Fishing in the Laurentides: Licences, Seasons and Where to Go
With thousands of lakes and rivers, the Laurentides are one of Quebec’s most accessible fishing regions, only an hour or two from Montreal. You can cast for trout in a national park, troll for pike on a big lake or fish for bass from a chalet dock. Before you go, you need to know the licence rules, seasons and local regulations.
Quick answer: adults generally need a Quebec sport fishing licence, while residents under 18 can usually fish without one; check the season and limits for your zone and species, and buy any required access rights for parks or wildlife reserves.
Regulations change each year. Always confirm current rules on Québec.ca before fishing.
Licence basics
- A sport fishing licence is generally required for adults fishing in Quebec.
- Quebec residents under 18 can generally fish without a licence, but must follow all regulations, including catch limits.
- Non-residents have different licence types and prices.
- Licences are sold online through the government and at many authorized retailers, such as outdoor shops and some convenience stores.
- During the annual Fête de la pêche in early June, Quebec residents can fish without a licence for a few days, subject to the usual rules.
Seasons and zones
Quebec is divided into fishing zones, each with its own seasons and limits by species. The Laurentides span more than one zone, so the rules for a lake near Saint-Jérôme can differ from those in the Hautes-Laurentides. Check the official regulations for your zone and species before every trip.
Common species
| Species | Where to look | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brook trout | Cool lakes and streams, often in parks and reserves | Popular in spring and early summer |
| Lake trout | Deep, cold lakes | Often deep in summer |
| Smallmouth bass | Rocky shorelines of warmer lakes | Active in summer |
| Northern pike | Weedy bays and larger lakes | Handle carefully: sharp teeth |
| Walleye | Larger lakes and rivers | Often active at dawn and dusk |
| Yellow perch | Many lakes, near weeds and docks | Great for kids |
Where to fish
- Mont-Tremblant National Park: many lakes with regulated fishing; access fees and specific rules apply. See our park guide and the official Sépaq website.
- Wildlife reserves (réserves fauniques): such as Rouge-Matawin and Papineau-Labelle, where fishing is managed through daily rights or stays booked with the Sépaq.
- Public lakes and rivers: many municipal docks and parks allow shore fishing; check local signage.
- Private outfitters (pourvoiries): offer packages with lodging and boats.
Responsible fishing
- Respect size and possession limits for each species.
- Use barbless hooks if you plan to release fish, and handle them with wet hands.
- Do not move live bait fish between lakes; rules on bait fish are strict to protect ecosystems.
- Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear between lakes to prevent invasive species.
- Pack out all fishing line and garbage.
Safety on the water
- Wear a properly fitting lifejacket in boats and canoes.
- Watch the weather; storms build quickly over big lakes.
- Tell someone where you are going, especially in remote reserves with limited cell coverage.
Prefer the winter version? Read our ice fishing beginner’s guide.
Fishing trip checklist
- Licence (if required) and access rights
- Current regulations for your zone
- Rod, tackle, landing net, pliers
- Lifejacket and sun protection
- Bug repellent for June and July
- Cooler and measuring tool
FAQ
Can I fish from my chalet dock without a licence?
Adults generally need a licence even on private waterfront. Residents under 18 can usually fish without one.
When does fishing season start?
It depends on the zone and species, with many openers in late April or May. Check the official regulations.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, within daily limits and size rules for each species.
Do I need a boat?
No. Shore fishing is possible on many lakes, though a boat or canoe opens more spots.
Bottom line
Fishing in the Laurentides is easy to start: get the right licence, check the rules for your zone, and choose between parks, reserves, outfitters and public lakes. Respect limits and protect the lakes so they stay great for the next generation.