Saguenay's rivers discovery day

Discover the region's rivers!

On Saturday, August 30, we're taking you out into the field for Saguenay's Rivers Discovery Day, an activity for young (and not-so-young!) nature, fishing and adventure enthusiasts.

Accompanied by local enthusiasts, you'll explore two emblematic rivers - the Petit-Saguenay and Rivière-à-Mars - while chatting about history, ecosystems and sport fishing. The perfect opportunity to get to know your rivers.

The day concludes with a festive BBQ on the banks of the À-Mars River at Contact Nature, in the company of FQSA program mentees and mentors, community members and local partners.

Whether you're a budding angler or simply curious to learn more about the rivers that shape your region, this day is for you. Come and enjoy an inspiring, enriching field experience rooted in the Saguenay identity!

 

Get your tickets now

*Bus transportation and BBQ dinner included in ticket price. All proceeds will be donated to your local rivers.

 

Petit-Saguenay River

The Petit-Saguenay River stretches 77 km from the lakes of Réserve faunique des Laurentides to the Saguenay Fjord. Thirteen kilometers, including one on the Portage River, are open to salmon fishing.

Exploited in the 19th century by William Price, then by various clubs, the river is now a ZEC managed by the Association de la rivière Petit-Saguenay since 1966.

Its bed of pebbles and sand gives the water a light brown hue. With an average flow of 16 m³/s, it offers 24 salmon pools. The site also offers a variety of accommodations: heritage cottages, yurts and camping.

 

À-Mars River

Rising at an altitude of over 800 metres in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides, the À-Mars River flows for 95 km before emptying into the Baie des Ha! Ha! in the Saguenay. Salmon and anadromous brook trout are caught here, mainly by wading along a 7 km stretch.

Formerly the private club of the Price Brothers company, the river has been developed over the years, notably through the construction of fishways and the creation of the Association des pêcheurs sportifs de la rivière à Mars in 1983. Despite the deluge of 1996, the river now sees runs of 200 to 500 salmon per year.

Its cool, slightly coppery waters offer five fishing sectors, including two with restricted access. On-site: interpretation trail and underwater observation window.

 

Saint-Jean-Saguenay River

Unfortunately, we won't be visiting the Saint-Jean-Saguenay River on Discovery Day. However, a portion of the profits generated by the event will be donated to the organization responsible for managing the river.

The Saint-Jean-Saguenay River flows 37.7 km from Lac Brébeuf to the fjord at L'Anse-Saint-Jean. Nestled between mountains, it offers a picturesque setting and brownish water, tinged by its pebble bed.

Salmon, sea trout and brook trout can be fished over a 10.5 km stretch, by wading only. The river is divided into five sectors, four of which are for salmon and one for brook trout. Most pools are accessible by car.

The river has been fished for over 100 years. The creation of the Corporation de Gestion in 1994, after a power plant caused the river to dry up, gave a new lease of life to this prized river. The 1996 flood led to further restoration work.

 

 

"Parmi tant d'autres" film projection

In the evening, we'll have the pleasure of showing the film “Parmi tant d'autres” by Félix Lamoureux. A film about the challenges of the Petit-Saguenay river and its salmon population.

At a time when salmon populations are experiencing increasingly difficult years, this film invites us to become aware of a reality that is often overlooked. This film is an immersion in the intimacy of a river, a community and a fragile natural heritage. A call to action, to preserve this essential link between man, river and salmon.

The FQSA is proud to support this initiative, which reveals the inspiring efforts of the Petit-Saguenay community.