Text by Audrey Ringuette, founder of Shakutaimw
We all have our own way of starting a salmon fishing season. We've been waiting for it for weeks, even months. In fact, it's a safe bet that since our last "drop," we've thought about it practically every day. We've had plenty of time to get lost in our thoughts, to idealize the places we'll visit this season. For me, the salmon fishing season will always start on our jewel of the North Shore, the Mishta-Shipu, which you probably know as the Moisie River. It's where it all began for me, 15 years ago.
This year, the season starts dramatically on our ancestral territory. Forest fires have struck and destroyed a vast part of the land. A stay at the Nipissis outfitter soothes my heart and comforts me by making me understand that nature is doing its work, that the salmon continue their migration, and that our mother earth will take care of resuming its course. With my feet in the water, I listen to the song of the birds around me and the gentle lapping of the river; the salmon are putting on their show. It's the moment when I can finally breathe and feel alive!
The North Shore boasts several salmon rivers. My season continues in the West of the North Shore, on the Rochers River, the Pentecost River, the Trinity River, and the Godbout River. I join my friend Pat, with whom we will share unforgettable fishing moments on the "Nitassinan"!
The ancestral Nitassinan of the Innu nation extends roughly from Lake Mistissini in the West to the Atlantic Ocean in the East and from the St. Lawrence River in the South to the limit of the boreal forest in the North. In the Innu Aimun language, it is the name given to this territory, which translates to "our land".
Breathtaking landscapes!! It's at this precise moment that I realize we are exactly in the right place, at the right time! If you feel like escaping the stress of big cities, it's in places like our beautiful North Shore that you can find a little tranquility!
Did you know that in the past, we used to call the Innu people "Montagnais" because they lived in the mountains, which is why we called them the mountain people?
Here on the North Shore, we love to wander around. Then we head east on our beautiful North Shore, to cross the St. Jean River. A magnificent salmon river that is worth a visit! This river runs through mountainous terrain for several kilometers, and salmon fishing there is very interesting.
While heading east, we reach out to Mr. Bellefleur, from Northern Caribbean in Minganie, to plan a stay at the 5-star Johan-Beetz Castle outfitter. We will be able to fish for five species of salmonids: Atlantic salmon, sea trout, Arctic char, brook trout, and ouananiche. This outfitter includes three rivers: the Corneille River, the Piashti River, and the Watshishou River.
A quick stop at the Nabisipi UenapeuHipu outfitter, located near Aguanish, close to Natashquan! Whether wading or in a boat, the fishing is beautiful, especially in the "Brown" hole. Here, we find some really pleasant pools to fish, both dry fly and wet fly! What about the view! Nature in its purest form!!
A nod to our fishing friends in Natashquan, this year I got a late start again, "Indian time" once more, you know? For those who know me, they know that I'm always last minute or often late. This year, I promise myself to take the time to plan a visit to my fishing friends in Natashquan, at the Hipou outfitter. My daughter tells me it's the perfect place to fish for salmon! I could also greet my friend Sylvestre who cooks exceptional meals. This outfitter deserves a visit especially with a culinary chef like Sylvestre from "Opus private chef".
Little break, back home, to plan our next adventures. Where will the wind take us this time?
It will be westward, in the Upper North Shore, to the Escoumins River. This salmon river is full of beautiful pools. You have to follow a small forest road to fish in not too big and not too deep pools. I promise you that the comfort of the facilities for anglers at the ZEC Escoumins River is really appreciated, especially for a "shore lunch"!
The Escoumins River is as enjoyable to fish as the Ste-Marguerite River. The Ste-Marguerite runs along the road between Sacré-Cœur and Saguenay, it is full of well-identified small pools and they are pleasant to fish, especially for beginners. For travelers passing through this road to come to the North Shore, pack your gear, set up your rods, buy your access rights, the stops are worth it!!
Some envy other regions of Quebec for their numerous salmon rivers, but remember that here, we have just as many, which are worth the detour! So, when will we meet by the rivers of the Côte-Nord? Hopefully soon!
For those reading this article, who are not yet fishing but want to learn, there is Shakutaimu, which offers a cultural immersion and a fly fishing experience. You're not equipped but you want to practice fly fishing? No problem, we offer equipment rentals.
Shakutaimu is an Indigenous business of the Innu nation from the community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, located near the city of Sept-Îles. The company offers introductory fly fishing courses for everyone, including river guidance while raising awareness about the preservation and improvement of the resource. In addition to sharing the passion of fishing, Shakutaimu introduces Innu culture through a boreal culinary experience from the Innu terroir. The company also offers sessions in private or corporate packages. Shakutaimu also offers the option to explore our Nitassinan (territory) on a hike with a guided service.