Family fishing at Notawissi: three generations on the water in Québec

Three generations on the water: an unforgettable fishing stay at Notawissi

Some trips you plan. Others become memories for life.

Our four-day stay at Notawissi outfitter at the end of May belongs to the second category. Not because everything was perfect. Because everything was real.

Notawissi: a territory that demands silence

Lake Notawissi stretches as far as the eye can see. When you reach the sandy beach in the morning, the lake is a mirror. Wooded hills reflect in the water. There is no sound except the wind in the spruce.

The outfitter covers 200 km² and opens onto 70 exclusive lakes. That is not an abstract number—it is the promise of never fishing the same place twice. Over four days we explored several trout lakes, moving from one sector to the next by side-by-side. Each lake had its colour, its character, its fish. We also caught northern pike on big Lake Notawissi!

We chose a package that suited us perfectly: our own cottage with private bedrooms and a full kitchen. The independence of a family cottage, with freedom to set our own pace. And when we felt like being spoiled, the main lodge offered generous cooking—a memorable dinner and breakfast during the stay.

The whole family on the water

There were five of us: my partner Pascale, our son Antoine, 8, his grandparents Réal and Francine, and me.

Réal and Francine are anglers through and through. This trip was as much theirs as ours. But this time there was a new dimension: Antoine, 8, was there with a rod in hand and a well-stocked tackle box.

Réal put that box together for him. He added lures, hooks, and advice. He passed on the gestures, the patience, the way you watch the water while you wait. It is hard to explain to someone who has never seen a grandfather teach his grandson to fish. But when it happens, you understand why some families return to the outfitter year after year.

Brook trout in May

May is an ideal time for brook trout (speckled trout) in Québec. The water is still cool, the fish are active, and the greenery has just burst into tender leaf. We had clear sun and temperatures around 22°C—bright, not extreme.

We trolled with a small electric motor. The approach was simple and effective: Toronto Wobbler-style spoons that catch and reflect light, paired with a leader and earthworms. No need for a sophisticated arsenal. At Notawissi, trout respond well to a classic approach—and that is what makes this fishing approachable for children and beginners.

The trout were there. They are lively and fight hard—exactly what you hope for. Antoine landed two or three himself. Real speckled trout, caught with his own hands.

The moment you never forget

There is one photo that says it all.

Antoine, standing in the boat, life jacket on, cap on his head. He holds his little trout proudly. And he smiles the way only children smile when something big has just happened.

That is Notawissi in spring.

A wild landscape, exclusive lakes, a family together, and a little boy learning that fishing is also a way to spend time with the people you love.

Between outings: the beach, the cottage, and sunsets

Fishing does not fill every hour—and that is a good thing.

Between trips on the water we came back to the cottage. The sandy beach on Lake Notawissi quickly becomes the centre of gravity for the stay. Paddleboards and kayaks are available to explore the lake at your own pace; Lake Notawissi is huge, and seeing it from a kayak is a completely different experience than from a motorboat.

If you prefer to stay on land, maintained trails let you wander into the forest. The highlight of the stay: a climb to a hilltop, about 5 km round trip, accessible to everyone. The view over the outfitter from above is stunning—lakes, forest, endless horizon. A modest effort for a panorama that stays with you.

And for the “Réals” of this world—those who have earned their rest—the cottage deck, a comfortable chair, and the silence of the lake are exactly right.

That is the real strength of a stay like this. Everyone finds what they need. No one is bored. And in the evening, when the sun drops behind the hills and the sky turns copper and rose over still water, everyone is in the same place.

Those moments are worth as much as the trout.

Réal and Francine: the true heart of the trip

Réal spent mornings on the water and afternoons enjoying the calm of the deck, rods against the wall, a well-earned beer within reach. Francine fished with as much enthusiasm as anyone, true to her passion.

There is something special about watching grandparents thrive in a place like Notawissi. No pressure, no tight schedule—just the land, the lakes, and time moving differently.

Why Notawissi works for a family trip

This kind of stay works because Notawissi offers exactly what a multigenerational family needs.

A private cottage with everything you need to be self-catering if you wish—or a full-inclusive package, often popular with European travellers. A vast territory with many lakes reachable by side-by-side, enough to discover a new spot every day. Extra activities for those who want variety: kayak, paddleboard, hiking trails with panoramic views. On-site dining when you feel like being served. And a flexible formula that lets everyone live the trip at their own pace.

For a family like ours—three generations, different skill levels, different rhythms—it was the perfect fit.

Planning a similar stay?

The fishing season opens in May and runs all summer on Notawissi’s lakes. It is also an ideal place to introduce young people to fishing in a wild, accessible, fish-rich environment.

The Mitik team can help you find the outfitter and package that fit your group. Browse our fishing packages or contact us to plan your stay together.

FAQ

Is Notawissi a good outfitter for families with young children?

Yes. Notawissi is especially well suited to families. Lakes are reachable by side-by-side from the main camp, private cottages allow you to organise your days independently if you wish, and activities go beyond fishing. Kayak, paddleboard, walking trails, and a sandy beach round out the offering so every family member—whatever their age or experience—can enjoy a fulfilling stay.

When is the best time to fish at Notawissi?

May and June are ideal. The water is still cool, trout are active, and weather is generally excellent in this part of Québec. The season continues all summer, but spring often brings the best catches.

What lures work for brook trout at a Québec outfitter?

The approach does not need to be complicated. A Toronto Wobbler-style spoon that reflects light well, a leader, and earthworms are enough for great results. It is also one of the most approachable ways to teach children to fish—simple to use, effective, and rewarding quickly.

Can you fish several lakes during one stay at Notawissi?

Yes. Notawissi’s territory covers 200 km² with 70 exclusive lakes. You travel between lakes by side-by-side on the outfitter’s forest roads. On a four-day stay you can easily explore five or six different lakes, varying the experience and improving your chances of good catches.

Do you need fishing experience to stay at Notawissi?

No. Notawissi welcomes experienced anglers and complete beginners alike. Lakes are well stocked with brook trout and other species such as northern pike, lake trout, and whitefish, so the experience is rewarding for everyone. It is also an ideal setting to introduce children to fishing, with achievable catches and a safe environment.

What is there to do at Notawissi besides fishing?

The outfitter offers many add-on activities: kayak and paddleboard on Lake Notawissi, walking trails including a summit with a panoramic view over the territory (about 5 km round trip), and a large sandy beach to relax between outings. Electric-assist bikes are also available to rent on site. The main lodge restaurant is open for meals when you want to dine in.

Can you stay self-catered and still use the restaurant?

Yes. Notawissi offers a flexible formula that combines a private, fully equipped cottage with access to the main lodge restaurant—ideal for families who want to manage their own schedule yet enjoy a served meal now and then. For international visitors we often recommend full-inclusive packages.