Pourvoirie Poulin de Courval

Pourvoirie Poulin de Courval spreads across an exclusive 128 km² territory in the heart of the Monts-Valin, at 600 metres of elevation, in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region — the ninth-largest of the 23 exclusive-rights outfitters in the region. A single sport species is fished here, the brook trout (speckled trout), across some fifty lakes holding a pure population of native trout with no stocked or competing species; the largest, Lac Poulin de Courval (28 km²), is the largest lake of native brook trout in the world. Only half the lakes are opened each year, on rotation, which is what puts impressive fish on the line from late May to early September. Founded about fifty years ago and named for surveyor Louis Poulin de Courval, the outfitter also offers black bear hunting in June and moose hunting as a group package, on a territory where a maximum of three parties are hosted at a time. Lodging is in eleven private four-season cabins, sleeping 2 to 12, with 24-hour electricity, potable tap water, central heating and a view over the lake; the dining room, which seats 46, serves generous home cooking and offers wine and beer. Packages are available on the European, American or Modified American plan, with an optional guide service — the guides know the territory inside out and cook up the famous shore-lunch of freshly caught trout right on the shoreline. Family stays (free paddleboard and kayak, forest walks, wildlife watching) and corporate groups of 4 to 50 people are welcome too.