Centre de pêche Gaétan Portelance 2001
The world’s capital of Atlantic tomcod

Welcome to the Centre de pêche Gaétan Portelance 2001, where you will enjoy discovering the joys of winter! Since they cannot avoid winter, Quebecers have decided to celebrate it! This is why ice fishing is a sport that is becoming more and more popular throughout the years. It’s in 1938 that someone discovered by chance that Atlantic tomcod came here in the Sainte-Anne River at Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade to spawn during the winter season.

Starting in mid-December and up until mid-February, a real village settles on the Sainte-Anne River in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade. This city has become, throughout the years, the world’s capital of Atlantic tomcod. Each year on the frozen river, the Centre de pêche Gaétan Portelance settles more than 50 cabins that can welcome groups of 4 to 25 fishing enthusiasts. It is time for the Atlantic tomcod to fight the current of the St. Lawrence River up to the Sainte-Anne River to spawn. Every year around the same date, this small 45-gram fish of and measuring about 15 to 20 centimetres fights the current of the St. Lawrence River and settles for the winter in the Sainte-Anne River. Fishers can then catch those fish that are waiting to bite to the bait.

Come try this Quebec’s typical winter sport with your group of friends or with your family. Experts will even give you some advice to make sure you catch some fish. Once you are comfortably seated in your well-lighted and heated cabin, a hole in the ice of the river allows you to fish through the floor of the cabin. You do not need to have a fishing permit here, and there is no limit in the number of fish you can catch. You can thus fish for your own pleasure, or to cook a delicious dinner!

At the Centre de pêche Gaétan Portelance, you can fish day and night! Night fishing offers a unique experience, especially in the magical setting of all the cabins lighted with their Christmas lights! Get more information about the rates and group packages offered all winter. Some packages even include the transportation to the village.

In addition to ice fishing, the Centre de pêche Gaétan Portelance invites you to participate in the numerous other activities offered on the site. Participate in the activities organized for children on Sundays, or visit the mini-farm where goats, sheep and ponies await you. Participate in the numerous animated activities on the site, or come admire the ice sculptures made by the inhabitants of the temporary village. The frozen river is the ideal place where to skate while enjoying fresh air. You can skate along the designated paths, or play a hockey game with friends on the skating rink. Take advantage of the slides, where young and old will have fun to their heart’s content.    

For an out of the ordinary winter experience in Quebec, choose a day at the Centre de pêche Gaétan Portelance 2001 in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade. You will bring back unforgettable memories!

Tourist newsletter, Quebec's Seasons