Fishing in Shawinigan
With its many bodies of water, Shawinigan offers great catches!
By France St-Amant
Catching a fish downtown? Yes, it’s possible in Shawinigan! Among other things, during the Fête à la Pêche (fishing festival) in June, both experienced and beginner fishermen are invited to cast their line in the water in the Saint-Maurice and Shawinigan Rivers just like this, without a license for this very special day. At other times, the permit is required but you’ll find several perfect places on the edge of the river right downtown.
You have no experience nor equipment, but you’d still like to fish your supper, alone or with friends or family? Not a problem! You can go aboard a specialized guide’s boat, and he’ll take you to his secret places in the region, ideal for fishing. Material and advice provided, so you only have to come equipped of your best smile and your patience!
Mario’s favorite, our fishing guide:
“The beauty of the Pointe-à-Madeleine landscape on the Saint-Maurice River is breathtaking in the Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector! Taking the time to marvel at what surrounds us, that’s what fishing is also about. Last summer, I had the chance to see a dozen golden eagles from La Mauricie National Park. We keep our white fish, we throw them at the back of the boat and it’s not uncommon for the eagles to pick them up 20 – 30 feet from us! It’s so impressive! To get there, park in Saint-Jean-des-Piles at the municipal car dock on rue du Quai or at the Grandes-Piles’ municipal car dock”.
Suggestions based on your interests:
For an outing with friends or family, the Parc de la Rivière-Shawinigan is magnificent and there are beautiful facilities all along its river. Access to Place du Centenaire near exit 217 of Highway 55 is free, easy and safe. This river has been seeded since 2002 by Vision Saint-Maurice, an organization committed to this sport and respecting nature. So, there’re some very nice catches to be made.
For fly fishers, the Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc covered bridge area is the favorite spot. We can occasionally count more than 14 fly fishers at the same time, but everything is done with respect and friendliness. Every 15 minutes, there is a rotation, and everyone changes places to give the other a chance to enjoy the different fishing areas.e.
Other information on fishing in Shawinigan
-Fishing in La Mauricie National Park. It’s possible to fish there but you have to follow the rules and the operating mode.
-Where to buy a fishing license in Shawinigan
Other fishing sites near Shawinigan:
– The ZECS of the Mauricie region and the ZEC Chapeau-de-Paille
– Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice
– The best slipway for the Saint-Maurice River is at the municipal dock in Grandes-Piles. There’s also a very nice municipal park and it’s well laid out. There are restaurants and accommodation nearby as well.
Good to know
- If you don’t have any equipment, but you’d like to try your hand at teasing the fish, go to Villemure hunting and fishing – pronature shop. You can get equipment at a very good price and even benefit from good advice.
- If you want to download the map of the Shawinigan and Saint-Maurice River fishing sites, click here for the front and here for the back. You’ll see the varieties of fish that can be caught.
PSST ! Here are three tips from Mario to improve your experience:
1. Be patient
2. Appreciate the moment
3. Go with someone who knows the body of water well. A guide is essentially used to share information, give practical advice and save time on the water!
Good luck in your fishing!
