Species to Fish

Arctic char

Arctic char, a cousin of salmon and trout, is the only fish species that inhabits Arctic lakes. This northern fish can be very tenacious when striving to free itself from a line.

Where to fish arctic char

Atlantic salmon

Whether in a river or at sea, large or small, Atlantic salmon is very popular with anglers. Its reputation is well established! Pay attention to upstream migration periods to increase your chances of catching them.

Where to fish atlantic salmon

Brook or speckled trout

Brook trout—also known as speckled trout—is very popular in Quebec. Fishers prize its delicious flesh and appreciate its willingness to bite, making it ideal for beginners.

Where to fish brook trout

Brown trout

Related to Atlantic salmon, brown trout adapts to warm waters although it prefers cool waters. Its wariness can be a challenge for anglers, but you’ll be rewarded by its often imposing size.

Where to fish brown trout

Lake trout

Lake trout is found in deep waters. It differs from brook trout by its often impressive size. Catching it can be a good challenge given its combative nature.

Where to fish lake trout

Lake whitefish

The lake whitefish is a favourite of sport fishermen. With your dip net or lift net, fish for it in the cold waters of lakes and rivers. In Canada, it is the freshwater fish with the greatest commercial value.

Where to fish lake whitefish

Landlocked salmon

The landlocked Atlantic salmon, also called ouananiche, lives in fresh water. This is the only characteristic that distinguishes the two species. You’ll find it near smelt banks, in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Outaouais regions.

Where to fish landlocked salmon

Largemouth bass

Unlike its smallmouth cousin, the largemouth bass is a freshwater fish that likes warm, shallow waters. Look for it near vegetation, which is its favourite habitat.

Where to fish largemouth bass

Muskellunge

Fishing for muskellunge requires physical strength and some strong tackle, given its imposing size. This fish, being difficult to lure, is a good challenge even if you’re experienced. Needs perseverance!

Where to fish muskellunge

Northern pike

The pike is a formidable predator, hence its nickname: the freshwater shark. Sport fishing enthusiasts appreciate the pike’s combativeness, and the flesh also makes good eating when fresh.

Where to fish northern pike

Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout is a fishing enthusiast’s delight due to its fighting spirit, beauty and speed. Its flesh is particularly tender, an exquisite reward for those who have the determination to catch it.

Where to fish rainbow trout

Sea trout

Brook trout is the same species as sea trout, except that sea trout sometimes migrates to salt water. Fish for sea trout in river estuaries and along streams to appreciate its fighting spirit.

Where to fish seatrout

Smallmouth bass

The smallmouth bass is a determined fish and a real challenge for sport fishermen. Stay alert: it will even jump right out of the water to escape the line.

Where to fish smallmouth bass

Splake

Rarer than other trout, the splake is a hybrid between brook trout and lake trout, which makes it difficult to identify. Fish it in bodies of water where it has been introduced in recent years.

Where to fish splake

Stripped bass

You’ll get a lot of pleasure fishing for striped bass in the Gulf of St. Lawrence because it’s a combative fish with tricks to teach you. Expect it to be constantly moving and unpredictable.

Where to fish stripped bass

Sturgeon

Sturgeon impresses with its large size and prehistoric appearance. A lover of muddy environments, it is in fact the largest freshwater fish in the country. Probably because it never stops growing!

Where to fish sturgeon

Walleye

The most popular fish in Canada for its delectable flesh, walleye is fished in deep water, day and night. You can tell a walleye from its relative the sauger by its larger size and white splotch on the caudal fin.

Where to fish walleye