Salmon fishing
The Matane River
The “school of salmon fishing” in Quebec
Considered as the “school of salmon fishing” in Quebec, the Matane River has a easy access along its entire length of 80 km and offers more than 80 pools up to its source at Lake Matane. Endless fly fishermen have learned their skill on this river. Accompanied by a guide, discover the best places and tips to land your fishing trophy. The Matane River is one of the best salmon rivers in Quebec. In addition to being one of the rivers where the most salmon return annually, its great accessibility and ease of fishing make it the perfect place to learn this sport.
The Matane River is the perfect place to live a memorable fishing experience. Fishing on the Matane River is an easily accessible pleasure!
The Matane River it's :
- An exceptional river located at only 4 hours drive from Quebec City
- 80 salmon pools
- 8 fishing sectors, including 4 quota sectors
- 2 500 salmons that swim up the river annually
- Being able to fish in an urban environment as well as in the heart of the forest
- To be in a place offering quality installations and an excellent service to the fly fishermen
Visit the Matane River in virtual mode
Learn to fish salmon
Are you new to the sport? Is this your first time sport fishing for Atlantic salmon? Salmon fishing is very different from other types of fishing. To get off to a good start, beginners can call on the services of guides from the Société de gestion de la rivière Matane (SOGERM) or the Gaspesie Salmon Guides Society for beginners' Atlantic salmon fishing lessons. Including all the necessary equipment and your daily access to the Matane River ZEC, the guide will provide flexible supervision allowing clients to learn the tips and tricks likely to promote the successful practice of sport fly fishing. This course lasts 8 hours. You only need your provincial Atlantic salmon sport fishing license, as it is not included with the course.
Learn more about the Matane River
Fishing guide services on the Matane River
Under section 109 of the Act respecting the development and conservation of wildlife, in order to have the right to guide on the Matane River for a fee, a guide must be issued a business authorization by the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP). Any person who operates a guiding business without authorization is committing an offence under the Act.
If you wish to have the service of a fly fishing guide, we propose you the list of guides who have an authorization of legal trade for the Matane river:
Consult our list of fly fishing guides for the Matane River
Learn more about the Gaspesie Salmon Guides Society
The Salmon Run Observation Centre
The Atlantic salmon leave the coasts of Greenland and embark on the long journey to reach their spawning ground, travelling along the St. Lawrence River until reaching the mouth of the Matane River. At the salmon run observation centre, two windows give you a unique chance to observe this anadromous fish on its migratory journey.
Learn more about the Salmon Observation Centre
The Cap-Chat River
With its source in a breathtaking scenery, in the heart of the famous Chic-Chocs Mountains, the Cap-Chat River flows for 57.5 kilometers to the St. Lawrence River. It welcomes, in its very transparent water on a gravel bed, the return of very large salmon. This splendid watercourse being of average size, boats are only authorized to cross it. Only wading is allowed.
This pearl of a river offers fishermen more than 50 pools in 3 fishing sectors. Two of them, one restricted and the other not restricted, welcome fly fishermen, while the third is restricted for sea trout fishing.
Learn more about the Cap-Chat River
The Camps Tamagodi
Closer to the best salmon pools of the Matane River and offering the best guides in the region
The Camps Tamagodi is a company specialized in salmon fishing on the Matane River. Either independently or as part of a package, they offer discovery and adventure services with experienced guides and instructors. If you are missing equipment, they have it on site or you can get it nearby. You are located in an ideal place to experience different outdoor, hunting and adventure activities, while remaining close to the people of the region.
Deep Sea Fishing
Destination Haute-Mer
Embark on the Destination Haute-Mer adventure with the captains and fishing guides Guillaume and Christophe. Whether it is to fish for mackerel, cod, striped bass or other types of groundfish, or to observe the marine mammals inhabiting our superb region, these experienced guides will make you live unforgettable moments. Their boat is designed expressly for navigation at sea, is very spacious, stable and, above all, very safe.
Fishing on the docks
Are you looking for the perfect place to cast a line? Discover our fishing docks along the shoreline. Depending on the season and the sea levels, you can fish for striped bass, mackerel, cod and capelin. You don't even need a fishing licence. Come down to the docks to share your experiences and learn new tricks from local fishermen!
