By Michel Moyneur
Whether you call it char, lake trout or lake trout, one fact remains: the waterways of Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle are overflowing with lake trout.
The figures speak for themselves, as 60% of all fish of this species caught in all Quebec wildlife reserves in 2016 were caught in Papineau.
"Although we don't really know why, it's a fish that's caught less in the region than walleye," observes Christian Lavoie, head of visitor services at Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle.
Brook trout are also present in large numbers. Just recently, a lake trout weighing almost 21 pounds was pulled out of Lac Écho.
"We're definitely coming to Papineau-Labelle to catch big fish," says Lavoie.
With more than 750 lakes, this wildlife reserve covers an area of over 1600 square km and offers something for every type of angler.
For the modest sum of $18, you can access some 700 bodies of water designed for adventurous fishing.
"These are lakes for which we don't keep a census and which are sometimes more difficult to access, but which often have good potential because they are little frequented."
As for the other lakes, day packages with boats available on site or with accommodation in one of the 39 cottages or rustic camps are available for anyone wishing to cast a line.
"We monitor each of these lakes closely, whether in terms of stocking, number of catches or average weight (of species caught). When we grant access to a lake via a fishing plan, it's because we know it has good potential," says Mr. Lavoie.
"On our website, we provide customers with bathymetric maps showing the depths and gradients of each lake. You can even see where the fish are concentrated."
"It allows people who don't know the reserve at all to know exactly where to fish. Mobile apps even allow you to locate yourself on the lake to make sure you're where the masses of fish are."
To reserve a fishing package: 819 454-2011 (Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle), 1 800 665-6527 (Sépaq) or www.sepaq.com.
Text provided by Journal Les 2 Vallées Petite-Nation et Lièvre published in Journal touristique Papineau.