Fishing
FISHING SECTORS
Fishing Season: June 15 to September 30
Limited access in all river sectors
| SECTORS | DOWNSTREAM | UPSTREAM WADING | UPSTREAM CANOE |
| LENGTH | 20 KM | 17 KM | 12 KM |
| POOLS | POOLS 5 À 45 | POOLS 46, 47 ET 61 À 68 | POOLS 48 À 60 |
| NUMBER OF RODS/DAY | 14 | 4 | 4 |
| RESERVATIONS | 8 rods per day by draw on November 1st, 6 rods per day by draw 48 hours in advance | 4 rods per day by draw on November 1st | 4 rods per day by draw on November 1st |
| PHONE | 418-763-7633 / 1-888-STE-ANNE | ||
Access
Downstream Sector: West side of the river via Bellevue and Saint-Joseph-des-Monts roads in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
The Saint-Joseph-des-Monts road is gravel along its entire length.
Upstream Wading and Upstream Guided Canoe Sectors: East side of the river within Gaspésie National Park, via Route 299.
Number of rods on the Sainte-Anne River
Downstream: 14 rods per day
Upstream Canoe: 4 rods per day
Upstream Wading: 4 rods per day
Total availability of 22 rods per day
- It is possible to combine fishing rights in multiple sectors.
- Guide service is mandatory for canoe rods. It is also possible to hire professional guides in all sectors of the river.
- As all sectors have fully limited access (100% quota), everyone must pay for a rod, including children.
Catch and Release of Large Salmon (63 cm and over)
Downstream Sector: FROM JUNE 15 TO SEPTEMBER 30
(After the end-of-July count, depending on collected data, the harvest of large salmon may be permitted according to a pre-established quota).
Upstream Wading and Upstream Guided Canoe Sectors: AT ALL TIMES
For all sectors, the quota is two (2) catch and releases per day.
Water Quality
Normally: Clear
After heavy rain: The water becomes slightly cloudy.
Temperature: Cold throughout the season, getting colder starting in August.
Flow: Downstream, moderately fast; Upstream, fast.
Level: Water is high from June 15 to July 15. Subsequently, it drops slowly and levels depend on precipitation and heat.
Runs
One late June, one late July, one mid-August, one mid-September.
Accommodations
Accommodations available in all sectors (see ACCOMMODATIONS tab).
Dining
Dining service offered at the Pavillon du Petit-Saut (American Plan) for Upstream sector clients.
Fishing Guides
Guide service offered in all three river sectors (see RATES tab).
Other Services
- Small fishing tackle shop (basic supplies)
- Fly sales
Email address:
General information: : info@destinationchicchocs.com
STATISTICS
The Counts
Two counts are conducted each season on the Sainte-Anne River; one in late July and another towards late September. These counts are performed by two snorkelers with extensive experience in this method. Each time, it involves two long days (one in the Upstream sector and the other for the Downstream) requiring constant attention. Here are a few photos illustrating this sometimes intense experience!
