The beautiful speckles of the Saint-Maurice reserve

WESSONNEAU RIVER | Fishing very beautiful speckled trout in all circumstances, that's what the Saint-Maurice wildlife reserve has to offer.

“It's what makes us proud to say that at any time of the season when the fisherman visits us, he will be successful,” explained the director, Francis Desjardins. Our recipe is quite simple: open the lakes offline. In fact, in our country, lakes open in May, June, July and August. So, inside his stay, the fisherman can come across a lake that has just opened, thus increasing his chances of making good catches. »

The Saint-Maurice reserve is located in the Mauricie region, 90 kilometers north of Trois-Rivières. To reach the reception station, you have to cross the Saint-Maurice River, via the Mékina bridge.

“On the territory, we offer five different sectors for fishermen where there are 25 cabins that can accommodate between two and eight people, explains the head of customer service, Carrine Proulx. Fishing packages include accommodation, right of access and boat. In all sectors, there is a caretaker who is available to anglers to help them have a pleasant stay and good fishing. All stays are made on a European plan, in our chalets which offer all the necessary equipment for the comfort of our visitors. »

The customer service manager, Carrine Proulx, was rather proud of the fight that this beautiful speckled trout gave her.

FISHING

Fishing enthusiasts will be well served on this 784 square kilometer territory, which has 245 lakes and three rivers.

The star of the sector is undoubtedly the speckled trout found in most lakes. Apart from certain lakes where there is stocking, the native trout is the queen of the place. One can catch 10 to 12 inch specimens, larger 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 pound trout, and in some lakes like St. Thomas, four and five pound trophy trout. There really is something for speckled trout lovers.

During our stay, we had quite a bit of success with the Cami, with the red center and also with the blue center. The orange Amazing Spoon also gave us good results. For the fly, the traditional Muddler Minnow has paid off. Our specimens almost touched the pound on average on the scale. Speckled trout quota is seven.

If you feel like it, you will have the chance to tease four other species in the territory. Indeed, on some lakes, you can catch lake trout (2), Kokani salmon (2), pike (3) and landlocked salmon (2). You can obtain all the details on the lakes available for these species from your land warden.

For the practice of fishing in all sectors, there is a draw which is done at the post from the caretaker every evening. You must register there. It should also be mentioned that Sépaq tools such as bathymetric maps and Avanza are available on the territory.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

On the territory, at the Matawin and Lac Normand reception stations, it is possible to obtain many services to complete your stay, or in case you have forgotten something.

It is possible to buy bait and lures, ice, wood, souvenirs and your fishing license. It is also possible to rent an engine. Everything has been put in place to help you have a very pleasant stay.

I am lucky to have frequented this territory several times over the years. I was able to see the constant improvements in the road network and the old chalets that have given way to new ones, especially in the Dunbar sector with the Horizon chalets. Really, we have succeeded in making this territory a destination that meets the expectations of today's fishermen. Everything is in place to facilitate your stay.

One of the important points to highlight is the quality of the welcome that we give to all visitors to the reserve. Whether you are fishermen, vacationers, hunters, nature lovers, you will find your place there.

To find out more about the costs and availability of stays, you can either call the Matawin reception desk at 819 646-5680, or visit www.sepaq.com under the Saint-Maurice Reserve tab. If a stay there tempts you, hurry because places are rather rare.