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Fishing around Quebec
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyFall Fishing in Quebec City Waters: September Peak
What's biting
Largemouth Bass
Where: Shallow bays and weed edges of the Saint Lawrence River, particularly around Île d'Orléans and backwater marshes; lake systems north of the city.
Early fall is prime time as water cools to 17–18°C. Fish shallow structure with soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or topwater early morning and evening. Weed beds still hold fish but are thinning.
Caution: Confirm current season status and size/bag limits with MELCCFP before fishing.
Smallmouth Bass
Where: Rocky shorelines and drop-offs along the Saint Lawrence River; rocky islands and points around Île d'Orléans.
September cooling triggers active feeding. Cast crankbaits, tubes, or live crayfish to rocky structure in 2–4 m (6–13 ft) of water. Dawn and dusk are most productive.
Caution: Confirm current season status and size/bag limits with MELCCFP before fishing.
Walleye
Where: Deeper channels and drop-offs of the Saint Lawrence River; slower current areas near Île d'Orléans and downstream.
Fall migration begins as water cools. Fish live shiners or small jigs (5–10 g) on or near bottom in 3–6 m (10–20 ft) depths, especially at dawn and dusk. Windy days (like Sept 10–11) can improve feeding.
Caution: Confirm current season status and size/bag limits with MELCCFP before fishing.
Northern Pike
Where: Weedy bays and backwater areas of the Saint Lawrence; marsh edges and slower current zones.
Still active in cooling water. Use larger lures (spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or live baitfish) to target weed edges and structure. Early morning and late afternoon are best.
Caution: Confirm current season status and size/bag limits with MELCCFP before fishing.
Yellow Perch
Where: Shallow sandy and rocky bottoms of the Saint Lawrence River; bays with moderate current.
September is excellent for perch; they school and feed actively in 1–3 m (3–10 ft) of water. Use small jigs (2–5 g) tipped with minnow or worm, or small spinners. Morning bite is strong.
Caution: Confirm current season status and size/bag limits with MELCCFP before fishing.
Best times
Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) and late afternoon to dusk (5:00–8:00 PM) are most productive as water temperature drops. Windy days (Sept 10–11) can trigger feeding. Avoid midday when sun is high and water is warmest.
Waters to try
- Saint Lawrence River (main channel and bays around Quebec City), Île d'Orléans shorelines and backwaters, Montmorency River mouth, Beauport Bay, Lac Saint-Charles (north of city), Lac Beauport.
Regulations
All fishing in Quebec is regulated by MELCCFP (Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques et de la Faune et des Parcs). Confirm current season dates, size limits, and bag limits at https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/sport-fishing before fishing. A valid Quebec fishing license is required. Respect private land and posted areas.
Québec – Sport Fishing (MELCCFP) ↗The fishing note for Quebec, every week
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