Patapédia River
The 70 kilometers long Patapédia River rises from Lac Supérieur and Lac Chasseur, then meanders between the mountains at the south-western end of the plateaus bordering the Matapédia River valley. Before emptying into the Restigouche River, which flows into the Baie-des-Chaleurs, the Patapédia skirts much of the northwestern New Brunswick border.
Patapédia means "river of uneven and capricious currents" in the Mi'kmaq language, so it was long used by the territory's first inhabitants. The One Million Dollar Pool, located at the junction with the Restigouche River, is renowned for its often very high numbers of salmon. In addition, the Patapédia's water flow is irregular, and its lowest water level can be quite low.
However, the Patapédia River enjoys an excellent reputation for salmon fishing, managed by the Corporation de gestion des rivières Matapédia et Patapédia. Although the riverbed is often dark, the water is clear and cold, providing a quality habitat for salmon, which spawn here in numbers ranging from 600 to 1,000 individuals. Fishing is possible by wading, although a canoe is almost always used to move more easily between the 64 pools divided into three fishing sectors, all with restricted access. In sectors 1 and 2, only castillon (or madeleineau) fishing is permitted.
These wilderness waters offer exceptional tranquility for anglers, who also appreciate the superb scenery, marked by steep mountains, and, of course, the quality of the salmon fishing. Note: some 55 kilometers southeast of Causapscal, the Patapédia ecosystem boasts a rare concentration of red oak trees.
Crédit photo : Roadfish
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ANNUAL DRAWS
The annual Patapedia River draw is held on November 1st.
Sector 1 is offered in its entirety in 48-hour draws during the season.
Sector 2 is awarded in full during the pre-season draws in November. Winners (ranks 1 to 43) must reserve 3 consecutive fishing days for 2 people.
Sector 3 is awarded in full during the November preseason draws. Winners (ranks 1 to 22) may reserve a maximum of 4 consecutive or non-consecutive fishing days for 1 to 6 people.
Rods still available after the preseason draw will be allocated by telephone reminder on November 28, 2023 starting at 9:00 a.m. for non-winners of the draw and starting at 1:00 p.m. for all anglers.
For more information on the draws, click here.
To view detailed Patapedia River prizes, click here.