Lac-Simon holds walleye (doré), smallmouth bass, pike, perch and lake trout. A Quebec sport-fishing licence is required (Zone 10); trout season opens the last Friday of April. You can fish from the chalet's private dock or a boat, and ice-fish in winter once the lake freezes (usually mid-December to mid-March).
Lac-Simon is a large lake (the second-largest in the Outaouais) with four-season fishing. You can cast straight off the chalet's private dock, head out by boat, or try ice fishing in winter. Here are the species, the rules, and the best places to drop a line.
What you can catch
Walleye (doré): the most sought-after catch; bites well in the evening and early night. Smallmouth bass: hard-fighting, plentiful along rocky shorelines. Northern pike: found in bays and near weed beds. Yellow perch: easy to catch, great with kids. Lake trout: in deeper, colder water. Species and catch limits vary — check the current provincial regulations before you fish.
Season and licence
A Quebec sport-fishing licence is required for everyone 18 and older. Lac-Simon is in fishing Zone 10. Trout season opens the last Friday of April; dates vary by species and zone. Get your licence online from the provincial ministry (MELCCFP) or from local vendors. Always check the current dates, quotas, and restrictions for Zone 10 before heading out.
Where to fish
From the chalet: cast straight off the private dock or the shore. By boat: a municipal boat launch is nearby (non-residents: about $110 for a 48-hour pass; a hull wash is required before every launch to protect the lake). The Lac-Simon Nautical Centre (~20 min) rents fishing boats and rowboats. Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve (SEPAQ, ~25 min): 760 lakes, day and overnight fishing, and an outfitter.
Ice fishing in winter
Lac-Simon freezes every winter, usually from mid-December to mid-March. Once the ice is safe — at least 12–15 cm for walking, 25 cm for a snowmobile or ATV — ice fishing opens up (walleye, pike, perch). Conditions vary year to year; always check local ice reports before heading out. Gear and guided packages may be available locally, and ice fishing is also popular at Lac de la Ferme near Duhamel.
Gear
The chalet doesn't provide fishing gear — bring your own rods and lures. Augers, lines, lures, and bait are sold at hardware stores and sports shops in Papineauville and Thurso. For a boat outing without your own craft, book ahead at the Lac-Simon Nautical Centre, especially in peak season.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to fish on Lac-Simon?
Yes — a Quebec sport-fishing licence is required for everyone 18 and older. The lake is in Zone 10. Buy it online (MELCCFP) or from local vendors, and check the current dates and quotas before you fish.
What can you catch in Lac-Simon?
Walleye (doré), smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and lake trout. Walleye is the most prized catch and bites well in the evening.
Can you fish right from the chalet?
Yes — you can cast off the private dock or the shore. For deeper water, a municipal boat launch is nearby (about $110/48h, hull wash required) and the Nautical Centre rents boats ~20 minutes away.
When does fishing season open?
Trout season opens the last Friday of April (Zone 10); dates vary by species. Check the current provincial regulations before your outing.
Is there ice fishing in winter?
Yes. The lake usually freezes from mid-December to mid-March; once the ice is safe (12–15 cm for walking, 25 cm for a snowmobile) you can fish for walleye, pike, and perch. Always check local ice reports first.