, there are just as many types of anglers out there as there are trouts in Québec’s lakes! Men, women, children, young adults, groups of girls, groups of guys, families – all kinds of people enjoy fishing! Here are some of these well-known, diverse people sharing their passion:
- Hooké (in French only)
- Sabrina Barnes and Joannie De Lasablonnière, La pêche au féminin (in French only)
- Louise Laparé and Suzanne Beaudet, Elles pêchent (in French only)
- Alec Delage, Académie de pêche du Lac-Saint-Pierre (in French only)
- Fish’n fils (in French only)
- Cyril Chauquet, Mordu de la pêche (in French only)
The moon affects fishing
True
At night, during a full moon, the greater brightness tricks some of the wildlife into behaving as if it was daytime. Fish then feed themselves at night, which means that when the morning comes, they are not as hungry when anglers are casting their line…
Fortunately, the opposite stands as well. During a new moon, nights are darker and fish are not as active. In the morning, an angler’s bait seems much more appetizing.
For more fishing myths, visit the Sépaq website.
Fishing requires a lot of time
False
Nowadays, we all lead fast-paced lives. We all have so many items on our agendas, it sometimes feels like we are all US presidents! As we are running around between work, children’s soccer practices, dentist appointments and household chores, it might seem difficult to find time for fishing.
However, as many people can tell you, fishing not only allows you to take your mind off of your routine, but it also is the perfect activity to spend some quality time with your family and friends.
Moreover, you do not need to go on a 10-day fishing trip! Québec has a lot of beautiful land covered in watercourses, big and small, close to your home, without even mentioning national parks, wildlife reserves, controlled harvesting zones Controlled Harvesting Zones (ZECs) (in French only) and outfitters that are still yours to discover one day at a time.
Tempted? Follow the practical guide for apprentice day-fishing enthusiasts, produced by the Sépaq.
Fishing is only done in the wilderness
False
We often hear people saying that fishing is not for them because they live in a city. Indeed, unless you are a scam artist, there is not much baiting you can do in downtown Montréal…
But that does not mean that you have to travel hundreds of kilometers on a rocky road in a SUV in order to fish. Urban fishing is accessible! You only need a water body where there is fish (the absolute necessity!) and where fishing is authorized. Then, you will only need an access, such as a municipal wharf, a riverbank or a descent, and you will be all set to cast your rod!
Have a look at the Allons pêcher map (in French only) to see the parks, wildlife reserves, controlled harvest areas and outfitters where it is possible to fish!
