La Réserve Beauchêne

Species: Bass, Trout

Location: Quebec

Why we chose it:

In 2012, ranked #24 in all-time hot spots

Near Témiscaming, Quebec, La Réserve Beauchêne consists of 40 privately leased lakes spread over 200 square kilometres. A six-time hot spot, the destination’s outstanding fishing—both smallmouth and native brookies are especially large and plentiful—is no accident. Rather, it’s the result of ideal natural conditions and many years of careful management. Although only paying guests can fish the reserve, Beauchêne’s drive-to location puts it within reach of the average angler.

In 2009, Brook trout; Big fish, beautiful scenery and first-class accommodations

When to fish: June.

Where to fish: Work points and shoreline structure in any of a number of lakes.

Tip: Troll spoons tipped with a fly or worm on a snell, or sinking fly lines and the local Beauchêne bug pattern.

Lake trout; Good numbers of fish and first-class accommodations

When to fish: June through August is best.

Where to fish: Deep water in Lac Beauchêne.

Tip: Troll spoons such as the Williams Dartee or Wabler, or the Mooselook Thinfish or Wobbler.

Smallmouth bass; Lots of big fish

When to fish: Late June is prime.

Where to fish: Focus on shoreline structure and main-lake points going into back bays.

Tip: Drop-shot Mister Twister Mister Minos or Exude Comidas, Texas-rig MIster Twister night crawlers or cast silver #3 Mepps Aglias.

—Mark Stiffel, vice-president of marketing at Brecks International

In 2008, Smallmouth bass; Plenty of trophies

When to fish: June and July.

Where to fish: Fish shoreline structures, such as rocks and stumps.

Tip: Both spin and fly anglers should use topwater poppers or jigs tipped with brown or black plastic worms.

—Mark Krupa, host of Hooked with Mark Krupa