Prepare your trip
What to bring for landlocked salmon fishing
Quebec landlocked salmon — not Ontario salmon
Landlocked salmon are freshwater Atlantic salmon: powerful and unpredictable. You do not have to fly fish.
Spinning and float fishing
- Spinning rod and reel, fluorocarbon, small spinners / small Mepps.
- Crankbaits and swimbaits imitating small baitfish.
- Floats, #6 hooks and small split shot.
- Worms, leeches and fly imitations where regulations permit.
I particularly recommend float fishing: a simple approach that presents a worm, leech or imitation naturally in the current, with precise depth control. Widely used in Europe and less common here, simple does not mean less effective.
Fly fishing
- Your fly rod and reel, leaders and tippet.
- Nymphs, streamers, a few dry flies and spare tackle.
- A #5 or #6 offers great feel; #7 or #8 can also work depending on fish size and conditions.
Bring what you already own — we adapt the technique. With landlocked salmon, one take can become the highlight of the day.
Also bring
- Required Quebec fishing licence, water, lunch and snacks.
- Grippy footwear, weather-appropriate layers, rain jacket, polarized glasses and insect repellent.
- Waders if you own them; confirm suitable footwear with the guide for your sector.
- Dry clothes, spare socks, a towel and a waterproof pouch.
Confirm gear, access and permitted bait with the guide before departure. No catch is guaranteed.