Fishing the

Cap-Chat River

In brief

Cap-Chat River

Rising in a breathtaking setting in the heart of the famous Chic-Chocs mountains, the Cap-Chat River flows 57.5 kilometers to the St-Laurent. With its crystal-clear water and gravel bed, the river is home to some very large salmon. As this splendid waterway is of medium size, boats are only allowed to cross it. Only wading is permitted.

For at least 75 years, the Cap-Chat River has been a magnet for salmon anglers. John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States, is said to have been here several times. In 1966, it became a fishing reserve. Between 1984 and 1989, this activity was banned to protect the salmon. Stocking and run-counting programs were introduced, followed in 1990 by a harvesting plan based on the graciation of large salmon.

Today, this pearl of a river offers anglers over 50 pools in 3 fishing sectors. Two of these, one restricted and one not, are open to salmon anglers, while the third is restricted to sea trout. The Société de gestion de la rivière Cap-Chat is the manager of this river, which now has the status of a salmon zec.

Services offered

  • Camping

  • Cottage

  • Bathrooms

  • Lodging

Conditions

River manager

Société de gestion de la rivière Cap-Chat

Lenght

57,5 kilometers

Type of fishing possible

Wading only

Fishing season

June 15 to September 30

Sectors and pools

53 pools in 3 fishing sectors, including 2 draw sectors and 1 public sector

Daily catch limit per angler

https://www.quebec.ca/tourisme-et-loisirs/activites-sportives-et-de-plein-air/peche-sportive/

Gaspé peninsula

Carte - Gaspé peninsula

Access to the region

The Gaspé peninsula begins at Sainte-Flavie, where Route 132 splits in two to form a loop of some 844 kilometers around the peninsula, known as the "Tour de la Gaspésie". It's at this municipality that you can choose between the southern and northern itineraries. The region is also accessible by bus, train, ferry and air. Air transport is available via the Gaspé, Bonaventure and Mont-Joli airports.

A fishing paradise

Criss-crossing immense valleys, the 22 salmon rivers of the Gaspé Peninsula are renowned for their crystal-clear waters of a thousand shades of turquoise or emerald, flowing over stony beds. While most of these rivers run north-south or south-north, winding their way through the ancient Appalachian massif of the Chics-Chocs mountains, they all flow through a varied and rich wilderness, thanks to the diversity of their microclimates.

These superb rivers, which welcome both experts and novices to salmon fishing, are easily accessible. What's more, these rivers almost always end up in or next to a small, picturesque coastal municipality.

Because the waters of these rivers come from unspoiled nature, they are of impeccable purity and among the clearest in the world. These qualities, combined with the beauty of the environment and the warm welcome of the Gaspesians, have given the region a worldwide reputation as a fishing paradise.

Image | Gaspé peninsula
Image | Gaspé peninsula
Bannière | Image