Salmon fishing

The Cascapedia River, also called Grand Cascapedia to differentiate it from the Petite Cascapedia River further east, forms in the heart of the Chics-Chocs Mountains and runs through the center of the Gaspe coast before flowing into the Baie des Chaleurs. Colossal, crossing landscapes that have inspired many painters, it flows 139 kilometers at a rate of 50 cubic meters per second, its clear waters turning brownish when they are high. For over a century and a half, it has enjoyed a worldwide reputation for the size of its salmon, weighing an average of 9 kilograms, the record being 24 kilograms, a catch made in 1886.

This rich history of a legendary stream can be found in the Cascapedia River Museum in Cascapedia-Saint-Jules. Since 1981, the Cascapedia Society, which has the status of wildlife reserve, has been the manager of the river. The Mi’kmaq community has the exclusive right to offer sport fishing packages on the first 18 kilometers of river, from the mouth. In addition, the management of the fishery is done in alternation with the various private clubs, to maintain the significant economic benefits. This partnership has proven itself as a viable model of both public and private management.