Fishing for small channel fish

If you're looking for a fun and exciting winter activity to do with family and friends, channel fishing is a great option.

This traditional Quebec activity involves catching small fish in the Sainte-Anne River at Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, in the Mauricie region.

The channel fishing season generally runs from December to February, when the river freezes over and small fish rise to the surface.

Fishermen use heated fishing huts and holes in the ice to catch fish with hook and line.

Channel fishing is a fun activity for all ages and can be a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of winter nature.

If you're interested in trying your hand at channel fishing, there are several outfitters and fishing centers in the area that offer cabin rentals and fishing equipment. You can also find restaurants and kiosks on the ice serving dishes based on fresh channel fish.

Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, channel fishing is a fun and unique activity to discover in the Mauricie region.

History of Fish Fishing in the Chenaux

Fishing for small channel fish is a tradition that goes back centuries. The Iroquois were already fishing as far back as 1000 AD. Early French settlers also wrote about the presence of the "winter fish" in Trois-Rivières and the St. Lawrence River in the 17th century.

However, it was in February 1938 that a "new" discovery was made in Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade. The Attikamek had already been fishing this resource before the arrival of Europeans in America, but it had been forgotten for some time.

Since this rediscovery, fishing for small channel fish has become a popular winter activity in the region.

Fishing for small channel fish is also associated with the Pourvoirie (Outfitter) des Chenaux de la Péradewhich is a popular fishing spot in the region.

Channel fish are also known as "tomcod", a word of Mi'kmaq origin.

Fishing huts are also regulated and must be approved by the local authorities.

In short, fishing for small channel fish is an ancient tradition that continues today.

It is associated with Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade and Pourvoirie des Chenaux de la Pérade, and is a popular activity during the winter months.

La Rivière Ste-Anne

This river is located in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, a small town in the Quebec region of Canada. The river is known for its long-standing tradition of fishing for small channel fish.

The Rivière Ste-Anne is a tributary of the St. Lawrence River. It is 65 km long and varies in width from 30 to 150 meters. The river is fed by several streams and rivers, making it a rich fishing ground.

The river is also known for its natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes and crystal-clear waters.

The fishing season for small channel fish on the Rivière Ste-Anne generally begins in December and ends in February.

Local outfitters provide ice-fishing huts, fishing equipment and advice for beginners.

Numerous events are organized every year to celebrate this tradition.

The Rivière Ste-Anne is a unique and picturesque place to fish for small channel fish. The river also offers magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal place for nature lovers.

Outfitters and Cottages

Outfitters

If you're looking for a unique ice-fishing experience, you can't miss the small channel fish fishing at Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade.

Local outfitters offer heated fishing cottages equipped for your comfort, as well as bait and advice to help you catch as many fish as possible.

The Association des Pourvoyeurs de la Rivière Ste-Anne is an organization that brings together several outfitters in the region.

They work together to promote small channel fishing and provide a quality experience for anglers. If you're looking for a trusted outfitter, you can consult their website for a list of participating outfitters.

Chalets

Fishing cottages are the ideal place to relax after a successful day's fishing.

The chalets are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable night's sleep, including beds, wood-burning stoves, stoves and toilets. Some cottages can accommodate up to 25 people, making them an ideal option for groups.

Most cottages are equipped with cleaning tables so you can clean your fish on the spot.

If you don't want to cook for yourself, some outfitters also offer on-site catering services.

By booking a cottage with an outfitter, you can also take advantage of local expertise to help you find the best places to fish and the best techniques to use.

Don't forget to book your cottage in advance, as they can fill up quickly during the fishing season.

Family Fishing

Fishing for small channel fish is a fun activity for the whole family.

It's a unique opportunity to spend time together outdoors and enjoy the winter.

Here are a few tips to make your family fishing experience a success.

Plan your visit

Before heading to Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade to fish for small channel fish, be sure to book in advance. You can easily book online and choose the time that suits your family best.

Rates vary according to the time of week and the number of people in your group.

Equip yourself

Make sure you bring everything you need for your family fishing day.

Don't forget to bring warm, waterproof clothing, boots, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen.

You can also bring food and drinks for your day on the ice.

Family fun

Children will love catching the little fish and adults will appreciate the unique experience of the ice fishing.

