Lac du Cerf, Part 2
By Ari Vineberg, Photos by Mark Krupa
Adjacent Lakes
There are several other lakes in the area that can be accessed from either Petit
or Grand Lac du Cerf. These lakes are smaller, but have some interesting
opportunities available. Above Petit Lac du Cerf, nestled in a valley of first-growth
pine, is a small jewel of a lake, Lac St-Germain. Although it's only about 40 acres,
it holds ounaniche, smallmouth, and pike. A short walk above this lake is another
small lake with both smallmouth and brook trout. The brookies run small, averaging
8 inches, but they rise readily to most dry fly presentations. Other lakes in the area,
such as Lac McPhee and Lac en Poire, hold nice populations of brook trout,
producing fish each year in excess of 5 pounds. These are trophy fish no matter
where you go in the world.
Most of these lakes involve some sort of portage and are best fished from a float
tube, canoe, or an inflatable. At Lac en Poire, however, there are a few homemade
Vercheres boats tied to the shoreline by locals, which are generally available for
anyone's use.
On these smaller lakes basic attractor patterns, such as the Adams, PMDs, Grizzly
Wulffs, Olive Parachutes and most terrestrial patterns in sizes #10-18 work well. In
the fall, just before the season closes, ladybugs swarm over the water, and the trout
will gorge themselves on them, ignoring virtually everything else.
Where to Stay
There is a wide variety accommodation available in the area to fit anyone's
budget. In the heart of the village you will find the Motel Près du Lac, where
a bed and television set can be had at around $29 per day, double occupancy.
While the accommodations may be spartan, the motel is within a minute's drive
to the boat ramp. Further up the main road is a campground where hookup
amenities are available for a trailer as well as campsites.
While French is the language spoken here, non-French speakers should not be
concerned about being understood, as most Francophones have some English
and are willing to put up with even the most maladroit attempts at French. French
Canadians are known for their generosity and joie de vivre. Moreover, a common
interest in fishing and the experience of the wild and lonely countryside
transcend language barriers.
There are a few outfitters operating out of the area offering a full range of services,
including knowledgeable guides that have fished the area all of their lives and
understand the idiosyncratic nature of its lakes and their inhabitants. For the first
time visitor, a day or two on the water with one of these guides can certainly
shorten the learning curve and provide familiarization with a few promising areas
to which he can return later to prospect on his own. Pavillion Chasse et Peche,
run by Gisele and Maurice Meloche, is a good place to try. As long-standing
President of the Fish & Game Association, Gisele is a wealth of knowledge
regarding the lake and its inhabitants.
- Camping Dicaire
275 Chemin du Camping
Route 311 (819) 595-2888
- Domaine du lac Malloon
141, Chemin du lac Malloon
(819) 597-2896
- Pourvoirie pavillon du Cerf
18 Chemin Valiquette
(819) 597-2055
www. pavillonducerf.com
- Motel Pres des lacs
216 Rue Principale
(819) 597-2255
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Yet, even with a guide, the lake is no pushover, and the fishing is not always easy.
Under the best of circumstances, Lac du Cerf is challenging and there are no
freebies. You will have to work for your fish and roll with the punches, never
being afraid to switch tactics and fish for another species if the one you're targeting
is not co-operating. As a general rule, there is always something on the menu that is
active at any given time. Enjoy the area for what it has to offer at the time. One way
or another, you will leave with fond memories. And you will want to return - soon.
~ Ari Vineberg
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