| Year | Total Run | % | Catches | ||||||
| Grilse | Large | total | Sea Trout | % Grilse | % Large | Grilse | Large | Released | |
| 1985 | 44 | 556 | 600 | 7% | 93% | 16 | 196 | ||
| 1986 | 302 | 693 | 995 | 30% | 70% | 130 | 287 | ||
| 1987 | 451 | 612 | 1063 | 42% | 58% | 156 | 196 | ||
| 1988 | 305 | 946 | 1251 | 24% | 76% | 110 | 336 | ||
| 1989 | 223 | 928 | 1151 | 19% | 81% | 79 | 321 | ||
| 1990 | 744 | 640 | 1384 | 54% | 46% | 274 | 228 | ||
| 1991 | 252 | 1260 | 1512 | 17% | 83% | 100 | 499 | ||
| 1992 | 211 | 598 | 809 | 26% | 74% | 80 | 211 | ||
| 1993 | 251 | 469 | 720 | 35% | 65% | 99 | 147 | ||
| 1994 | 229 | 754 | 983 | 23% | 77% | 133 | 347 | ||
| 1995 | 160 | 653 | 813 | 20% | 80% | 44 | 168 | ||
| 1996 | 202 | 594 | 796 | 25% | 75% | 48 | 184 | 33 | |
| 1997 | 131 | 349 | 480 | 27% | 73% | 54 | 94 | 100 | |
| 1998 | 151 | 276 | 427 | 35% | 65% | 37 | 67 | 82 | |
| 1999 | 186 | 259 | 445 | 42% | 58% | 19 | 22 | 88 | |
| 2000 | 112 | 337 | 449 | 25% | 75% | 27 | 31 | 150 | |
| 2001 | 156 | 296 | 452 | 35% | 65% | 61 | 11 | 180 | |
| 2002 | 300 | 162 | 462 | 65% | 35% | 101 | 14 | 118 | |
| 2003 | 322 | 525 | 847 | 38% | 62% | 82 | 26 | 210 | |
| 2004 | 333 | 539 | 872 | 38% | 62% | 112 | 51 | 269 | |
| 2005 | 110 | 381 | 491 | 22% | 78% | 49 | 18 | 127 | |
| 2006 | 350 | 382 | 732 | 48% | 52% | 108 | 29 | 165 | |
| 2007 | 176 | 433 | 609 | 29% | 71% | 101 | 60 | 236 | |
| 2008 | 440 | 546 | 986 | 381 | 45% | 55% | |||
| 2009 | 284 | 633 | 917 | 450 | 31% | 69% | |||
| 2010 | 250 | 686 | 963 | 226 | 26% | 71% | 157 | 360 | |
| 2011 | 357 | 837 | 1194 | 371 | 30% | 70% | 220 | 447 | |
| 2012 | 184 | 542 | 726 | 943 | 25% | 75% | 166 | 275 | |
| 2013 | 134 | 752 | 886 | 718 | 15% | 85% | 68 | 290 | |
| 2014 | 137 | 519 | 656 | 597 | 21% | 79% | 72 | 213 | |
| 2015 | 154 | 603 | 757 | 363 | 20% | 80% | 240 | 330 | |
| 2016 | 147 | 759 | 906 | 250 | 16% | 84% | 193 | 493 | |
| 2017 | 133 | 728 | 861 | 229 | 15% | 85% | 114 | 365 | |
| 2018 | 159 | 396 | 555 | 176 | 29% | 71% | 88 | 248 | |
| 2019 | 113 | 477 | 590 | 63 | 19% | 81% | 23 | 504 | |
| 2020 | 235 | 765 | 1000 | 118 | 24% | 77% | 128 | 18 | 643 |
| 2021 | 379 | 571 | 950 | 90 | 40% | 60% | 151 | 572 | |
| 2022 | 232 | 813 | 1045 | 361 | 22% | 78% | |||
| 2023 | 79 | 309 | 388 | 121 | 20% | 80% | |||
| 2024 | 51 | 242 | 293 | 87 | 17% | 83% | |||
| 2025 | 280 | 105 | 385 | 104 | 73% | 27% | |||
Access Rights and Fishing Licences
To fish for Atlantic salmon, you must hold an Atlantic salmon sport fishing licence. This licence is required to fish for salmon anywhere in Quebec and to fish for any species of fish during a salmon fishing period in a salmon river. This licence expires at the end of the salmon fishing period or when all tags issued with the licence have been used. Once expired, the licence is no longer valid for fishing any other species in a salmon river.
A resident holding and carrying a “Pêche en herbe” or “Relève à la pêche” certificate is authorized to fish for Atlantic salmon, but with mandatory catch and release.
Restrictions apply regarding the use of Atlantic salmon fishing licences. You may combine more than one licence, but subject to the conditions indicated below. Regardless of your combination, you may never catch and retain more than 4 Atlantic salmon during the year (from April 1st to March 31st of the following year).