You can also take part in family fishing contests to add a touch of competition to your day.

Les Petits Poissons des Chenaux

Small channel fish, also known as Atlantic tomcod, are an important species of fish. fish species found in the cold waters of the St. Lawrence River.

They are caught mainly in winter, when the ice covers the river.

Small channel fish are highly prized for their delicate, delicious flesh. They are often served fried or in soup, but there are many other ways to prepare them. Tomcod are also very popular with sport fishermen.

To catch small channel fish, you'll need specialized fishing equipment, including an auger for drilling holes in the ice, a fishing rod, reel and bait.

The most common baits used to catch small channel fish are earthworms, pieces of liver and shrimps.

Fishing Techniques

To fish for small channel fish, it's important to know the different fishing techniques to maximize your chances of catching them.

The most common technique is angling.

To do this, you'll need a small hook, fishing line and a sinker to hold the bait at a certain depth. Channel fish are attracted to baits such as earthworms, insect larvae and shrimps.

We also recommend using lures such as jigs or spoons to attract fish.

It is important to adjust the depth of your line to reach the ideal fishing zone. Small channel fish are generally found 3 to 5 feet below the surface of the water.

The Pêche aux Poissons des Chenaux Experience

If you're a fishing enthusiast, you can't miss the unique experience of fishing for small channel fish.

This winter activity has been practised for over 70 years in the Mauricie region of Quebec.

The Centre de pêche Marchand in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade is the ideal place to enjoy this experience. You can rent a fully-equipped, heated cabin for fishing for small channel fish. Hours are flexible, so you can fish day or night, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Tomcod is the fish you'll be catching in this activity.

It's a small fish of the salmonid family, measuring around 10 cm. Fishing is done through a hole in the ice.

You can use a fishing rod or fishing line, and you'll learn how to set up and handle your equipment.

Fishing for small channel fish is a family-friendly activity. You can invite your friends and family to share the experience.

Cabins can accommodate from 4 to 18 people, and you can choose a cabin with or without catering.

Rates

To enjoy channel fishing, it's important to know the applicable rates.

Rates vary according to time of year, day of week, group and total cost.

Weekend rates generally apply from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

Here are the rates for the period from December 26, 2022 to January 8, 2023 inclusive:

• For a family of 1 adult and 2 children (aged 5 and 3) :
  • Weekdays: 75$
  • Weekend: 140$
• For a group of 5 adults :
  • Weekdays: 125$
  • Weekend: 175$

Rates for school groups and organized school outings (primary and secondary) are 12.50$ per person.

CEGEP and university groups pay 25.00$ per person.

Children under 5 don't pay.

The Village and the Cabins

When you visit Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade for channel fishing, you'll be welcomed into an impromptu village of around 500 comfortable fishing huts.

These cabins are rented to fishermen to enable them to spend the night on the ice and be ready for fishing early in the morning.

The cabins are equipped with everything you need for your comfort, including beds, wood-burning stoves, tables and chairs.

Some cabins even have chemical toilets and propane stoves. You can also bring your own food and drinks to cook on site.

The village is divided into several sections, each with its own name and style of hut.

Some sections are quieter and more secluded, while others are livelier and closer to village amenities such as restaurants and souvenir stores.

It's important to book your cabin in advance, as they fill up quickly, especially on weekends and vacations.

You can reserve your cabin by phone or online by filling out a reservation request form on the website https://lespetitspoissons.ca/.

Frequently asked questions

When is channel fishing most productive?

Channel fishing is generally more productive in the early morning and late afternoon.

Fish are more active during these periods and more likely to take the bait.

However, weather conditions can also play an important role in fishing productivity.

How do you prepare channel fish for cooking?

Channel fish can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled, fried or baked.

Before cooking fish, it's important to clean it thoroughly by removing the entrails and scales.

Local outfitters can show you how to clean fish properly.

What are the regulations for fishing in the channels?

No fishing licence is required to fish for small channel fish in Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade.

What's more, no quotas (catch limits) apply.

What equipment do I need to fish the channels?

Equipment needed for channel fishing includes a rod, reel, fishing line, hooks and bait.

Local outfitters can provide all the equipment you need to fish for small channel fish.