Beginner’s guide to ice fishing in Québec

Winter in Québec is about much more than warm hats and snowstorms. It’s also the ideal time to try out all kinds of fun activities in the bracing air, including one that’s out of the ordinary: ice fishing.

This pastime is a tradition deeply rooted in our northern culture. Try it and you’ll soon be hooked, just like us!

On a frozen lake, three men and a boy have just caught a fish using a tip-up.

How do you go about ice fishing?

To try out this activity, there’s no need for a rowboat or expensive equipment. You drill a hole into a calm frozen lake or river. You’ll then need a rod, which can be as rudimentary as a simple stick equipped with fishing line, a simple hook and bait, which can range from corn kernels to shrimp to traditional earthworms.

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When can you catch fish in the winter?

In Québec, ice fishing is generally practised from January to mid-March, when the ice is thick enough to support huts, snowmobiles, fishing enthusiasts and even cars! Temporary fishing villages then start popping up on lakes and rivers.

Monitor ice conditions weekly

To keep track of ice conditions or find out where and when to go ice fishing, check out our interactive online map, which is updated weekly.

Near the Auberge du Lac-Taureau, three children are ice fishing with a tip-up on a beautiful sunny day.

What do fish do in the winter?

Since water only freezes on the surface, some species slow down and gather at the bottom, where the water is warmer and food is more abundant.

However, others are very active and feed themselves under the ice. This category includes predators such as walleye and pike, which never stop hunting for prey.

And last but not least, there are those who take advantage of winter to look for love! This is true for Atlantic tomcod, which spawn in freshwater, as well as for burbot.

Which species are likely to bite at this time of year?

Depending on the body of water, there are various tasty species of fish you can catch during the cold season. Here is some information to boost your chances of success and, in order to “respect the product” as master chefs say, a few tips on how to cook them like a pro!

Walleye

Scientific name: Sander vitreus
Habitat: Rocky-bottom lakes, calm waters, large bodies of water.
Region: In the southern and western regions of Québec.
Recommended bait: Minnows and soft lures.
Texture and taste: White flesh with a nutty flavour, mild, highly sought after.
Cooking method: Fried, grilled, or baked.

Learn more about walleye (in French only).

Rainbow smelt

Scientific name: Osmerus mordax
Habitat: Near the coast and in the water column, in waters with varying salinity levels.
Region: All regions along the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence River.
Recommended bait: Earthworms, shellfish or mollusk meat, and pieces of poultry liver or gizzard.
Texture and taste: Lean white flesh with a flaky, tender texture.
Cooking method: Pan-fried or deep-fried whole if small; baked in foil or in the oven if larger.

Learn more about rainbow smelt (in French only).

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Great northern pike

Scientific name: Esox lucius
Habitat: Lakes and calm areas of rivers.
Region: Found almost everywhere in Québec.
Recommended bait: Live bait and shiny lures.
Texture and taste: Firm white flesh with a strong flavour.
Cooking method: On the grill, in the oven or on skewers.

Learn more about great northern pike (in French only).

Burbot

Scientific name: Lota lota
Habitat: Freshwater.
Region: Found almost everywhere in Québec.
Recommended bait: Cooked macaroni on the surface of the water to attract them (yes, really!), then minnows or large worms.
Texture and taste: Fine, white, flaky flesh with a lobster-like taste and texture when steamed.
Cooking method: Pan-fried or steamed.

Learn more about burbot (in French only).

Perch

Scientific name: Perca flavescens
Habitat: In shallow waters, near the shore.
Regions: Nord-du-Québec, Côte-Nord, Bas-Saint-Laurent and the edge of Gaspésie.
Recommended bait: A shiny lure with a small piece of shrimp or worm.
Texture and taste: Firm, white flesh with a sweet taste.
Cooking method: Breaded or pan-fried.

Learn more about perch (in French only).

Two Atlantic tomcod are laid out on the snow.

Atlantic tomcod (frostfish)

Scientific name: Microgadus tomcod
Habitat: From the St. Lawrence Estuary down to the Sainte-Anne and Batiscan rivers, where they breed.
Region: All regions along the St. Lawrence River.
Recommended bait: Worms, small fish, and pieces of liver.
Texture and taste: White flesh, fine and delicate.
Cooking method: Fried, in chowder, boiled or pan-fried.

