La Corporation de gestion des rivières Matapédia et Patapédia (CGRMP) administrates the Matapédia, Patapédia and Causapscal rivers.

Situated in the middle of the Lower St. Laurence and Gaspé Coast regions, the Matapédia river runs parallel with route 132, between Lake MatapÎdia and the meeting of the Ristigouche and Matapedia rivers.

The Matapédia river is renown for its huge salmon population. From 3000 to 5000 salmon travel up stream each year. The first arrive at the end of May, and the last in September. It is not rare to see salmon in excess of 18 Kilograms being fished from the Matapédia river.

The best fishing happens between mid June and mid August. While the fishing in September can be less rewarding, the beauty of autumn can make it very enjoyable.

Fishing is permitted in the salmon pits, most of which are easily accessible. During the spring a canoe can be helpful to access these pits.

The Matapédia river offers two types of salmon fishing; with or without restrictions on how many people can fish there. The public sectors 1 to 3 do not have restrictions and are situated between Lac au Saumon and Routhierville. These areas offer over 40 salmon pits. The second area has restrictions. To fish in this sector a person must procure a right of access permit, available at the information bureaus in Matapédia and Causapscal. Among the many salmon pits, some of the more popular ones are: les Fourches, Heppell, Adams, Salmon and Alice. Bureaus are open seven days a week during the fishing season. A fishing guide may be reserved by calling the CGRMP office.

The Glen Emma sector is restricted to 10 people per day. A guide and canoe are obligatory. Reservations must be made in advance. This part of the Matapedia River is very popular with knowledgeable local fishers.

The Patapédia and Causapscal rivers are restricted to a limit of people at all times. To fish on these rivers, a person must participate in a lottery that takes place on November 1st each year.

For information and reservations concerning salmon fishing please contact:

CGRMP
53B, St-Jacques Sud
Causapscal (Qc) GOJ 1J0
Tel.: (418) 756-6174 or toll-free (888) 730-6174
Fax: (418) 756-6067

E-mail: cgrmp@globetrotter.net