Since the dawn of time, children of all ages have wanted to be able to marvel and enjoy a white Christmas. If the trend continues, that should be the case this year.
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In the same vein, the approximately two hundred thousand ice fishermen hope that the frozen crust will cover the bodies of water and that it will reach at least 7 to 10 cm thick before the holidays. Thus, they will be able to take advantage of their various holidays to go and tease the species that have made them dream of for so long.
In the mountainous sector of Sainte-Émélie-de-l'Énergie, just 90 minutes from Montreal via the 131 north, there is a micro-climate that forces the mercury to drop below zero, very early in the season, in a fish-rich valley of 20 km2.
“It’s never the same, but normally we open between December 20 and January 1. This year, Mother Nature is really on our side, since we were able to receive our first customers, on the ice, on December 14,” explains Carole Lanctot, co-owner of Pourvoirie Auberge La Barrière, with a big smile.
“If you had seen that, Pat, it was sickening! The first angler of the season drilled a hole through the ice of Heartless Lake and as soon as he lowered his lure, a large 7 lb rainbow instantly attacked him. It officially launched the season to everyone’s delight,” continues Guy Lalonde, co-owner and spouse of Carole.
Let's talk fishing
There are a total of eight lakes in the territory. In winter, Carole and Guy concentrate all activities on the lake opposite the inn: the big Charles. The team installs 20 heated cabins that can accommodate 2 to 12 enthusiasts.
“To facilitate the practice of this great sampling activity, we drill five holes for each permit holder, as well as one or two others, in case they want to jigger. We lend them five brimbales and they are entitled to 10 trout each, explains the friendly owner. A fan, looking for thrills, can arrive with just his warm clothes and his boots. All equipment dedicated to capture is included. »
Sustained action
Customers can expect to catch brook trout and rainbow trout of 11 to 14 inches. Some lucky people cross swords on occasion with specimens approaching 2 lbs. To enhance the pleasure and challenges, remember that there are also beautiful arctic char as well as golden rainbows, commonly called golden, which coexist in these waters.
“At the end of the lake, we have a submerged pool containing at all times a minimum of 5,000 trout. After each day, we know how many fish have been taken. We only have to release an equivalent number,” explains Carole Lanctot.
“When the action is less intense, trout are placed in holes near the guests to create competitiveness between the specimens and increase activity,” assures the field man and guide, Sébastien Jobin.
According to the comments collected, earthworms work well with brimbales. When jigging, small soft lures like Teenie, Atomic Teaser, Tri-Color Minitubes, Micro Crayfish and Nymph Mister Twister generate excellent results.
For the big ones
The Heartless is the trophy lake. Customers have access to it for an additional fee. They can catch a rainbow weighing a minimum of 3 lbs. Every year, skilled athletes cross the 10 lb barrier.
A 14 lb monster still sparks many discussions. There are also speckled 2 to 6 lbs waiting to be seduced by your presentations. The same soft lures mentioned previously work well there, as do small jigs hairs, miniature vibrators and small metal spoons.
During our visit last Monday, December 16, I intercepted two flamboyantly colored pallets weighing more than 6 lbs, making a 1 1/4 Williams W20 skip and shake, without addition, directly on the tripod. The reflections of real silver seemed to change everything. Jean Durand and Sébastien Jobin also extirpated two beautiful fighters with small spoons.
The smiles of Jean Durand and Sébastien Jobin say a lot about the pleasure they had fighting these beautiful rainbows.
Photo provided by Patrick Campeau
With all simplicity
This area is very popular because, among other things, it is easy to access for people who live close to large centers, even by small electric car. There are only 7.5 km of perfectly passable forest path to travel.
Guests can come and tease trout for the day or opt for an American, European or modified European plan. It is also possible on request to organize parties and corporate events.
At the inn, a team of cooks is busy serving good meals, including the famous Ti-Guy spaghetti. More than 100 guests can sit at the table. There is also a bar on site.
There are a total of 22 homes that have been renovated over time. The 12 lakeside chalets and condos are rated 3 to 4.5 stars by the FPQ. The hostel's cell phone and Wi-Fi allow you to stay in touch.
In addition to fishing, there is a slide and a mini farm with free-roaming rabbits and alpacas for little ones. You can also snowshoe on an illuminated trail, rent a snowmobile, make a fire in an indoor or outdoor fireplace, etc.
To find out more, call 450 884-5748 or visit the page aubergelabarriere.com.