Please note: No permit is required to fish for Atlantic tomcod in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, and there are no catch limits.

Learn more about Atlantic tomcod (in French only).

Brook trout (speckled trout)

Scientific name: Salvelinus fontinalis
Habitat: Lakes and rivers with clear, cool water.
Recommended bait: Earthworms and live minnows.
Texture and taste: Pink flesh, delicate and refined.
Texture et goût : Chair rosée, délicate et raffinée.
Cooking method: Baked in foil, pan-fried, or smoked.

Learn more about brook trout (in French only).

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Consuming fish from the St. Lawrence River responsibly

Among the various resources available, the Smarter Seafood program, founded by Exploramer, compiles a list of edible marine species from the St. Lawrence River to raise awareness and preserve its biodiversity. It contains a wealth of useful information and even tips on how to cook them!

Where to go ice fishing

You can fish on practically any lake in Québec. Parks, wildlife reserves and outfitters are popular destinations. Small decorated huts will protect you from the cold. (Some are even heated, but don’t worry, there’s no risk of the ice melting.) They’re very cozy and, like us, they’re colourful!

Here are some of our favourite spots, but there are loads of others! With so many places to go ice fishing, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade (Mauricie): Every winter, hundreds of brightly coloured huts form a small village on the ice of the Rivière Sainte-Anne, where families fish for tomcod.
Port of Québec Village Nordik (City of Québec and Area): Fishing for trout in the heart of the Old Port! The Village Nordik offers a unique experience with entertainment and dining options. Ideal for beginners, with supervision and equipment provided.
Villages de pêche blanche – Contact Nature (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean): In La Baie, there are hundreds of huts on the Fjord du Saguenay, where species that are harder to find elsewhere, such as redfish and Arctic cod, swim.
Pêche Blanche Gatineau (Outaouais): A true village on ice boasting over 200 huts! Everything is provided on site, and the atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented.
ZEC des Martres (Charlevoix): An outdoor paradise in Charlevoix! You can fish for speckled trout in a magnificent setting and stay in rustic accommodations or a cottage.

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Tips for a successful ice fishing outing

You’ve made up your mind: this winter, you’re going to learn how to ice fish. Before you get started, here are the essentials for a successful experience, as well as the pitfalls to avoid if you don’t want to come home empty-handed.

A range of ice fishing gear is lined up on the snow.

Be sure to have a valid fishing permit: It’s mandatory, even in the winter! Inspections are frequent and the fines are steep. Also be sure to adhere to the catch limits for each species and body of water.
Try using tip-ups: These traditional counterweighted rods, where the line is dipped into a hole, are sure to come in handy. Of course, you can also use a traditional fishing rod, but it’s nice to be able to take in the beauty of your surroundings while waiting for a bite. Not to mention that you can use several tip-ups at the same time!

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Check the ice conditions: Consult our interactive map and contact the centre you plan to visit so you don’t end up wasting a trip. If you want to explore a lake at your leisure without depending on anyone else, make sure that the ice is at least 10 cm thick for walking and 30 cm thick for driving.
Bring warm clothing: Be sure to pack a hat, mittens and insulated boots. The cold can be unforgiving, especially if you’re spending a day on the ice. You’re better off bringing too many layers than not enough, and it’s a good idea to throw in a thermos filled with a hot beverage!

Two smiling women dressed warmly sit on a snowbank while ice fishing near a wooden hut in Saguenay.

Find out what’s included on site: The equipment provided and products for sale vary from one establishment to another. It’s a good idea to find out in advance so you can bring everything you need with you.
Choose your location: Some bodies of water have more fish than others, and your success can vary depending on the time of year. For example, once they’ve finished spawning, Atlantic tomcod disappear! You can find out more from fishing centres and outfitters.
Safety first: Québec’s Lifesaving Society urges people to use extreme caution when venturing out onto frozen surfaces, in particular by checking the condition of the ice, never going out alone, and knowing how to react in the event of an incident. Check out their 10 tips before venturing out onto the ice (in French only) to get the most out of your experience and be well informed!