Bonaventure River
The Bonaventure River rises in the Chic-Choc Mountains and flows over beds of stones and pebbles for 125 km down into the Baie des Chaleurs. The remarkable quality of its crystal-clear and cold waters provides excellent conditions, especially in terms of sight fishing.
The rich history of the Bonaventure River dates back as early as 1697, when the King of France Louis XIV granted lordship in the area. While the Bonaventure has long been recognized for its incredible fishery, the river’s access was exclusively reserved for wealthy Americans and select private club members. Today, more than three quarters of the length of the river is accessible to the public, while the rest is still privately owned.
In fact, the salmon fishery management is shared between two groups on the Bonaventure: the Association des pêcheurs sportifs de la Bonaventure (ZEC), and the Canadian Salmon Club. The ZEC manages a 65 km section that has 98 pools spread over nine easily accessible sectors. These nine sectors are divided into six limited and three public access sectors. Many of the river’s pools can be waded, although the use of a canoe becomes important in higher water levels.