Where to go fishing this summer? 10 ZECs in Quebec to discover for the best catches
In Quebec, 48,000 km² of public land offers nature lovers nearly 17,000 fishable lakes and rivers in the ZEC network. What’s more, most of these bodies of water are available for fishing starting in June. But if you’re not familiar with Quebec’s ZECs, don’t panic. The ZEC Network is here to guide you.
An accessible and diverse network
That’s why the Zec Network, in partnership with Airmedic, provides information on the 63 ZECs available in Quebec. This guide will help you find the ideal lake for your type of fishing and the species you are looking for. To learn more, check out our latest article on the Airmedic blog.
Fishing on zecs in Quebec: how does it work?
Never fished in one of Quebec’s zecs before? Here’s what you need to know before you go.
1. Have a valid license
You must obtain a provincial fishing license. Two types of licenses are available depending on your fishing habits: the daily license ($29.54) and the annual license ($160.02). In addition, at several ZECs, fishing is free for children 17 and under accompanied by an adult. Contact your ZEC for details. You can purchase your permit online or at various points of sale.
2. Register upon arrival
Registration at the reception desk is mandatory. It ensures your safety on the premises. In addition, fishing and access fees help finance the maintenance and management of ZECs in Quebec.
3. Report your catches
At the end of your stay, it is important to weigh and report your catch. ZECs keep strict records of catch volumes so that they can effectively stock their waters.
Identify the ZEC that meets your needs
ZECs are ideal areas if you want to fish for speckled trout, lake trout, pike, and salmon, as these species are abundant in these lakes and rivers, which are sometimes stocked and sometimes native. But where can you find the fish you want?
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean for speckled trout
This territory is the kingdom of speckled trout! In fact, the Rivière-aux-Rats ZEC is the largest ZEC in Lac-Saint-Jean and the third largest in the network! There are lakes that are perfect for fishing, such as Grand Lac Jourdain, Lac aux Chiens, and Lac Jos. For anglers who love native speckled trout, the ZEC Martin-Valin is your go-to spot. People with reduced mobility can also enjoy the small Lac Guimond on the ZEC Martin-Valin, which has been made accessible.
Le Bas-Saint-Laurent for lake trout
Whether you enjoy boat fishing or shore fishing, the Bas-Saint-Laurent ZEC is the place to go if you want to fish for lake trout. Lake Mistigougèche is renowned for its lake trout, attracting anglers from all over Quebec who head down to Rimouski to try their luck.
La Côte-Nord for pike and salmon
La Côte-Nord offers 935 lakes and six rivers to explore. It is perfect for pike fishing, but especially for fly fishing enthusiasts. The Zec Forestville is a particularly popular destination. Every summer, the Laval River welcomes fishermen in search of salmon.
Other species to discover
Quebec’s ZECs also allow you to catch other species such as bass, Arctic char, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, yellow perch, landlocked salmon, muskellunge, and brown trout.
Enjoy the great outdoors!
Now that you know all about ZECs, it’s time to plan your outing. However, don’t forget about safety. Airmedic has put together a short video with tips on how to avoid accidents during your outdoor adventures.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, it is important to remember safety rules to avoid unfortunate incidents. Airmedic offers emergency medical assistance services available in all ZECs in Quebec, 24/7. We offer different types of coverage depending on your needs, including annual, seasonal, and temporary coverage. Explore our coverage options here.
Before you leave, visit the Zec Network website to find out the specific conditions at your destination: trail conditions, opening dates, lake status, etc.
