Fishing Responsibly on Brome Lake

Got the urge to go fishing? Cast your line into the waters of Brome Lake, where there’s plenty to catch … and not just fish!


© Tourisme Lac-Brome

 

In addition to being very popular with swimmers and recreational boaters, Brome Lake is also an immense playground for anglers. With a surface area of more than 14 km2, this beautiful lake offers lots of bays and shorelines to explore, armed with your favourite fishing rod.

For over 20 years, Renaissance Brome Lake has been working to ensure the best possible water quality in the lake and its tributaries. We met with Anaïs Renaud, a biologist with the non-profit organization, to get a few tips on making the most of the lake’s natural riches while protecting its ecosystems.

 

What to fish for in Brome Lake

So far, 30 fish species have been identified in Brome Lake. Some of them, like perch and walleye, are likely to end up in anglers’ nets.

Various kinds of pike also inhabit Brome Lake’s waters. Great northern pike will give sports fishers who like a challenge a good run for their money, as they usually put up a good fight. The biologist encourages fishing enthusiasts to try their luck with this predatory fish, which could otherwise pose a threat to the lake’s other fish species.

What about trout? Well, Brome Lake doesn’t have any, because the water is too warm. This salmonid prefers a cooler environment.

 But there’s more than just fish to tempt anglers here. Did you know that the bottom of Brome Lake is teeming with rusty crayfish? This invasive species first appeared in the lake a few years ago. In the years since, it has become so pervasive that it is now crowding out our native species!


© Renaissance Lac-Brome

 

Luckily, there’s good news for anglers: to curb the crayfish’s proliferation, Renaud is encouraging them to harvest this small freshwater crustacean, which turns out to be absolutely delicious! “The rusty crayfish can be caught using a dip net or bait trap. One effective technique is to use a partly opened can of dog or cat food. The trap is lowered to the bottom with a rock so that it stays put, and then a buoy is attached to the end of the line. The next day, when you come back to bring up the trap, it will be full of crayfish!” explains Renaud. It’s a fishing and gourmet experience you won’t want to miss on your next visit!

 

Protecting the lake and its fish

To preserve the lake’s health and water quality, it’s important to follow a few basic rules, starting with properly cleaning all fishing material and nautical equipment. Whether you’re fishing from a canoe, a rowboat or any other motorized or non-motorized watercraft, always make sure you stop at the boat and trailer washing station before launching. You can find the station at 685 rue Bondville, opposite Domaine des Érables campground.


© Marilynn Guay Racicot

 

Hot-water pressure washing is a free service that prevents the spread of invasive aquatic species, including Eurasian water-milfoil and zebra mussels. You won’t have to lift a finger, because an employee will take care of all the cleaning work. Just a few minutes’ wait, and you’re ready to go! The station is open seven days a week during the summer, and on weekends only in the spring and fall.

The guardian of the lake also recommends that anglers avoid fishing in aquatic grass beds. “Boat motors cut the water plants and increase the risk of invasive species spreading through the lake.”

Although it’s large, Brome Lake is not very deep. Its greatest depth is 12 metres, but its average depth is just 6 metres. That’s why Renaud stresses the importance of complying with low-speed areas. They are shown on the digital map of the lake, available with the app Ondago.

That’s everything you need to know for a great day of fishing on Brome Lake! All that’s left is to pick up a fishing permit and some nice juicy worms!

For more information on boat launches go to the Town of Brome Lake’s website.

 

 Marilynn Guay Racicot

A native of the Eastern Townships, Marilynn Guay Racicot has an unconditional love for her native region. It’s not surprising that this writer and journalist enjoys revealing the treasures hidden in her region with her pen! Curious, epicurean and a great lover of the outdoors, she takes advantage of her free time to play outside, whether on the water, in the forest or in her vegetable garden!