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Rivers and Streams
With hundreds of thousands of rivers, and streams including the world famous St Lawrence river, home of one of the greatest fisheries on the continent, Quebec and Ontario sport fishermen enjoy some of the best shore fishing and wading in North America. From little trout streams, to pristine rivers, to the St Lawrence, the combination of fishing opportunities are virtually endless.
A few St Lawrence river carps, September 2006.
Although I have fished many of these in the past, the St Lawrence and Outaouais / Ottawa rivers contain the most diverse species and the largest specimens. Where else one morning or afternoon of shore fishing yield dozens of bass in the 3-5 LB range, or hundreds of LBS of carp with good chances of catching a 20LB+ carp on any given day between May-October? In addition, we have the world's biggest Muskies, Huge Northern Pike, Jumbo Perch, hefty Walleyes, and decent channel cats all within less than 1 hour drive from Montreal, Ottawa or Toronto.
An Outaouais / Ottawa river smallmouth, caught June 2005.
In addition, shore fishing is a great way to start kids on fishing, as the most patient ones tend to get bored even when the bite is on. I usually put a life jacket on them, and let the run up and down the shore, or if it's warm enough they'll stay in the water and catch crayfish under the rocks or logs, as long as the current is no too strong.
A St Lawrence river largemouth , caught and live released May 2006.
Fishing tips:
I usually fish with live minnows on the St Lawrence and Outaouais / Ottawa rivers, most bait and tackle shops have year round supplies, in addition to other live bait such as worms, leeches and crayfish. Some also have boat rentals and launch ramps the rates are usually pretty decent, as there is a lot of competition. Once on the water, always make sure to keep the minnows in water that is fresh an well oxygenated, otherwise they will die rather quickly. The last thing you need when the bite is on is another trip to the bait shop.
River fish typically congregate in holes, which usually come right after riffles. Cast your bait upstream and let it drift over the hole with the current, when fish are active, this tactic is one of the deadliest for predatory fish. Large game fish also like to patrol area where bait fish concentrate such as under bridges, as the water is usually a bit deeper there, and the bridge provides shade on hot sunny days. Fishing under bridges has the added benefits of providing anglers with cover from intense sun or from rain.
