RIVER-A-PIERRE | Have you ever thought of living in the middle of the forest in a fully electrified chalet, like at home, and enjoying a fishing plan offering you very interesting catch possibilities? This is the kind of stay that the Portneuf wildlife reserve can now offer you.
“We are an hour and a half from Quebec. We offer close to fifty cabins that can accommodate between 4 and 14 people, says the director, Émilie Girard-Gros-Louis, the first First Nations woman to manage a wildlife reserve. Everything is in place to professionally welcome fishing, hunting and vacationing enthusiasts and now people with reduced mobility. »
It is very impressive to discover what has been done in the Tessier and Proulx lake sectors. We set up a power line to supply the chalets in the sectors, in order to equip them with the best equipment on the market, including a charging station for electric cars at each of them.
These are Horizon chalets which offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature.
The site of chalet Tessier number One is truly integrated into nature and offers remarkable comfort. Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
Accessible for all
In the case of Tessier One, the only building to accommodate people with reduced mobility, everything has been thought out, starting with easy access to the chalet via ramps. Inside, there is no problem to move easily with a wheelchair or with a walker. The bathroom is specially fitted. All kitchen appliances and accessories are easily accessible.
“We did this with the aim of ensuring universal accessibility for all people who would like to come to us,” explained the director.
What has always impressed me during my reports on this reserve is the state of the road network. Again, it was immaculate, despite the torrential rains that fell on the area. This makes it easier to access the chalets, but also to the various fishing lakes offered in the fishing plans, linked to each of the chalets.
Director Émilie Girard-Gros-Louis wants people to discover the Portneuf wildlife reserve and take it even further to offer exceptional adventures. Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
Fishing diversity
During our visit, fishing was difficult due to the heat. Still, we managed to thwart some interesting speckles, some of which tipped the scales over a pound. The chartreuse and silver colored Lake Clear Deep for spin fishing was effective. For the fly, the sinking line with leader and at the end an Olive Green Woolly Bugger did the job.
On the territory of the reserve, it is possible to fish four species, which is very rare in the network. In addition to speckled trout, there are lake trout, or lake trout, splake and muskie.
The reserve also offers black bear, moose, random draw, deer and small game hunting. In the case of small game hunting, a sector is reserved for amateurs who want to practice it by mountain bike.
“We are very close to Quebec and we have a lot to offer fans. I invite people to come and discover us. I believe that after a visit, they will adopt us,” concluded the director during our interview.
successful stay
Several elements militate in favor of this wildlife reserve. The ease of access, the range of activities offered, including family stays, and the availability of the resource in large numbers ensure successful stays. For example, let’s mention that for moose hunting, the director redefined the zones, which went from 23 to 16, taking care to include logs to increase the chances of success. Surely the fact that she hunts, traps and fishes herself has led her to make some very good decisions. There is also a major expansion project for the Bellevue campground.
To discover this reserve, simply contact the people at the Rivière-à-Pierre reception center at 418 323-2021.
Extended season in the Laurentides reserve
The fishing season has been extended until September 10 in the Laurentides wildlife reserve.
At this time of year, the water cools and the fishing is as good as it was at the start of the season. Also, the trout have put on their dress in flamboyant colors.
Since Monday, the majority of available cabins will be for two anglers, with reduced rates during the week. There are still great availabilities in the Cyriac, Pikauba, Pecan, Etape, FX Lemieux, Modiks des lacs Ailloux and Jack sectors.
Remember that daily fishing will end on September 9 and fishing with stay on September 10.
It’s a great way to end your fishing season. You can find out everything by contacting the people on the reserve at 418 528-6868.
