La Réserve Beauchêne

A Canadian treasure lies hidden in northwestern Québec, just a bridge crossing from the Ontario border and only miles away from the Ottawa River. An easy four and a half hour drive from Toronto will find you at our doorstep in the heart of our 50,000 acre territory. Prepare yourself for a unique fishing experience on one of our 40 pristine lakes (12 reserved for fly fishing) with 7 fish species waiting to satisfy the dreams of any angler. This first class drive-to destination offers a choice of luxury chalets, cabins or rooms in the White House all on the American Plan. On the wild side, try one of our well-maintained outpost camps for a more rugged outdoor adventure. After 25 years of conservation our catch’em and release’em policy supplies you with a very good shot at getting hooked onto one of our many trophy fish. With brook trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, lake trout, white fish and even splake on 40 lakes, your most difficult task will be to decide where to begin...

Date Range

La Réserve Beauchêne opens in the first week of May when you will be able to fish for all trout and smallmouth bass. You will have to wait till the third week of May to battle our walleyes and northern pikes. Our season ends after the moose hunt, usually mid-October.

What is Provided to Customer

All American Plan stays include accommodation (all bedding, linen, maid service, etc.) all meals, firewood, one boat and 20 H.P. outboard motor (smaller motor in back lakes) for each two adult guests, gasoline (electric trolling motor where required), floatation vests, boat cushions and landing nets, full fishing rights for all Beauchene lakes (some may require reserving in advance), and grouse shooting in season. Electric trolling motors, when extra and provincial fishing licenses are not included.

All European Plan Rates include accommodation, propane fuel and stove wood, one boat and outboard motor for each 2 guests (other than children), all required gasoline, floatation vests, boat cushions, landing nets, full fishing rights in all Beauchene lakes (reservations required in some lakes) and grouse shooting in season. Provincial fishing licenses are not included.

Region/Terrain Where You Fish

Beauchêne offers superb brook trout fishing. Where else do squaretails reach five pounds plus (except at the end of a long and expensive float plane trip)? These beautiful fish flourish in at least eighteen wonderfully fertile and easily accessible back lakes.

What really sets Beauchêne apart is our abundance of giant smallmouth bass – literally, the best smallmouth bass fishing in Canada, according to the experts!

Over the years, our record keeping repeatedly confirms this average to be almost three pounds, the heaviest in Canada, so we’re told. Smallies will thrill you throughout our extended season (May until October).

Like most places across the North, walleye and northern pike are at home in a number of our lakes but walleye here reach Great Lakes proportions – even twelve pounds plus on occasion. The pike, well recognized for their unusually spectacular and photogenic coloration, frequently go into the teens.

As you would expect in the Canadian Shield, lakers abound, especially in the big, deep, cold oligotrophic lakes. They are usually found on the surface until mid-June, available to fly rodders and feeding thirty feet down in the thermocline in the heat of the summer. The splake in several of our lakes are bulldog fighters that combine the longevity, size potential and long runs of the lakers, and the brookies’ head shaking fighting tactics and appetite for flies.

The toughest decision to make might be whether to fish the main lake for five of the seven species or enjoy the uniqueness of being alone, or virtually so, on our back lakes for a special Beauchêne experience. Back lakes can be reserved, on a first come, first served basis, either with your deposit or on arrival at the Lodge.

Typical Weather by Season

Beauchêne weather is typical of our latitude in the Canadian Shield. It could range from an unexpected light snow in early May (although that is not usual) to very warm, especially on the water, in July (or sooner) to cold at night in August and hot again in September. Lac Beauchêne is a deep lake and so it stores up cold in the winter but warmth in summer. Even when it is warm on shore you may find it cool once you are on the water. Thunderstorms do happen but pass quickly. The "Beauchêne Weather Station" is maintained daily in the White House to tell you what to expect and help you dress accordingly.

Sample of Typical Itinerary

All American Plan stays commence with dinner on arrival date and end with breakfast on departure date. Complimentary light lunches are provided for guests arriving early.

The White House and Luxury Bird Chalets are available for stays of any length, with no required days of arrival or departure. All other Lodge facilities are available for 3, 4, or 7 night stays, or combinations.

• 7 Night Stays: Wednesday to Wednesday, or Sunday to Sunday
• 4 Night Stays: Wednesday to Sunday
• 3 Night Stays: Sunday to Wednesday

All European Plan stays are available only for 3, 4, or 7 night stays, or combinations. Arrival and departure days are Wednesday and Saturdays.

• 7 Night Stays: Wednesday to Wednesday or Saturday to Saturday
• 4 Night Stays: Saturday to Wednesday
• 3 Night Stays: Wednesday to Saturday

All European plan packages are available only in our 3 Outpost Camps. Stays commence mid-afternoon on arrival date and end mid-morning on departure date when guests will be required to return boats and vacate camp to permit preparation for incoming guests.

