Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice

There are about a hundred lakes in 5 accommodations sectors:

• Lac Dunbar
• Lac Normand
• Lac Wessonneau
• Lac Tousignant
• Lac Brown

For fishing activities with accommodations, the fishing plan of Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice is determined in advance and approved by Québec's Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife.

This wildlife reserve has a species that is unique in Québec. It is the kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka), of the same species as the sockeye but confined to a lake. A small population of this species ended up in Lac Normand with the dismantling of the facilities for Expo 67. In the Canadian pavilion, kokanee eggs were used to show the public how the species developed during its embryonic stages. When this species was introduced into Lac Normand, the idea was to provide its lake trout with food. The kokanee managed to find sufficient conditions to meet their needs for feeding and reproduction. Their plankton-feeding ability accounts in part for their survival and maintenance in this habitat.

Catch and possession limits:

• Pike: 3
• Kokanee: 2
• Speckled trout: 7
• Landlocked salmon: 2
• Lake trout: 2

Some bodies of water have more restrictive catch limits in order to preserve fishing quality and the duration of the season.

Period: May 14 to September 6, 2010

Fishing statistics

Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice belongs to provincial hunting zone #26 West. Moose hunting is limited by quota in the wildlife reserve and is subject to random draw. The territory is divided into 22 hunting sectors. Harvesting of males and calves is allowed each year and a certain number of licences for hunting females are assigned each autumn by random draw. ATVs are permitted in hunting sectors only.

The moose herd on this territory grew 104% between the 1995 inventory and the 2002 inventory.

Density: over 3.2 animals/10 km2

Hunting success rate: nearly 45%

Period: September 11 to October 7, 2010

Regulations for hunting in this wildlife reserve

Hunting statistics

Spring black bear hunting is available under the American plan only. This activity is run by a concession-holder. For information, contact Claude Turcotte by calling 450 454-0963.

Period: May 25 to June 21, 2009

Small game may be hunted over a longer stay. Use of hunting dogs (flushers, retrievers, or pointers) is allowed. ATVs aren't allowed. You may harvest the following species: Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, and snowshoe hare.

You can also hunt migratory birds if you have a migratory game bird hunting permit in addition to a small game hunting licence.

Period: October 8 to 25, 2009 (with a package)

Hunting statistics

Small game hunting is available by the day. Hunters must purchase their right of access on line or at the reserve. The species you can hunt are Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse and snowshoe hare.

Period: October 9 to November 29, 2009

This activity is available to vacationers and campers on Lac Tousignant, Wessonneau and Lac Soucis. There is no reservation in advance. Just pick up your right of access at the registration centre. No boat is provided, but canoes may be rented on site.

Period: May 14 to September 6, 2010

Fishing statistics

Several rivers run through Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice. The ones most easily accessible for wading are:

• Rivière Bête Puante
• Rivière Wessonneau
• Ruisseau des Américains
• Ruisseau du Castor Noir

No reservation is needed. Just pick up your right of access at the registration centre.

Period: May 15 to September 7, 2009

Fishing statistics

The circuits through Lac Soucis and Lac Tousignant provide a 22-km-long outing by canoe or kayak. One attraction of this route is a waterfall: Chute du Vent. Lac Normand is also accessible to boaters.

Period: mid-May to Labour Day

Children under 18 accompanied by an adult with a day fishing right of access are allowed to fish for free.

There are over 40 km of hiking trails. Their degree of difficulty ranges from easy to intermediate. Discover waterfalls, peat bogs, and magnificent views.

Table of trails

A site for watching black bears has been set aside so that visitors may learn more about this animal.

Period: beginning on July 1, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Schedule subject to change. Ask at the Matawin Registration Centre by calling 819 646-5687.

Depending on the time of summer, wild raspberries and blueberries are abundantly available on the reserve's territory.

Period: July and August

A family hunting package under the European plan (cabin - 5 days) is offered by random draw at 50% off the regular price for the whole group of hunters. To enter, at least one hunter must be a child 12 to 17 years old and have a hunter's certificate.

A hunting permit for an adult female moose will be assigned to a child of each group.

Package

A family package for 2 adults and 2 children under 18 is available on weekdays from early July to late August.

At All Times

In addition, children under 18 are admitted for free in relation to the number of adults at the time of reservation according to the same criteria used for fishing with cabin accommodations.

Package

A family package for 2 adults and 2 children under 18 is available on weekdays early July to late August.

At All Times

In addition, children under 18 are lodged for free in relation to the number of adults at the time of reservation, based on the following criteria:

• 2 children for 4 or fewer adults
• 4 children for 5 or more adults.

If cabin capacity allows, additional children can stay for a cut rate of $10/day/child.

Children under 18 accompanied by an adult with a day fishing right of access are allowed to fish for free.

The group campgrounds in the wildlife reserves allow young people to camp for a cut rate of $5 per person per night.

Young people under 18 accompanied by an adult can go canoe-camping for a cut rate of $4 per person per day.