There is only one weekend left for fishermen to tease the little fish from the Chenaux in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, in Mauricie and the season will not have been without its challenges, although outfitters are taking stock very positive.
The 84and edition is more than satisfactory for fishing center owners. Families have been numerous since the opening. The weather conditions have also been ideal since December 26.
“We have 16 outfitters and we have 360 cabins installed, so for us, it’s almost a normal season,” assured the president of the Sainte-Anne River Outfitters Association, Steve Massicotte. He estimates the thickness of the ice at a generous 42 inches.
“We have a perfect season in terms of temperature. We had an incredible winter. We were able to start on December 26 until the end,” added the co-owner of the Mario Leduc fishing center, Lyn Savard.
The outfitters had to adapt to the different sanitary measures throughout the activities. The number of bubbles accepted, people per chalet and the curfew have often turned the organization upside down. At least the season ends strong for Mr. Massicotte, since the visitor limit has been lifted.
Faced with the uncertainty of health constraints, the owner of Claude Devault et fils has chosen not to install his largest chalets, which can contain nearly 30 people.
“The curfew was lifted on January 17 and I was like, am I installing them, am I not installing them? But next year, believe me, I’m going to install them,” exclaimed the owner, Claude Devault.
Last year, Marchand et fils did not ice its sixty cabins. Bad weather had cut the season short by almost a month. To the delight of regulars, they are all back this year.
“We were really happy to be able to come back to practice our activity, our family tradition!”
The activities also attract the attention of some curious tourists. A group of French snowmobilers made the detour to the Sainte-Anne River to see the ice huts.
Families will still be numerous for the last weekend of activities. Almost all chalets are reserved.