Gouin reservoir

Located in the Haute-Mauricie region, the Gouin Reservoir is part of a “community wildlife area” covering an area of 1,789 km2, with over 5,600 kilometers of shoreline.
This reservoir is considered to be the source of the Saint-Maurice River, as it is located at the north-western limit of the river’s watershed.
The Gouin dam, the reservoir’s main impoundment structure, was not designed to generate electricity, but it does have a small powerhouse that operates the spillway gates to regulate the flow of the Saint-Maurice River and optimize electricity production at downstream power stations.
Reservoir Gouin is a popular fishing destination.
Fish species include walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and lake whitefish.
Occasionally, anglers catch lake trout and brook trout, but these species are more marginal.
To fish here, in addition to a provincial fishing permit, you must obtain an authorization: a vignette is therefore mandatory.
Numerous commercial outfitters and private lodges are located along the reservoir’s shores.
There are also several outfitters offering hunting and fishing excursions and accommodations.
Some offer houseboat rentals, a unique experience allowing expeditions of one or more days on the reservoir.
Despite its difficult access, the reservoir is also renowned for its wilderness camping and canoe-camping.
In winter, its territory is renowned for snowmobiling.
On the north shore, the native community of Obedjiwan has the only village built on the banks of this vast artificial body of water.
The Attikamek lived near Lake Obedjiwan, which was flooded when the reservoir was impounded, and had to move…

The reservoir is named after Lomer Gouin, who was Premier of Quebec when, in 1918, the Shawinigan Water and Power Company hired him to help with hydroelectric development.

Access

The reservoir can be reached from La Tuque, Lac-St-Jean, Saint-Michel-des-Saints or Mont-Laurier, via forestry roads.
Note: there is no paved road leading to the Gouin reservoir.

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