If the holder of an annual or 3-consecutive-day Atlantic salmon fishing licence no longer possesses any tags, these licences are no longer valid. However, it is possible to obtain another 3-consecutive-day licence containing a single tag if the angler has not retained more than 4 salmon, or to obtain a mandatory catch-and-release licence in order to continue their salmon fishing season.
| Atlantic Salmon Sport Fishing 2025 Season | ||
| Categories | Residents | Non-residents |
| Annual | 58,65 $ | 188,15 $ |
| 3 consecutive days* | 25,56 $ | 50,13$ |
| Mandatory Catch and Release | 25,56 $ | 50,13 $ |
* Small salmon only
Annual Licence
This licence is issued with 4 tags for the mandatory tagging of salmon.
You cannot purchase or possess more than one annual salmon fishing licence.
You may purchase this licence even if you have already purchased a mandatory catch-and-release Atlantic salmon fishing licence or one or more 3-day licences, provided that your annual limit of 4 retained salmon has not been reached. For example, if you have already caught a salmon with a 3-day licence, you will only be able to use 3 of the 4 tags issued with your annual licence.
3-consecutive-day Licence
This licence is issued with a single tag and is valid only for one small salmon. It is valid only during the period indicated on the licence.
You cannot purchase or possess:
- More than one 3-day licence for overlapping periods;
- A 3-day licence if you have already purchased or possess the annual licence;
- A 3-day licence if you have already kept 4 salmon during the same year (from April 1st to March 31st of the following year).
However, you may purchase a new 3-day licence valid starting the day following the expiry of your first 3-day licence if your annual limit of 4 kept salmon has not been reached and you meet one of the following situations:
- You have affixed the tag from your 3-day licence to a small salmon, but your annual limit of 4 kept salmon has not been reached;
- If the period scheduled on your licence has expired, but your annual limit of 4 kept salmon has not been reached.
Mandatory Catch and Release Licence
This licence may be purchased at any time, even if you already hold a 3-day licence or the annual licence.
It is valid throughout Quebec to fish for salmon and to fish for and retain, in salmon rivers only, any other authorized species.
It does not allow you to fish in a body of water where you have already reached the daily catch-and-release limit.
Also note that to fish in a salmon river, you must hold a sport fishing licence for salmon, regardless of the species sought.
Rates
DESTINATION CHIC-CHOCS INC.
2025 RATE SCHEDULE (taxes not included)
SAINTE-ANNE RIVER SALMON FISHING
SAINTE-ANNE RIVER WILDLIFE RESERVE (DOWNSTREAM SECTOR)
(price/day/person)
Wading – 14 rods available (8 via Nov 1st draw and 6 via 48h advance draw)
Resident
61,57 $
Non-resident
118,57 $
(price per day starting from)
Accommodation: Vieille École Chalet
June-July
200,00 $
August
190,00 $
September
170,00 $
(price per day starting from)
Accommodation: Le Noroît and Le Suroît Chalets
June-July
250,00 $
August-September
225,00 $
GASPÉSIE NATIONAL PARK (UPSTREAM SECTOR)
Wading with accommodation at Petit-Saut Chalets (daily price for all 4 rods): $1,000.00
$150.00 extra per rod for non-residents
GASPÉSIE NATIONAL PARK (CANOE SECTOR)
(price/day/person)
Fishing with guides, canoe, accommodation, and meals
Resident
1100,00 $
Non-resident
1250,00 $
(price/day/person)
Mandatory American Plan for guests accompanying anglers
Resident
225,00 $
Non-resident
225,00 $
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE SERVICES
(1 guide for 2 anglers for 1 day)
Downstream and Upstream Sectors
250,00 $
TERMS AND COSTS OF DRAWS
(1 entry per person)
Draw for 6 rods 48 hours before the activity and registration until 4:00 PM the day before the draw
$3.00
-
- The winner is entitled to take one or two rods.
- Registrations can be made on-site, by phone, or via the Saumon Québec website and must be paid immediately.
- Winners have until NOON the day after the draw to pay for the rod(s).
(Cost per entry)
1 draw per sector and a maximum of 10 entries per person per sector.
$8.00
-
- The draws take place on November 1st at 10:00 AM.
- Participants have until noon on October 31st to register.
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICIES
Downstream Sector
- You must submit a written request (or by email) to management.
- Your 30% deposit on the reservation is non-refundable.