The rules and regulations concerning fishing periods, the number of catches allowed per sector and the types of hooks to be used vary from one species to the next and are updated regularly. Before you go fishing, make sure you are well informed about the regulations in effect by visiting the “Sport Fishing” section of the official website of the Government of Québec and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Capelin fishing
In spring, between May and June, it is the spawning period of capelin. These small silvery fish have the habit of following the waves and "rolling" in a shoal to the beach. Arm yourself with a net, a bucket and head for the beaches of La Matanie. But you have to be in the right place at the right time, because it only lasts a few days! Visit ecapelan.ca to see the sightings recorded by the public.
- It is permitted to catch and retain capelin without size restriction.
- Recreational fishing for capelin can be practiced at all times and there is no daily catch limit.
- For capelin fishing, all fishing gear is authorized, except trap nets, seine lines and mobile gear.
- Some capelin lovers likes to dry and salt them, others prefer it smoked, and can thus combine pleasure and science.
Mackerel fishing
- Closure of the recreational fishery each year between January 1 and March 31.
- Daily limit of 20 mackerels per person with a minimum possesion size of 26.8 cm.
- It is prohibited to fish for mackerel with more than five fishing lines or with a fishing line to which more than six hooks are attached.
- Arrives about mid-June in La Matanie.
- A fish as beautiful as it is combative. Easy to catch, it gives an incredible feeling to the fishermen. It is therefore ideal for fishermen looking for strong emotions.
- Several means are used to catch mackerel. Among them, the "Mitraillette" is very effective. It consists of several colored feathers attached to a line of more or less 5 feathers. We fish mackerel with the "Jig" method which means that the fisherman throws and brings back the line constantly in order to fall on a shoal of mackerels. You can also fish with the mackerel lure which is made of a lead fish of about 1 oz. of bright colors.
Striped Bass fishing
- Daily limit of 3 striped bass per person with a possesion size between 50 cm and 65 cm.
- Fishing authorized in area 21 (from Rimouski to the East) between May 15 and October 31.
- The fisherman can use a maximum of three hooks, with a hook or a combination of hooks where each rod has only one hook on the same line.
- Only artificial lures may be used (natural bait is prohibited).
- Abundant in the salty waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it is a delicious white-fleshed fish, known for its fighting spirit. Once you've taken on this fish, you'll never get over it. You have to go back and try to outwit it.
- At high tide, you can fish for striped bass from the beach.
Cod fishing
- This type of fishing is only authorized in the open sea (more than 50 meters from the shore) from June 24 to July 8 and from July 17 to August 7, from sunrise to sunset. One person may keep a maximum possesion of 5 cod and / or white hake.
- The team of Destination Haute-Mer shares with us that last year there was a very large quantity of cods off Matane! Early in the season, the cod was a little bigger than in the middle of the summer, but in both cases, the fish was delicious. This fish is highly prized for its white flesh and its typical taste.
Other groundfishs
- Daily limit of 15 groundfish per person, all species except cod, white hake and forbidden species.
- Fishing groundfishs is allowed from April 15 to June 23, July 9 to July 16, and August 8 to October 1.
The recreational fishery of the following species is forbidden at all time and in every area :
Halibut, Northern wolffish, Atlantic wolffish, Spotted wolffish and Skate.
Where can I find a dock or a boat ramp?
Lake Fishing
Because invasive species can interfere with your fishing experience in many ways (limiting navigation, destroying native species, etc.) and with the natural environment itself, it is strongly recommended that you wash your boat and all of its equipment before heading out on your favorite lake.
The Petchedetz lake
The Association des Chasseurs et Pêcheurs de la région de Matane (hunters and anglers organization) manages the Petchedetz lake located a few kilometers from Matane on the road leading to the village of Sainte-Paule. The Petchedetz lake is the ideal place to practice aquatic activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Each year, the association invests time and money to revitalize the Petchedetz lake in order to make it more productive: seeding, repairing spawning grounds, preserving the level of the lake, installing docks, introducing fishing activity, etc. The association also pays for using the lake and for the maintenance of the public access to the lake; this is why it needs the support of all those who frequent the lake, including aquatic activity enthusiasts. You frequent the lake, make your contribution by taking your membership card at a cost of $10 and thus keep lake accessible.
