Preparing for your fishing trip

It’s important to know that the Petite Rivière Cascapédia is divided into four fishing sectors. Sectors B/F (limited to 8 anglers), D, and E, primarily for sea trout (limited to 10 anglers), are quota-controlled sectors, while sector C/F is unrestricted. Sector F is shared between anglers from sectors B and C.

Unrestricted sectors mean that the number of anglers allowed in the pools is not limited. Therefore, it’s possible that several anglers may be fishing in a pool at the same time. When this happens, it’s important to respect the angler’s code of ethics and adhere to the fishing rotation system so that all anglers have an equal opportunity to enjoy their sport.

Limited Fishing Areas

Area B is a limited fishing area. This means that the number of anglers allowed in these areas is restricted. Fishing in limited areas offers a high-quality fishing experience. Because the number of people is low, anglers can enjoy a calm environment with less fishing pressure, resulting in a higher success rate.

To have the chance to fish in a limited area, you must participate in a lottery. There are two types of lottery: the pre-season lottery and the 48-hour lottery.

The pre-season draw: Half of the fishing days in quota-controlled areas are allocated to the pre-season draw. This draw takes place on November 1st of each year to allocate fishing days for the following season. Registration for this draw is open from October 1st to 31st.

The 48-hour draw: The other half of the fishing days in quota-controlled areas are allocated to the 48-hour draw, but only for the period from June 15th to July 31st. The principle is simple: each day during the season, we hold a draw to allocate fishing areas where the winners can fish two days after the draw.

Registration for these draws is very easy and can be done online via our website, on the Draws and Booking page.

For more details about the river’s pools, we recommend consulting our maps or downloading the Avenza Maps app and purchasing the free map of the Petite Rivière Cascapédia, which shows the location of the pools and your position on the ground.

The Little Cascapédia River is a late-running river. While the fishing season officially begins on June 15th, significant runs generally start in early July. The peak run period is between July 15th and August 15th, which is also when the river is most crowded with anglers.

September still offers some excellent fishing days. Water conditions are often ideal for great fishing. If you prefer to fish the river when it’s less crowded, September could be a great option!

The Bay of Chaleurs is a very popular tourist region. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.

There are several accommodation options near the river. You can stay at Camp Melançon, managed by our association, where five cabin units are available. You can also reserve a campsite or rent one of our ready-to-camp units near the reception area.

When leaving New Richmond to head towards areas upstream of the river, expect that cell network coverage is virtually nonexistent.

Before heading to the river, obtain your provincial salmon sport fishing license and purchase your daily access permit for the ZEC (Controlled Harvesting Zone). Access permits for non-quota areas can be purchased directly online. It is important to have your provincial fishing license in your possession in order to purchase your daily access permit for the ZEC.

As with all salmon rivers, only fly fishing is permitted. Fishing is done by wading. Fishing from a boat or floating device is also allowed.

The basic equipment is a salmon fly rod (generally 9 feet, #8 line), waders, and salmon flies.

For those without equipment, entry-level gear is available for around $500.

For those who want to try salmon fishing before investing in equipment, gear is available for rent at the ZEC welcome center.

In addition to fishing equipment, bring the necessary gear to cope with rain, sun, flies, and cold weather.

Salmon fishing regulations are quite complex.

However, here is a comprehensive list of the main regulations you need to know:

• Always ensure you have your provincial salmon fishing license and your ZEC access permit with you, and that the correct date and sector are indicated on the access permit.
• Make sure you are in the correct sector when fishing.
• Respect fishing hours. You are allowed to fish from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
• Have the proper equipment with you. Do not bring a rod or light spinning gear.
• Respect the daily catch limit.
• Do not keep a salmon measuring 63 cm or more (at the fork).
• If you decide to keep a salmon you catch (less than 63 cm), immediately attach the transport tag from your fishing license to the salmon. Your fishing trip is then over.
• Go and register your whole salmon at a registration station within a maximum of 48 hours after your fishing day.

With this information, you are now ready to experience a unique adventure on the Petite-Cascapédia!