- If the cancellation request is made before the start of the fishing season (before June 15), you will be refunded 70% of the total reservation amount.
- If the request is made after the start of the season (June 15), you will be refunded 70% of the total reservation amount only if we succeed in reselling your fishing days in the 48-hour draw.
- The refund request must be made at least 72 hours in advance to allow us time to include the rods in the 48-hour draw.
- The reservation is non-transferable to another person. In case of cancellation, your fishing days must go through the 48-hour draws to be reallocated.
- Destination Chic-Chocs assumes no liability in cases of force majeure (illness, accident, disaster, death of the reservation holder or a relative, flight delay, or any other conditions beyond its control) resulting in an angler being unable to fish every day scheduled in their package. No refund will be possible in such cases.
- Destination Chic-Chocs cannot be held responsible regarding fishing conditions, weather, runs, management decisions from the MELCCFP, or any other conditions beyond its control resulting in an angler being unable to make catches or fish every day scheduled in their package. No refund will be possible in such cases.
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your protection.
Please note that the accompanying guest will only be able to obtain their access right if the reservation holder has previously obtained theirs.
Upstream Wading Sector
- You must submit a written request (or by email) to management.
- Your 30% deposit on the reservation is non-refundable.
- If the cancellation request is made before the start of the fishing season (before June 15), you will be refunded 70% of the total reservation amount.
If the request is made after the start of the season (June 15), you will be refunded 70% of the total reservation amount only if we succeed in reselling your fishing days.
The reservation is non-transferable to another person. - Destination Chic-Chocs assumes no liability in cases of force majeure (illness, accident, disaster, death of the reservation holder or a relative, flight delay, or any other conditions beyond its control) resulting in an angler being unable to fish every day scheduled in their package. No refund will be possible in such cases.
- Destination Chic-Chocs cannot be held responsible regarding fishing conditions, weather, runs, management decisions from the MELCCFP, or any other conditions beyond its control resulting in an angler being unable to make catches or fish every day scheduled in their package.
- No refund will be possible in such cases.
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your protection.
Please note that the accompanying guest will only be able to obtain their access right if the reservation holder has previously obtained theirs.
Canoe Sector and Accommodation
- You must submit a written request (or by email) to management.
- Your 30% deposit on the reservation is non-refundable.
- If the cancellation request is made before the start of the fishing season (before June 15), you will be refunded 70% of the total reservation amount.
- If the request is made after the start of the season (June 15), you will be refunded 70% of the total reservation amount only if we succeed in reselling your fishing days.
- Destination Chic-Chocs assumes no liability in cases of force majeure (illness, accident, disaster, death of the reservation holder or a relative, flight delay, or any other conditions beyond its control) resulting in an angler being unable to fish every day scheduled in their package. No refund will be possible in such cases.
- Destination Chic-Chocs cannot be held responsible regarding fishing conditions, weather, runs, management decisions from the MELCCFP, or any other conditions beyond its control resulting in an angler being unable to make catches or fish every day scheduled in their package. No refund will be possible in such cases.
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your protection.
Please note that the accompanying guest will only be able to obtain their access right if the reservation holder has previously obtained theirs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Reservations in the Downstream and Upstream Wading sectors are non-transferable.
- Reservations totaling $450 or less (taxes included) are payable in full upon booking.
- All released catches (salmon or trout) must be reported.
- All sectors of the Sainte-Anne River are catch-and-release.
- An annual licence allows the harvest of 4 salmon per fishing season, including 1 large salmon when such harvest is permitted.
Informations : 1-888-783-2663 / info@destinationchicchocs.com / saumonquebec.com
Draws
Annual Draws (November 1st)
Draw on November 1st of each year
3 distinct draws, one for each sector (DOWNSTREAM, UPSTREAM, CANOE)
Maximum of 10 entries per sector per participant
$8 per entry
Winners are called in the order drawn and have choice and priority based on their rank. After calls are made to winners, a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED policy applies for any remaining available rods.
The winner’s rods are non-transferable. The winner must mandatory obtain their access right for their guest to obtain theirs.
