A remarkable fishing feat occurred recently in the Saint-François River, located in Drummondville, Centre-du-Québec. A 13-year-old angler, Louis Côté, successfully caught a chinook salmon measuring an impressive one meter. This unexpected event took place while he was fishing for walleye with his friend Charles-Antoine near a dam.
Details of the Catch
Louis described the moment he felt resistance on his line. Believing he had hooked a northern pike, he called out to Charles-Antoine for assistance. It was only when he saw the fish at the surface that he realized it was a salmon.
Identification of the Salmon
After the catch, Louis’s mother contacted the local wildlife ministry for confirmation. They verified that he indeed caught a chinook salmon. Typically, this species inhabits the Pacific Ocean but is also introduced into Lake Ontario for sport fishing.
Significance of the Catch
According to Marc Pépino, a wildlife management biologist, chinook salmon are rarely caught in Quebec waters. This specific catch in the Saint-François River marks a first in their records. Pépino explained:
- This fish is usually caught sporadically in Quebec.
- The Saint-François River had not previously recorded a chinook catch.
Expert Opinions
Fishing guide Marc-André Paquette, who has extensive experience around the Saint-François River, expressed his surprise. He stated, “This is the first time I’ve seen a chinook salmon caught in this river.” Paquette praised the boys for their catch, especially noting the importance of proper fish handling, as the salmon was released back into the water.
Theories on Salmon Migration
Paquette hypothesized that the chinook salmon may have traveled upstream into the Saint-François River. This could have coincided with the release of water from Lake Ontario in mid-October, which helps raise water levels in the Saint Lawrence River.
This extraordinary catch highlights not only the skill of young anglers but also the potential for diverse fish species in local waters.
