Do's and don'ts at Baskatong reservoir

The Baskatong reservoir AFC respects the sport fishing regulations in effect in Quebec, in addition to certain rules specific to fishing on the territory of the Baskatong reservoir AFC.

Fishing permit required

Who can fish with your Baskatong Reservoir AFC fishing authorization?

  • Your spouse living at the same address as you (if the joint authorization is purchased)
  • Children 17 and under (under supervision of license holder)
  • Students aged 18 to 24 with student card (under supervision of license holder)

Who can fish with your Quebec fishing licence

  • Your spouse living at the same address as you
  • Your children aged 17 and under or students aged 18 to 24 with their student card in their possession (must be in possession of your driver's license).
  • All other persons under 18, and those aged 18 to 24 with a student card, must fish under your or your spouse's immediate supervision.

Shared permit restrictions

Please note that when another person fishes with your Quebec fishing license, the daily catch limit remains the same, and does not accumulate with the number of anglers using your license. So you have a limit to share together. The Baskatong Reservoir AFC fishing permit has nothing to do with quotas; it's just an individual or family permit that allows you to put fishing lines in the water.

Start and end of fishing

All species

Fishing is prohibited for all species from April 1 to the day before the 3rd Friday in May, and from October 16 to December 19.

Walleye

Walleye fishing is permitted from the 3rd Friday in May to October 15, then for winter fishing from December 20 to March 31 inclusive.

Sturgeon, bass, landlocked salmon and lake trout

Dates vary from year to year for the late opening of sturgeon and bass fishing, but also for the early closing of landlocked salmon and lake trout.

For more information on fishing seasons, please consult the following link: Sport fishing in Quebec: periods, limits and exceptions.

Consult our directory Fish: sizes and limits to validate the species available for fishing on Baskatong reservoir, catch limits and permitted sizes.

*Note that the size limit for walleye is applicable throughout the AFC territory. It is forbidden to catch or possess a walleye measuring less than 37 cm or more than 53 cm in length. Fish should be measured from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail (at natural).

Use of baitfish

As of April 1, 2017, the use or possession of live bait fish of any species is prohibited throughout Quebec, including during winter fishing. It is permitted to possess or use several Quebec freshwater species as (dead) baitfish during winter fishing, with the exception of the species listed here.

The following are considered baitfish:

  • All fish species (with exceptions)
  • All shellfish species (such as shrimp and crayfish)
  • All species of marine animals or products derived from them (such as eggs, milt, larvae)

Washing boats

To avoid contamination of the reservoir and surrounding lakes, here are a few tips for washing your boat:

  • Move away from the water before emptying the bilge and livewell.
  • Remove residues (mud, plants, fish, bait) and dispose of them away from the water.
  • Clean trailer, boat and other equipment thoroughly
  • Repeat the operation each time you visit the Baskatong reservoir, following a change of water level.

Surveillance and offences

At all times, wildlife protection assistants patrol the entire stretch of water to ensure compliance with regulations. These wildlife protection assistants are authorized to issue statements of offence when necessary.

Examples of offences

  • Non-possession of CFA fishing authorization and/or Quebec fishing license (or inability to present it on the spot)
  • Transporting fish in non-identifiable / non-countable / non-measurable nets
  • Non-compliance with size limits for walleye (37 cm to 53 cm) and lake trout (55 cm and over).
  • Non-compliance with catch limits for all fish species
  • Possessing and fishing with live baitfish in winter and dead or alive baitfish in summer
  • Fishing with more than one line in summer and more than five lines in winter
  • Fishing in prohibited times and in fishing sanctuaries during closed seasons