REGISTER FOR ANNUAL DRAWS ONLINE
48-Hour Advance Draws (June 13 to September 28)
Daily draws in the DOWNSTREAM sector
6 rods available each day.
The draw takes place at 11:00 AM.
Registration must be done before 3:00 PM the DAY BEFORE THE DRAW (example: to fish on July 20, you must register before 3:00 PM on July 17 for the draw on July 18).
You can register online at https://www.saumonquebec.com by selecting Rivière Sainte-Anne and clicking on the 48h draw tab. Registration by phone and in person is also accepted.
One entry per person.
Registration fees are $3.00 + taxes.
Winners have until NOON the day before the fishing activity to confirm if they are taking their rods and until 3:00 PM to come pay and collect their access right, otherwise the rods will be put back on sale.
Even if an entry indicates two anglers, the last winner will have to accept a single rod if only one remains.
Draw results are posted at the river welcome office at 170, Route du Parc in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. You can also find them on our Facebook page at Destination Chic-Chocs.
Draw Results
Come see the results of our latest draws on Facebook Facebook View Daily Draw Results View Annual Draw Results
Reservations
The Sainte-Anne River has fully limited access (contingentée), and the 20 rods available across the three fishing sectors are assigned by draw.
14 rods are assigned via the annual draws held on November 1st.
6 rods in the Downstream sector are assigned via daily draws conducted 48 hours before the activity.
For detailed explanations on the terms of the different draws, please consult the “Draws” tab in the FISHING section.
Information and reservations by phone or email
1-888-STE-ANNE (1-888-783-2663)
418-763-7633
info@destinationchicchocs.com
Catch and Release
Catch and Release of Large Salmon (63 cm and over)
Downstream Sector: FROM JUNE 15 TO SEPTEMBER 30
(After the end-of-July count, depending on collected data, the harvest of large salmon may be permitted according to a pre-established quota).
Upstream Wading and Upstream Guided Canoe Sectors: AT ALL TIMES
In the mid-90s, the Destination Chic-Chocs Board of Directors made a courageous decision for the time by imposing the release of large salmon throughout the Upstream sector of the river. This measure, now well-recognized and accepted, undoubtedly helped preserve the Atlantic salmon of the Sainte-Anne River and is now applied to the entire river.
However, regarding the Downstream sector, following the end-of-July count, it is possible to establish a harvest quota for large salmon if their numbers allow it.
For all sectors, the quota is two (2) catch and releases per day.
The official daily quota determined by the Ministry is as follows: 2 releases per day.
Video produced by the FQSA in collaboration with the MFFP on best catch-and-release practices.
Protection
The protection of salmon rivers is under the authority of the Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP) via its wildlife protection officers. They are assisted by assistant wildlife protection officers, who are employed by salmon river managers. Assistant protection officers receive approximately forty hours of training from the Ministry and are subject to a criminal record check. Some powers of the wildlife protection officers are delegated to them. They patrol the river, day and night, to observe potential suspicious fishing practices and verify that anglers’ access rights are in order. They interact with anglers and can answer their various questions.
River Flow : https://www.cehq.gouv.qc.ca/suivihydro/graphique.asp?NoStation=021407
Shop
Our small convenience shop allows you to purchase basic fishing gear such as lines, line cleaner, floatant spray, line dressing, line cutters, fly boxes, insect repellent, etc.
Address: 170 route du Parc, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, QC G4V 2C2
Fly sales
At our welcome office, you will find a wide variety of quality flies tied by experienced guides who have exceptional knowledge of the river. They might help you attract the attention of Salmo salar during your fishing trip!
Permitted Activities
As the Sainte-Anne River has two distinct statuses, that of a Wildlife Reserve and that of a National Park, permitted activities differ according to the status.
In the Park portion, swimming is prohibited unless special authorization is granted by Sépaq.
For the Wildlife Reserve, swimming is permitted outside identified salmon pools but is subject to the consent of riparian owners. The vast majority of the land bordering the Sainte-Anne River is private property, and therefore, access to the river via these lands is conditional on the permission of said landowners.
Signs stating that swimming is prohibited have been installed at all locations where this activity is banned, namely in duly identified salmon pools.