On-site Activities

Besides fishing and hunting, La Réserve Beauchêne offers the following activities:

Biking
Many of our guests enjoy a workout before or after a day on the water. We keep on hand 4 mountain bikes for free use by our guests. There are many miles of bush roads (most with no vehicles) of varying difficulty in Beauchêne that offer plenty of challenge for ardent bikers.

Along the way you may see some of our wildlife and certainly you will come across a lot of tracks. If you plan on biking, please bring your own helmet.

Swimming
Beauchêne's water is sweet, clear and clean (it's perfectly potable, but we advise caution in drinking from the smaller lakes - too many beavers). The big lake warms (at least on the surface) around the beginning of July each year. From then on, it’s wonderful for swimming. The beaches at the Beach Outpost and the Bear Bay Campgrounds are particularly appealing on a warm summer afternoon. Their gentle, clean sand bottoms are heavenly playgrounds for children.

Because the water is irresistible in summer, we ask parents to keep an eye on their families.

There are no lifeguards on duty.

Hiking
For guests who wish to burn some calories while taking a more intimate look at our forests, we offer a woodland trail.

The trail starts at the Lodge, winds up over a steep hill past majestic white pines, northward toward Foley Bay. It then swings eastward through a magnificent sugar maple park and steeply down into "the Valley of Giants", a mysterious grove of ancient arbor vitae (cedar). It then winds upward again toward the Foley Narrows, from where it is down and uphill by road back to the Lodge.

There is a shortcut through a grove of massive hemlocks for those that would like to pass up the last loop. Many of the specimen trees bear identification tags, adding to the interest. You will find most of the species indigenous to Beauchêne.

Bring good hiking boots or at least lug-soled runners. There are some fairly steep spots, but we have been told by one our woodsmen that "his grandmother would have no trouble making it in her wheelchair". And, there is nothing to stop you from using the miles of bush roads for your hike or jog, as many of our guests do.

Birding
Located on the interface between the St. Lawrence and Boreal forest regions and close to the Ottawa River, the spinal cord of one of the most important eastern migration routes, Beauchêne provides plenty of opportunity for 'Birders'.

From early spring, great blue herons begin to congregate at one of the largest heronries in the region, located on a small island (Ile des Oiseaux) in the east end of Lac Beauchêne.

The Island is also home to many nesting families of herring gulls and some American mergansers and black ducks. Large flocks of Brant geese rest on the Big Lake for a week or two in late spring before heading on to the high Arctic. In addition to wood ducks, hooded mergansers and American mergansers, you may find red-throated grebes on the water. You will doubtlessly see various sandpipers and belted kingfishers along the edges.

Happily, most of our lakes have their families of common loons. Lac Beauchêne is used as a staging area before fall migration by this wonderful bird and so we enjoy the annual September spectacle of flocks approaching 100 individuals, an extraordinary sight.

Osprey, broad-winged hawks, goshawks and merlin live here and we are regularly visited by bald eagles. ruffed and spruce Grouse are common and, in season, ruffed grouse hens and their large families of chicks are often seen scuttling across the roads and sometimes around the Lodge.

As you would expect, the woods are home to many varieties of warblers, sparrows and thrushes and often ring with the work of various kinds of woodpeckers, most notably the spectacular pileated woodpecker, the famous 'Cock of the North'.

Canoe and Kayak
For those who prefer staying on the water, Beauchêne offers a few canoes as well as two kayaks. You may use those on the Main Lake or portage from lake to lake.

Lodging, Meals, and Accommodations

American Plan Accommodations
The “White House”, the main lodge, is a gracious columned southern colonial style lodge on the shore of Lac Beauchêne that exemplifies old Southern charm. It is the heart of Lac Beauchêne and a central meeting point for all guests. The main lodge houses the dining room, meeting room and lounge as well as several comfortable bedrooms with two and three beds, each with a three-piece bathroom. There is an ice-maker available for use of guests and, like each of the other American Plan facilities, a refrigerator for our guests' beverages. Coffee, tea and snacks are always freely available.

Surrounding the White House are four log cabins (Moose, Bear, Fox and Otter), a more spacious and private alternative to the White House. These cabins will accommodate two to ten people. No need to drive, all of these cabins are situated a short walk from the main lodge.

Conveniently located just steps from the White House are the main docks and boat launch, as well as reception and a Pro Shop for all the fishing essentials.

Moose Cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, three full baths and three large bedrooms that will comfortably accommodate groups of six to ten guests. “Moose” is especially popular with business groups because of its size, privacy, complete facilities and comfortable setting for meetings.

Bear Cabin, a comfortable two bedroom log cabin with a log burning stove, refrigerator and coffee maker. This cabin features a living room, porch and three piece bathroom. “Bear” is recommended for groups of up to four people. Bear cabin is also wheelchair accessible and the bathroom is equipped for special needs.

Fox & Otter Cabins, two connecting but very private log cabins, each with its own entrance and separate porch. Inside these cabins you’ll find a sitting area with log burning stove and bathroom, beds for two to three guests each, or combine the cabins together for groups of six. Each cabin also offers a refrigerator and coffee maker. Otter Cabin is wheelchair accessible and the bathroom is equipped for special needs.

