Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Montreal (Complete Guide)

Today we discuss Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Montreal. Montreal is a vibrant city located on the island of Montreal in the Canadian province of Quebec. While it may be best known for its bustling urban center, rich cultural attractions, and delicious French-inspired cuisine, the city and surrounding region also offer excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, knowing the best times and seasons to fish in Montreal can help you make the most of your time on the water.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various fishing seasons, target species, and top fishing spots in and around Montreal. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of when to fish, what to expect, and how to plan the perfect angling adventure in this exciting destination.

Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Montreal:

Spring Fishing in Montreal (April – May)

As the winter snow begins to melt and the temperatures start to rise, spring ushers in the first major fishing opportunities in the Montreal region. During this time, anglers can target a variety of species as they become more active and begin their annual spawning runs.

Early Spring (April)

In the early spring, the focus is often on the region’s abundant populations of northern pike and walleye. These predatory fish emerge from their winter lairs and begin aggressively feeding to regain strength and prepare for the spawn. Some of the best early spring pike and walleye fishing can be found in the Rivière des Prairies, a major waterway that runs along the northern edge of the island of Montreal.

Anglers targeting these species will want to focus on areas with submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and other structural elements that provide cover and ambush points for the hungry fish. Live bait presentations like minnows or small fish imitations are often effective, as are various lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs.

Late Spring (May)

As the calendar turns to May, the fishing action really starts to heat up in Montreal. This is prime time for targeting species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as the region’s abundant panfish like crappie and bluegill. The bass will be actively spawning during this period, making them more vulnerable to anglers’ offerings.

Some of the top bass fishing destinations in the Montreal area include the numerous lakes and rivers that dot the landscape, such as Lac Saint-Louis, Rivière des Prairies, and the Richelieu River. These waters offer a mix of shallow, weedy areas perfect for bedding bass, as well as deeper structure that can hold pre- and post-spawn fish.

Anglers should focus on areas with hard bottom, aquatic vegetation, and underwater cover like downed trees and submerged rocks. Soft plastic lures, jigs, and topwater baits are all excellent choices for enticing aggressive, spawning bass.

Summer Fishing in Montreal (June – August)

The summer months in Montreal bring a diverse array of fishing opportunities, as a wide range of species become active and available to target.

Early Summer (June)

As we move into the early summer, the bass fishing action continues to be excellent, with post-spawn fish actively feeding and aggressively defending their territories. In addition, the region’s muskie population begins to become more active and available to anglers.

Muskie, often referred to as the “fish of 10,000 casts,” are a highly sought-after predatory species known for their explosive strikes and hard-fighting nature. The Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes are two of the top muskie destinations in the Montreal area, offering anglers the chance to tangle with these impressive freshwater giants.

When targeting muskies, anglers will want to focus on areas with deep water, submerged vegetation, and other structural elements that provide ambush points for these apex predators. Large, bulky lures like bucktail jigs, crankbaits, and topwater baits are often the most effective choices.

Midsummer (July)

As the summer heat sets in, the fishing action in Montreal shifts slightly, with a greater emphasis on the region’s abundant panfish populations. Species like crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed become the primary targets for many anglers during this time.

The shallow, weedy bays and coves of lakes like Lac Saint-Louis and Lac des Deux Montagnes are prime spots for targeting these tasty panfish. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, including live bait rigs, small jigs, and even fly fishing setups, to entice these eager biters.

In addition to the panfish, the summer months also provide excellent opportunities for targeting species like channel catfish and carp, which can be found in many of the region’s larger rivers and lakes.

Late Summer (August)

As summer winds down, the focus for many anglers in Montreal shifts to the region’s excellent smallmouth bass fishing. These hard-fighting fish can be found in a variety of habitats, from rocky river systems to deep, clear lakes.

Some of the top smallmouth bass destinations in the Montreal area include the Rivière des Outaouais, the Richelieu River, and Lac Saint-Louis. Anglers should target areas with current breaks, submerged ledges, and rocky/gravel bottoms, using a variety of lures like tube jigs, crankbaits, and drop-shot rigs to entice the aggressive bass.

Fall Fishing in Montreal (September – November)

The fall season in Montreal ushers in some of the most exciting and diverse fishing opportunities of the year, as a variety of species become increasingly active in preparation for the winter.

