The Richelieu runs 124 km from Lake Champlain on the US border north to the St. Lawrence at Sorel. Most Montreal anglers don't think of it as a destination, which is exactly what makes it worth going. The rocky, current-washed sections around Chambly hold smallmouth bass numbers that rival anything on the Ottawa River, and the walleye in the deeper downstream stretches are consistently underexploited.
It's an hour south of downtown. You could fish it on a weeknight.
Understanding the River
The Richelieu splits into distinct character sections. From Lake Champlain to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, it's slower and wider, with softer bottom and more largemouth bass habitat. From Saint-Jean through to Chambly, the river picks up current and the bottom transitions to rock and gravel — this is the smallmouth water. Below Chambly, the river widens again through the Chambly Basin before the final run to the St. Lawrence.
The Chambly Canal parallels the river through much of the rocky section. Kayak and canoe anglers use the canal for access and paddle into the main river through the connecting channels. The current in the main river between Saint-Jean and Chambly is not aggressive by whitewater standards, but it's enough that an upstream paddle will wear you out. Plan to fish downstream and shuttle, or use a motor.
Chambly Section (Best Smallmouth Water)
The stretch between Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and the Chambly Basin is the most productive smallmouth water on the river. The combination of limestone shelves, moderate current, and clear water means the bass are visible, active, and accessible on virtually any presentation. Tube jigs dragged slowly along the bottom account for more fish here than anything else. A drop-shot with a small finesse worm works well when fish are seen but won't commit.
Launch from the public ramp at Parc des Rapides in Chambly for easiest access to this section. The park has free parking, a decent ramp suitable for canoes, kayaks, and small boats, and access to the canal if you want to warm up before hitting the current.
Topwater in the early morning from mid-June through August is worth the effort. The smallmouth on the Richelieu eat topwater poppers and walking baits aggressively. First light until about 8 a.m., then switch to bottom presentations as sun gets on the water.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Section (Walleye and Mixed Bag)
The river around Saint-Jean is wider and slower than the Chambly section. Walleye hold in the deeper pools and at current breaks near bridge pilings. Evening and low-light sessions with a jig-and-minnow produce the most consistent results. The Saint-Jean section also holds northern pike in the weed edges along the slower inside bends, especially from May through July.
There are multiple public access points in Saint-Jean itself. The municipal boat ramp off boulevard du Séminaire Nord is straightforward. For kayak access, the riverfront park areas offer easier entry points without the ramp infrastructure.
The Chambly Basin
Downstream of the Chambly rapids, the river opens into a broad, shallow basin before entering the lower river toward Sorel. Largemouth bass dominate here, in the lily pads and weed edges along the protected shores. The basin doesn't get the attention of the rocky upper sections, but a May morning in the shallows before the vegetation gets too thick can be excellent largemouth fishing. Pike are here too, earlier in the season.
Kayak Access
The Richelieu is one of the better kayak fishing rivers in the region. The Chambly Canal provides a calm, sheltered corridor with multiple access points, and the transition from canal to river is easy at several locations. Current in the main river is manageable for intermediate paddlers. A sit-on-top kayak or canoe works well. Avoid the main river section between Saint-Jean and Chambly in high-water spring conditions, when the current runs harder.
The Richelieu passes through several municipalities and the access situation changes. Always verify that your intended launch point is still public before driving an hour to fish it.
Regulations
The Richelieu falls under Quebec fishing Zone 7. Smallmouth bass season typically opens in late June for the southern sections. Verify the exact opening date for your specific location because the Richelieu regulation zone can differ between the upper and lower sections. Walleye and pike season runs longer. Check the current year's regulations at québec.ca before your first trip.
20+ years fishing Quebec's freshwater systems. Kayak angler, catch-and-release advocate, and founder of Sub Urban Anglers.
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