Recreational Fisheries

In Quebec, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is in charge of managing recreational fisheries (or sport fisheries) for marine species, i.e., living in salt water. This fishery is practised in the Saguenay River and in the St Lawrence Estuary and Gulf.

Recreational fishing (or sport fishing) is an activity undertaken for pleasure and the catches must be only for the use of the person fishing. It is strictly forbidden to sell products from this fishery.

• Recreational Groundfish Fishery
• Ice Fishing for Groundfish on the Saguenay River
• Recreational Pelagic Fishery
• Mollusc Harvesting
• Sport Fishing for Freshwater Fish

For more information on recreational fishing in your fishing area, contact the closest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office.

Recreational Groundfish Fishery

Recreational fishers wishing to fish groundfish in the Gulf or Estuary of St Lawrence or in the Saguenay River should comply with the opening dates for fishing and the restrictions associated with each fishing zone.

For groundfish fishery, only hand lines or rods are authorized.

Make sure you comply with the rules in force in your sector:
Recreational Groundfish fishery in the Estuary and Gulf of St Lawrence, Quebec

Ice Fishing for Groundfish on the Saguenay River

Ice fishing for groundfish is a winter recreational fishery that is practiced without a licence. You must, however, comply with the regulations in force regarding not only the number of fish caught and the permitted species but also the authorized fishing techniques.

Ice Fishing for Groundfish on the Saguenay River

Ice fishing in shallow water on the Saguenay or on other lakes and rivers in Québec is regulated by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec.

Recreational Pelagic Fishery

In the Gulf and Estuary of St Lawrence, it is possible to fish pelagic fish such as mackerel and capelan.

This fishery is not restrictive. It may be practised at any place and time, without a special permit.

Nonetheless, recreational fishing for shark, tuna or herring is prohibited.

For mackerel fishery, only hand lines or rods are authorized. For capelan, all fishing gear is authorized, except trap nets, seine lines and mobile gear.

Mollusc Harvesting

Zones for coastal mollusc harvesting are monitored by the Government of Canada to ensure the healthiness of the molluscs and species conservation. Hence it is important to check if zones where you are planning to go and harvest are open to harvesting.

Mollusc harvesting must be done using manual tools.

Ensure as well that you comply with the regulations in force:
Mollusc harvesting

Sport Fishing for Freshwater Fish

Sport fishing for freshwater fish carried out in Quebec lakes and rivers is managed by the Government of Quebec.

This responsibility also includes the management of anadromous and catadromous species, that is, those dividing their life cycle between fresh and salt water, such as salmon, smelt or eel.

For more information, refer to:
Sport fishing in Quebec
Ressources naturelles et Faune Québec – Quebec Government