Code of ethics :
- Daily limit allowed: 10 trout.
- Motor size allowed: 9.9 hp maximum.
- Respect the environment and pick up your garbage.
- Adopt a respectful behavior of the other fishing amateurs.
Learn more about Matane's Hunters and Anglers Association
Numerous lakes in the Matane Wildlife Reserve
Covering an area of 1 275 km2, the Matane Wildlife Reserve (SÉPAQ) offers a striking panorama of mountains and deep valleys crisscrossed by majestic rivers, all accompanied by impressive wildlife. It offers remarkable wildlife and has more than one hundred kilometers of trails.
- Fishing: Speckled trout, lake trout and Atlantic salmon (SOGERM).
- Services: Rental of boats and fishing equipment (rods, landing nets, etc.), fishing permit, right of access, bait and lures, flotation jackets, gas and electric motors, ice, guide service, fishing initiation.
- Daily limit of possession: 10 speckeld trout or the majority of lakes in the reserve, except for the following for which the daily limit of possession is 7 speckled trout: Duvivier, Mius, Manet, Étang à la truite and Bonjour. 2 lake trout (Lake Matane).
- **NEW** Other lakes offered the day before from 10 a.m. (reservation on site or by phone).
- Period: May 26 to September 4, 2023.
Day Fishing without accommodation
About ten lakes are reserved for day fishing. Watercraft are provided on certain bodies of water.
Fishing with Accommodations
Some twenty lakes are spread among 8 accommodations sectors. You can fish for speckled trout in all of the lakes and for lake trout in Lac Matane.
Learn more about the Matane Wildlife Reserve
The Pourvoirie de la Gaspésie (Outfitter)
Located in Grosses-Roches, the Outfitter of Gaspésie have a lake of glacial origin that awaits you with native and stocked speckled trout. This makes it a remarkable place that Mother Nature has given us. With a 50 % guaranteed quality of fishing and their unique and exceptional service, they will make the difference and you will appreciate spending a short stay or a longer vacation in a cottage or at the rustic camping directly on the site.
- Fishing : Speckled trout
- Services: Rowboat, oars, engine, battery, bait, fishing tackle and life jacket rental
- Daily limit of possession : 10 speckled trout
Learn more about the Outfitter of Gaspésie (Pourvoirie de la Gaspésie)
The Pisciculture J (fish farming) - Temporarily closed for 2024
Would you like to learn to fish with no hassle? The Pisciculture J in Sainte-Félicité is the ideal place to learn and catch beautiful speckled trout. No fishing license is required, and if you don't have any equipment, the small business can lend it to you. The owners even offer a fish gutting service. It's also an idyllic spot for a picnic.
How do you handle and release a fish?
Did you know that mucus, the slimy substance on fish, is essential for their survival? In fact, this mucus acts as a protective barrier against infections. Without this protection, the fish becomes more vulnerable to bacteria and fungi present in the water.
When releasing a fish, special attention must be paid to the way you handle it. It is essential to always rinse your hands in water before touching the fish so as not to remove the protective layer of mucus. This is especially important if you have applied sunscreen or insect repellent. In addition to removing the mucus, these products can irritate the skin of the fish.
It is also very important to avoid touching the gills and eyes of the fish. The gills, which are protected by the gills, are vital organs that allow the fish to breathe (take in oxygen from the water). Even a minor injury to the gills can result in the death of the fish.
Remember, successful catch and release has several benefits for fish populations. It allows:
- the grazed fish to grow and reproduce;
- improve or maintain the condition of fish populations;
- maintain a high quality fishery.
Hunters on the lookout
Hunting seasons
Moose Hunting
- Moose with antlers (10 cm or more) and calf.
- Crossbow and bow: From September 27 to October 5, 2025.
- Muzzle loading firearm, crossbow and bow: From October 28 to 31, 2025.
- Firearms, crossbow and bow: October 18 to October 26, 2025.
