Gouin Report

[Bean]

Would you be willing to take a fairly new truck in to these outfitters? I don't know how much "stone damage" might occur during the trip in and out. Also, would good mud flaps help prevent most problems on these roads?

[Atlanta Dave]

Bean
I dont think the 2 vehicles we took up got any damage from the gravel you will hear it hiting the wheel wells occasionally. It was the boat trailer that got beat but most of that happened on the wrong road we took going in. The ony thing I would be concerned about with the constant bumps is what it does as far as rattles in the vehicle in the future.

Atlanta Dave

[McQ]

A dependable vehicle is a must. We use our trucks some new, all within 3 model years without mishap. Good flaps help keep the stones down (make sure they clear the road surface by a couple of inches - you don't want them dragging) but if you're towing a boat then either fit it with a good bra or wrap the nose back to the fenders with a tarp.

We have never had a problem over the last 20 years but have seen many who entered the road unprepared have their share.

I did sand blast a boat a few years back travelling thru a construction zone on the paved highway. It doesn't take much at times to hurt a painted surface. You're also wise to use galvanized trailers too.

A bit of advice from last weeks trip - Be sure to knock the dust & dirt out of your air filter in your vechicle or better yet get a new one after that 4 hour trip on those dirt roads into and out of Gouin.

Thanks for that exciting report from your Gouin trip. It sure sounds like something I would love to do with friends & family.Thats the way fishing should be.Your boys will never forget it.We've been catching a few on the Sac reservoir this summer. Some of the guys have been doing real well there. A week ago me & a friend caught 10 (6 keepers & 4 shorts). That was better than the whole week in Canada in early July.Trolling with worm harnesses still seems to be the best. any how we love our week at Camp's bay & I know you do to.We're looking forward to taking our 2 yr old granddaughter up there soon.I agree with you on the work ethics. It seems like I need more time to do the things I enjoy- like fishing. Work is overrated. Enjoy the rest of your summer.Two more years & I will be out of this concrete& steel box. Jack

[Peekay]

Bean,

I did the trip thru Parent last year in a brand new Xterra....zero damage using good mud flaps....couldn't arrange it this year but would do it again in a heartbeat.....as McQ says, the road is well tended, but it is a dirt road and the region is very sandy so be wary when cornering....saw a pickup truck overturned in the ditch on our way out last year....also, stay right on the corners....those logging trucks don't slow down for anyone.

PK

[Seanik]

Hi Everyone,
Report on Gouin Reservoir Fishing trip Aug.7-14.
I am an old geezer and in 30+ Canadian fishing trips including fly-ins this was absolutely the BEST one ever. The quantity and size along with ease of fishing, great outfitter assured a return trip by our group.
We did a lot of research before selecting an outfitter and finally settled on Walleye Point (La Pointe aux Dores)with the help of regular posters on this board. Roger,the owner said they only get about 5 American groups each year, he and his wife Pauline were extremely helpful and the food served at the lodge was outstanding. The boats and 10hp motors were first rate and we never had to travel more than 20 mins. to get to great fishing spots, most of the time it was 10 mins or less from the boat landing. We didn't keep a fish count but the morning period from 7.00 to 10:30 am usually was about 20-30 c&r Walleye per man, didn't really target Pike,largest was 38" caught on the only afternoon we fished. Largest Walleye was 24" with the average being 15"-17" and many 18"-20". Leeches with a 1/2 oz slip sinker seemed to produce the best but at times a half nightcrawler on a single hook outfished everything. Overall a simple hook with bait outfished all the jigs and fancy lures we had in our tackle boxes.
We rented a brand new out of the box 2004 Ford E-150 travel van from a local dealer with only 10 miles on it and as I saw it and thought about the 180 miles of gravel road through Parent I immediately bought additional insurance. The Parent road was better than expected we did the 180 miles in 3 hrs 40 mins with just a few minor stone nicks in the fender well areas, the van was just as quiet and rattle free after the gravel road as before it.
Alces one of the frequent contributors to this board and a Gouin enforcement officer stopped by for a visit mid week and put us on a reef that really produced after a cold front slow down, many thanks Claude, you are a valuable asset to the Gouin watershed.
The fingers are starting to cramp,time to quit.
I would be more than willing to answer any questions about this outstanding fishery.

Seanik

[McQ]

It's good to hear you had a great trip Seanik, the Gouin certainly is one of the best walleye spots in North America. Your observations on the road conditions should be a confidence builder for others thinking about making the trip.

Claude is a definite asset to the fishery management, his knowledge and perspective relative to "Gouin fishing" present and future can be counted on as a source of reliable information.

The Walleye Club (La Pointe aux Dore) is one of many Quebec outfitters who list their services here on Walleye Central in the Business Directory, for those of you haven't taken a look at this valuable information source - now is the time.

http://www.walleyecentral.com/phpyellow/

[Bean]

McQ,
Did you go on the trip to Oasis du Gouin or wasn't there enough people? I thought that was this month sometime.

[McQ]

Actually Bean, it was supposed to be last week but I cancelled it earlier due to lack of response which is too bad because the group that was in a week earlier had a great time. Maybe I was being too agressive trying to attract 24 people.

I'll be making another one for next year but will lower the numbers.