At the Gates of Paradise

Patrick Campeau

Saturday, July 13th 2019 – Journal de Montréal

Picture: During the coming weeks, beautiful specimens like these will be a common catch at 3 Seasons Camp, Kipawa Lake, Témiscamingue.

In the most western part of the beautiful province, lies a region with a bounty of 6000 lakes and rivers.

The stunning Témiscamingue region, which encompasses more than 19 154 km², is paradise for hunters and fishermen.  A total of 19 municipalities are home to 16 000 citizens resulting in a meagre 1.2 persons per km².  By comparison, this figure rises to 4140 persons per km² for the islands of Montreal. 

Immense Region

Réjean Beaudoin has owned 3 Seasons Camp for 14 years.  As this outfitter’s son, native of the area puts it: “Many people we meet at hunting and fishing shows have no idea where our outfitting business is located.  Many confuse us with Témiscouata while others believe we are in Abitibi”.  

Located 45 minutes from the Québec/Ontario border, we discover an inland sea of 300 km² with 1600 km of shoreline called Kipawa Lake.  This impressive “X” shaped body of water has a length of 77 km and a width of 93 km, from an areal view it looks like a mosaic with its thousand islands and bays.

A Dream

Reggie, as everyone calls him, was literally born and raised as an outfitter on Lake Kipawa, where he spend his youth as a guide and handyman.   Even when his parents sold their business, he continued to work for another outfitter on the Lake.

After not having the financial means to buy the family business, Reggie remained determined to become an outfitter.  A career change allowed him to save enough to eventually fulfill his dreams in 2006.  Since that time, has worked to improve the property, which has been in operation since the 1940s, all while raising a family.

Let’s talk fishing

What is amazing about this rich fishing territory is the diversity it offers.

Walleye is the star species of the lake. The microclimate and abundance of bate fish allows a rapid growth of these

It is common to cross swords with more than thirty specimens in one outing.  According to Reggie: “The controlled slot size of 37 cm to 53 cm really created a demographic explosion”.  An average of a dozen of trophies that are more than 4.5 kg are caught annually at 3 Seasons Camp.  However, it should be noted that catches of 2.5 to 3 kg are commonplace and around 25 are hooked per week.  The most productive techniques are jigging, trolling with crankbaits and fishing with a slip bobber and a leech.  A record catch of 7.25 kg (16 pounds) was caught in 2009.

The second most popular specie is the smallmouth bass. We could rename the spot for its world-class bass fishing because we often catch two kilos fighters with traditional methods.  The rocky habitat is ideal for the expansion of these hot-tempered opponents where a long-time client caught a monster of 60 cm (24 inches) last fall. 

With an average depth of 35 meters, you will not be surprised to learn that lake trout occupies a prominent place in Lake Kipawa.   Trout lovers can keep catches over 65 cm.   In addition, to trolling close to the shallows, jig fishing generates excellent results.  Roger McTear fought and released a record 14.65 kg (32.3 pounds) fish in 2010.

Nevertheless, if you prefer to go after pike that frequently sway the scale above 8 to 10 kilos, you can fish the numerous grassy bays.

Landmarks

• Name: 3 Seasons Camp
• Where: In the heart of Témiscamingue, 650 km from Montreal.
• Directions: You can go through Abitibi, but it is preferable to travel on the Ontario side via Hwy 40 and 17 to Mattawa, then via the Hwy 533 and 63. Once in Témiscaming take Hwy 101 to Laniel. Only 5 km of gravel road remain, to get to the water-taxi for a final 20-minute trip.
• Cottages: Seven four-star ratted cottages that accommodate 2 to 12 people.
• Packages: European plan: 3, 5 or 7 days.
• Amenities included: Fully equipped cottages, solar energy and a 24/7 generator, a 16 foot secure boat with a 15 horsepower motor for 2, Wi-Fi, cellular network in certain areas, ice, a freezer for catches, shuttle service, parking, gas, worms, a lake map with a guided tour of the fishing spots, dock, and a launching ramp if you bring your own fishing boat.
• Species: Walleye, trout, pike, smallmouth bass, whitefish etc.…
• Zone: 13 west
• Activities: Bear hunting and fishing, moose hunting with a 60% success rate, canoeing, pedal boating, hiking and swimming.
• Uniqueness: Undisclosed and not overfished site with a good diversity of species in an enchanting environment where the days are longer thanks to the geographic position.
• INFOS: 819 627-6030, 3seasonscamp.com or facebook.com/camp3saisons.