La Réserve Beauchêne is owned and managed by a group of partners, and while they are not in residence guests can select to stay in their luxurious Chalet's. Each “Luxury Bird Chalet” is unique and offers absolutely deluxe accommodations accessible by automobile. Each is located on its own private waterfront with a dock. The chalet's offer 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms and 1 or 2 bathrooms, and can accommodate parties of up to 8 people. They provide open concept living/dining facilities with fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, large porches overlooking Lac Beauchêne, gas barbecues and everything else that you need for a luxurious fishing vacation. Guests staying at the Bird Chalet’s take their meals at the White House, a short walk, drive or boat trip away, although by prior arrangement guests may prefer to arrange for our chef to provide a fully catered meal in your own private dining room.

All American Plan packages include meals. A la carte breakfast is served daily from 7am to 9am. You will find pretty much every breakfast food you can think of. Lunch, for those who wish to come back at the Lodge, is served from noon to 1pm. For those that prefer a packed lunch to take fishing, our staff will be more than happy to prepare a sandwich to your liking. You will then choose amongst the different desserts and drinks to complete your lunch box. Dinner is served from 5pm to 8pm. This 5 course meal will certainly amaze you…Our chef will also be happy to prepare your “catch of the day” to your liking. Oh, and don’t forget our amazing dessert table...

European plan
Our three outpost camps offer our guests who prefer to do their own cooking the opportunity to enjoy Beauchene in a choice of comfortable cabins in secluded settings.

The Birch Lake and Foley Bay Island Outpost camps both accommodate up to 4 and are accessed from the main lodge, Birch Lake by 4x4 or equivalent, and Foley Bay Island by boat.

The Beauchene Beach Outpost, which is reached by boat from the Bear Bay Campground, can accommodate larger groups of up to 8.

The Birch Lake and Beauchene Beach Outposts have hot and cold running water, indoor toilet and showers. The Beauchene Beach cabin has two complete bathrooms. Because of the limitation of its island site, the Foley Bay Island cabin only has cold water by hand pump at the kitchen sink and the rustic toilet is “out back”. There is an attached shower room equipped with a sun shower.

All camps have docks and are fully equipped with propane ranges, refrigerators and lights, gas barbecues, wood burning stoves for warmth, all necessary utensils, cutlery and tableware, mattresses and pillows with fresh mattress and pillow covers (no other bedding or towels provided).

Species You Fish for by Season

La Réserve Beauchêne hosts 7 species of fish. Below you will find what flies we suggest and seem to work best in our waters.

Brook trout: Beauchene Bug, Wooly Bugger, Small Streamers, Drag Fly Nymph, Mickey Finn, Silver Doctor, Shrimp/Crawfish, Muddler Minnow, Bead Head flies.

Smallmouth bass: Small Poppers, Bass Bug, Leech Patterns, Crayfish/Shrimp, Wooly Buggers.

Lake trout: Large Streamers with or without stinger hooks (Clouser Minnow, Wonder Minnow, Magog Smelt).

Northern pike: Deceivers, Mouse, Larger Streamers, Wonder Minnow.

Splake: Beauchene Bug, Wooly Bugger, Small Streamers, Drag Fly Nymph, Mickey Finn, Silver Doctor, Shrimp/Crawfish, Muddler Minnow, Bead Head flies.

Walleye: Clouser Minnow, Crawfish, Large Streamers, Leech Patterns.

Whitefish: Small Nymph's, Caddis Fly, Scud.

What Should Customers Bring?

At Beauchêne it can be cool through May and into June, as well as after Labor Day, and the nights and early mornings can be cool throughout the summer. So bring some warm outdoor clothing as well as rain gear and hats.

Of course it can be plenty warm during late spring and throughout the summer, so bring shorts and tee-shirts then. Lac Beauchêne is great for swimming in summer, so include a bathing suit.

Casual is the order - don't worry about dressing for dinner.

In addition to your tackle, personal gear, fly dope, sun screen, sunglasses and flashlight, tuck in a camera - not just to record your trophies, or some of our magnificent scenery, but you may get close to a moose, bear or osprey! Not only that, but we hope that you will enter some of your snaps in our annual photography contest.

Waders are unnecessary but you may wish to bring hiking boots or good, cleated-sole runners if you are planning on some trail walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How far is the nearest town?
A. La Réserve Beauchêne is located at about 25 minutes from the town of Témiscaming Québec where you will find a grocery store, a beer and liquor store as well as a hospital in the case of an emergency. We are also equipped with a defibrillator.

Q. Where is the closest airport?
A. The closest airport is in North Bay Ontario, about 1.25 hours by road from our Main Lodge. It is served by 3 daily flights from Toronto offered by Air Canada. Airport pickup and/or drop-off can be prearranged.

Q. How do you work taxes and gratuities?
A. Our rates do not include taxes or gratuities. Tax rates are of about 15%. As for gratuities, they are not mandatory but are appreciated. We ask that guests that wish to leave gratuities leave them at our reception upon check-out.