Early Fall (September)

As the temperatures start to cool and the leaves begin to change, the fishing action in Montreal shifts once again. This is a prime time for targeting the region’s abundant walleye populations, as these predatory fish become more active and begin to feed aggressively in preparation for the winter.

The Rivière des Prairies and Lac Saint-Louis are two of the top walleye destinations in the area, with the fish often congregating in deep, rocky areas and around underwater structures like submerged ledges and points. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, including live bait rigs, jigs, and crankbaits, to entice these tasty gamefish.

In addition to the walleye, the fall season also brings excellent opportunities for targeting species like northern pike and muskie, as these apex predators become more active and aggressive in their pursuit of baitfish.

Mid-Fall (October)

As we move deeper into the fall, the fishing action in Montreal continues to evolve, with a focus on the region’s abundant trout populations. Both brook trout and rainbow trout can be found in many of the area’s rivers and streams, providing exciting catch-and-release opportunities for anglers.

Some of the top trout destinations in the Montreal region include the Rivière du Nord, the Rivière Vermillon, and the Rivière du Diable, all of which offer excellent fly fishing and light tackle opportunities. Anglers should focus on areas with cool, clear water, riffles, and deeper pools, using a variety of dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers to entice the trout.

Late Fall (November)

As winter approaches, the fishing action in Montreal shifts once again, with a focus on the region’s hardy northern pike and walleye populations. These fish become increasingly active as they prepare for the cold months ahead, making them prime targets for anglers willing to brave the cooler temperatures.

The Rivière des Prairies and Lac Saint-Louis continue to be top destinations for targeting these species, with anglers often finding success using large, slow-moving lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. The key is to focus on areas with deep water, submerged vegetation, and other structural elements that provide both cover and forage for the hungry fish.

Winter Fishing in Montreal (December – March)

While the winter months in Montreal can be bitterly cold, the region’s ice fishing opportunities provide a unique and rewarding angling experience for those willing to bundle up and brave the elements.

Early Winter (December)

As the lakes and rivers in the Montreal area begin to freeze over, the focus shifts to ice fishing for a variety of species, including walleye, northern pike, and panfish like crappie and bluegill. The early ice season can be an excellent time to target these species, as the fish are often concentrated in predictable areas and actively feeding.

Some of the top ice fishing destinations in the Montreal region include Lac Saint-Louis, Lac des Deux Montagnes, and the Rivière des Prairies. Anglers will want to focus on areas with deep water, underwater structures, and active baitfish populations, using a variety of techniques like jigging, tip-ups, and live bait rigs to entice the fish.

Mid-Winter (January – February)

As the winter progresses, the ice fishing opportunities in Montreal continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on the region’s abundant panfish populations. Species like crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed become prime targets, as they often congregate in large schools and can provide consistent action for anglers.

The shallow, weedy bays and coves of lakes like Lac Saint-Louis and Lac des Deux Montagnes are particularly productive for targeting these panfish through the ice. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, including jigging with small lures and live bait rigs, to entice the eager biters.

Late Winter (March)

As spring approaches and the ice begins to thaw, the focus in Montreal shifts once again, this time to the region’s hardy northern pike and walleye populations. These fish become increasingly active as they prepare for the upcoming spawn, making them prime targets for anglers willing to brave the late-winter conditions.

The Rivière des Prairies and Lac Saint-Louis continue to be top destinations for targeting these species, with anglers often finding success using large, slow-moving lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. As the ice begins to break up, anglers may also have opportunities to target these fish in the open water, using a variety of techniques like live bait rigs, jigging, and casting lures.

Conclusion

Montreal and the surrounding region offer anglers a diverse array of fishing opportunities throughout the year, with each season presenting its own unique challenges and target species. By understanding the best times and seasons to fish in this vibrant Canadian city, you can plan the perfect angling adventure and make the most of your time on the water.

Whether you’re targeting feisty bass in the spring, pursuing elusive muskies in the summer, or braving the cold to ice fish for walleye in the winter, Montreal has something to offer anglers of all skill levels and interests. So pack your gear, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore the exceptional fishing that this dynamic city has to offer.