Ice Fishing

Practised since the late 1980s, ice fishing is an activity gaining in popularity. The beauty of the landscapes, the experience of a village on ice and the possibility to sport fish northern species make this activity unique and exceptional.

This year, the ice fishing village is managed by Association de la pêche blanche de l’Anse-Saint-Jean for the promotion of the fjord activities. At the moment, it holds about fifty cabins of which 23 are reserved for rental so that tourists can live an unforgettable experience on the ice of the Saguenay fjord. Only 500 metres from the side of the road, the site is easily accessible at all times, on foot, on a snowmobile or with a car in good weather.

The two owners of the company Location de cabanes à pêche du fjord, Patrick Tremblay and Julien Houde are two ice fishing enthusiasts that manages the rental site with 21 cabins for demersal fish and two cabins for smelt and sea trout. For each cabins, the outfitter takes care of the upkeep of the holes in the ice. Firewood is provided along with 4 fishing rods without lure and a baits bag (demersal fish cabins), 2 fishing rods and a worms’ can (smelt and sea trout cabins). At the outfitter’s welcome cabin, you will be able to buy lures and rent lanterns for night fishing. Jovial and passionate advices on fishing techniques are also offered there.

The most common species are: Atlantic cod, Greenland cod, redfish, Greenland halibut (top shell) as well as the thorny skate. All these species are edible. Only the Atlantic Halibut and all the shellfishes are unauthorised to fish by law. The daily quota for demersal fish is of 5 per persons per day for all species.

The fishing depth varies from 150 to 600 feet. With two cycles of tides, it is when they reserve that fishes are more active in the Saguenay fjord (high tide descending). The stage technique with varied baits is used. It consists of covering the maximum of depth. You need to be strategic. The starting point is always the bottom which the more favourable zone. For example: the first ice fisher fishes the bottom + 10 feet, the second fishes up until 25 feet, the third up to 40 feet and the last one up to 60 feet. Once set at the required depth, you only have to make up and down movements followed by a moment of pause. This will make the lures and baits look alive, thus more attracting for the fish. Make this routine at each fishing depth. The most commonly used bait is the smelt cut in pieces added to the different lures. The best lures are replicas of squid, shrimp and fish and needs to be phosphorescent.

Permits are not necessary
Enjoy your fishing day, have fun and do not forget to protect the environment.

We look forward to seeing you at our multicoloured fishing village.
1.800.561.8060
info@lesgitesdufjord.com