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Home Waters

The Diable River 

From its headwaters in Mont-Tremblant National Parc, the Diable (Devil's) River flows southward for hundreds of kilometers, initially interspersed by a series of lakes, ponds and the occasional waterfall inside the Parc, after which it then flows as a freestone mountain river.  As it exits the Parc, the river has a fairly steep gradient that ensures a good supply of rapids, pools and riffles - ideal habitat for brook and brown trout.  As it nears the urban area of Mont-Tremblant the river begins to slow and deepen as it meanders its way thu the city and then the farming area to the south until it joins the Rouge River near the town of Arundel.  Thru that area, the river's habitat is more suited to bass and pike.

There is reasonably good road access to the Diable River inside Mont-Tremblant National Parc for most of the lakes and at certain areas along the river for trail access, portages and canoe launch. Access and uses are subject to Parc fees and regulations.  South of Mont-Tremblant Parc, there is excellent road and trail access along the Diable River Fishing Sector managed by the Devilish FlyFishers' Club.  Otherwise, most of the river access is private with limited access points.      

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The Diable River Fly Fishing Sector 

Baroux Outfitter

Located about thirty minutes from Tremblant, enjoys a large, exclusive territory. Everywhere on this territory, you can go hunting and fishing, but you can also do other activities throughout the year. Fishers who are especially looking for brook or rainbow trout or even lake char will find what they are looking for. Overall, nine lakes are accessible in summer, while two remain opened in winter for ice fishing.

As for hunters, they can hunt with a bow or a firearm. Their targets are usually small and big game, but also white-tailed deer and moose. The Pourvoirie also offers several paths for hiking in summer. For those who are planning to extend their stay, equipped cottages and a campground are available but require early reservation. 
    
                                                     
                                         

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The Fishing 
 
The Diable River is a fairly wide mountain-fed freestone river with a expansive watershed which makes it very responsive to precipitations. During early spring in April and May, water levels can be at flood levels or very high depending on ice and snow melt as well as springtime precipitations. Water temperatures can also be less than optimal for trout this time of year and afternoons on sunny days present the best fishing opportunities. The months June and July offer some of the best water conditions with optimal temperatures and levels throughout the day. Prolonged precipitations do however affect conditions during this period. As water levels drop to their lowest levels in August and September, the features of the Diable river become much better defined and the slower pace of the currents offer the best dry fly opportunities of the year. Early mornings and evenings are the best fishing times but some good surprises are always in store outside these periods. The fishing season on the Diable extends to the end of November for bass and pike with trout on a catch and release only basis from mid-September.

Within the 15 kilometer fishing sector, the Diable River consists mainly of long stretches of pocket water, at times deep, with scattered but poorly defined pools. Streamers and nymphs are recommended for the most part with good dry fly opportunities after July. Caddis flies are abundant throughout the season with the most prolific hatches occurring in early June. There is also a good population of stoneflies with the best hatches occurring at the end of June. Mayflies are not in large abundance on the Diable, in terms of numbers and variety. Hatches are limited in size and duration with imitation or attractor patterns being the most consistent performers.

Smaller area streams and tributaries of the Diable and area spring creeks also offer good spring-time fishing opportunities for brook trout and also for brown trout. Depending on the amount of precipitation during the season, these can offer good fishing into late July.

Stillwater lakes also provide good early season fishing opportunities for surface action on brook and rainbow trout, lake trout and on some lakes, landlocked salmon. Several area lakes contain good populations of bass, pike and muskie which present good fishing opportunities during the summer months when temperatures rise. Most can be taken on a fly. Personal boat access on area lakes is restricted and so fishing them may require the services of a professional guide or use of on-site rentals.

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Equipment selection for homewaters

Diable river:

- 5-6 wt rod with floating line. Occasional sink-tip during early season.
- 3-4 wt rod with floating line - long leaders during late season dry-fly fishing.
- Suitable for two-handed rods.
- Chest waders with felt sole boots.
- Wading staff (optional)

Spring creeks:

- 3-4 wt rods with floating lines.
- Chest waders with felt sole boots.

Stillwater:

- 7-8 wt rods for bass or pike with assortment of front taper floating, sink-tip and full sink lines. Bass taper leaders and Pike wire-tippets recommended.

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Selected fly patterns (images)

Dry Flies:
Goddard
Elk hair Caddis
Royal Coachman
Royal Wulff
Adams
Stimulator

Nymphs:
Hares Ear
Helgramite
Prince
Kauffman Stone

Streamers:
Magog Smelt
Matuka
Mickey Finn
Hornberg
Muddler

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