How do you rig your line for fishing on Lac-Saint-Jean?

What is angling?

Angling is an easy and highly accessible technique, which is why it’s the most popular choice among new anglers! It can be practiced anywhere fishing is permitted: on a pier, along the shore, or from a boat. It’s important to note that to engage in recreational fishing in the Lac Saint-Jean Community Wildlife Area (AFC), anyone 14 years of age or older must hold a fishing permit for the Lac Saint-Jean Community Wildlife Area issued by the CLAP.

The idea behind angling is to attract fish through movement. In practice, it involves casting your line equipped with a lure and bait. Once cast, you let it sink to the desired depth and then reel it back in. You repeat this process all around you, varying your targets as often as you like!

What is jig fishing?

Jig fishing is also a very simple technique that anyone can master. It involves drift fishing while working your lures—jigs—vertically below the boat, under the rod, and making sure to cover every depth of the water column, from the bottom to the surface. This technique consistently yields some beautiful fish.

More specifically, here are some specific techniques to practice when fishing for fish in Lake Saint-Jean.

Wade fishing for walleye

Start by casting lightly using a jighead hook baited with a colorful soft plastic lure. A piece of earthworm is often added to the tip of the hook. Cast the lure far out and reel it in slowly, keeping it as close to the bottom as possible.

Wade fishing for ouananiche

You should also start the technique with a light cast using three different methods and an equal number of different lures. The most common method involves a 3- to 4-inch “Toronto Wobbler” spoon, whose treble hook has been replaced with a size 4 or 6 single hook of the “Président” type, baited with an earthworm. A red-and-white plastic ball float is attached to the line 2 to 4 feet in front of the spoon. The entire setup is cast out and left to float freely with the wind or current until a bite occurs. When the wind or current brings the lure back toward the shore, reel in the line and recast the lure out again.

The second technique uses a wobbler or a “Rapala”-style lure, without earthworms, which is cast far out and quickly reeled in toward you with jerks.

Finally, it is possible to fish for ouananiche using a jig rigged as for walleye fishing, with or without earthworms, which is cast far out and quickly reeled in toward you with jerks.

How to Prepare for a Successful Day of Fishing

To ensure your fishing trip goes smoothly, be sure to bring a few essential items with you! First and foremost, warm clothing and rain gear are a must to be prepared for any weather conditions. Bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses is also essential to ensure your day goes well.

For your safety, it’s essential to wear a life jacket, carry a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a whistle, and a floating line. You should also make sure you have the necessary fishing licenses, your fishing access permit, a map of the area, food, and water.

The 8 Best Spots Around Lac-Saint-Jean for Shore Fishing!

To find out where to wade fish around Lac Saint-Jean, check out our latest article in collaboration with CLAP right here.