White-tailed Deer Hunting
- White-tailed deer with antlers (7 cm or more).
- Crossbow and bow: From October 4 to October 17, 2025.
- Firearms, crossbow and bow: November 8 to 16, 2025.
Black Bear Hunting
- Crossbow and bow: From September 27 to October 5, 2025.
- Firearms, crossbow and bow: From May 15 to June 30, 2025.
Small Game Hunting
Eastern cottontail, Arctic hare and snowshoe hare
Firearms, air rifles, crossbow, bow and snare: September 20, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
Coyote and wolf
Firearms, crossbow and bow: October 18, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
Ruffed grouse, spruce grouse and sharp-tailed grouse
Firearms, air rifles, crossbow and bow: September 20, 2025 to January 15, 2026.
Grey partridge
Firearms, air rifles, crossbow and bow: September 20 to November 15, 2025.
Quail, northern bobwhite, pheasant, francolin, rock partridge, chukar partridge, red-legged partridge and guinea fowl
Firearms, air rifles, crossbow and bow: August 1st to December 31st, 2025.
Hunting in the Matane Widlife Reserve
Moose Hunting
The concentration of moose living in the Matane Wildlife Reserve is one of the largest in Québec. The reserve is divided into 38 hunting sectors. Moose hunting stays are assigned through random draw at the beginning of the year. After being assigned, some stays may remain unclaimed and thus become available once more. Certain moose hunting sectors are offered under the American plan, including meals and the services of an experienced guide for 2 or 4 hunters. This type of package is available only at the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs. Other stays are available under the European plan or the guided European plan.
Density: 32 animals/10 km2, according to the 2021 inventory.
Hunting period: September 4 to November 3, 2025.
Black bear Hunting
Bear hunting packages are offered with accommodations in fully-equipped cabins. During your stay, take advantage of an expert's advice and benefit from quality services (watchtower on baited sites, meat storage and animal registration). With great locations, expert advisors, quality accommodations and, most importantly, an excellent success rate, you will be able to experience a hunting trip like no other. Hunting is practiced with a firearm only. Stays are available under the European plan.
Black Bear Hunting Period: June 6 to 21, 2025.
Small Game Hunting
Small game hunters can harvest Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse and snowshoe hare. You can also hunt migratory birds if you hold a migratory game bird hunting permit This link will open in a new window.in addition to a small game hunting licence. Hunters must purchase their daily access fee online or on site.
Small game hunting period: October 24 to November 2, 2025 (depending on the sector).
Hunting at the Pourvoirie de la Gaspésie (outfitter)
Treat yourself to a well-deserved hunting experience. The Outfitter of Gaspésie is located about 10 kilometers from the Matane Wildlife Reserve, which has many public facilities and especially an impressive herd of moose, which means that the chances of encountering one are excellent. The hunting area is equipped with salt licks and tree stands. The moose hunting package with accommodation is 9 days long.
Learn more about the Outfitter of Gaspésie (Pourvoirie de la Gaspésie)
Moose Hunting at Faribault, the land of giants (outfitter)
In the heart of the majestic Gaspesian forest, surrounded by a national park and two wildlife reserves, the Faribault outfitter offers an exclusive moose hunting experience. The quality of the game and the high success rate of the clientele make the Faribault territory an exceptional destination. Come and experience an unforgettable stay in a breathtaking setting. This portion of land of 4,400 hectares allows only moose hunting.
Learn more about the Faribault outfitter
Hunting with Matane's Hunters and Anglers Association
Matane's Hunters and Anglers Association (ACPRM) monitors the resource and issues communiqués to the decision-making bodies. When we need information in terms of hunting, it is the organization to contact. The association also offers the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CCSMAF). It also contributes to the preservation of the deer and moose populations by promoting the trapping of coyote.
Each year, the ACPRM proposes to initiate a group of 12 teenagers to small game hunting. This activity is carried out in close collaboration with the Matane Wildlife Reserve and with the financial support of the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. The activity takes place on the Matane Wildlife Reserve in October. The association also initiates a group of 8 teenagers to rifle and shotgun shooting used for small game hunting during August. Registration to the ACPRM's training and activities is mandatory.