Ouananiche
Salmo salar
The ouananiche is Quebec's landlocked Atlantic salmon — a hard-fighting, silvery salmon famous in Lac Saint-Jean, where it grows fat chasing rainbow smelt. Sleek and acrobatic, it is prized for spectacular leaping runs and is managed separately from sea-run Atlantic salmon under its own daily limit.
Cold, deep lakes and reservoirs of Quebec — landlocked Atlantic salmon carried under a 2–3 fish daily limit and fly/line-only rules; iconic to Lac Saint-Jean and the Saguenay region.
How to Catch Ouananiche
Whether you're new to targeting Ouananiche or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Ouananiche (Salmo salar) is typically found in lake water and river water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Ouananiche average around 18 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Ouananiche in the USA & Canada
Ouananiche is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Ouananiche, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Ouananiche Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Ouananiche vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Ouananiche populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Ouananiche
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Ouananiche is recorded:
- Lac Memphrémagog — Ouananiche fishing water
- Réservoir Gouin — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lac Saint-Jean — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lac Kénogami — Ouananiche fishing water
- Middle Tetagouche Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Loch Lomond Reservoir — Ouananiche fishing water
- Ratcliffe Brook — Ouananiche fishing water
- Grand Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- St. Croix River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Spednic Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Magaguadavic Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lake Utopia — Ouananiche fishing water
- Harvey Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Serpentine Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Trousers Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Nictau Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Gabarus Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Goose Harbour Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lake Charles — Ouananiche fishing water
- Humber River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Exploits River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Gander River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Grand Lake (Newfoundland) — Ouananiche fishing water
- Red Indian Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Gander Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Deer Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Indian Bay — Ouananiche fishing water
- Southwest Pond — Ouananiche fishing water
- Pinware River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Eagle River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Churchill River (Labrador) — Ouananiche fishing water
- Minipi Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Sebago Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Moosehead Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Rangeley Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Mooselookmeguntic Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- East Grand Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- West Grand Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Grand Lake Stream — Ouananiche fishing water
- Kennebec River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Penobscot River, West Branch — Ouananiche fishing water
- Moose River (Maine) — Ouananiche fishing water
- Chesuncook Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Eagle Lake (Maine) — Ouananiche fishing water
- Square Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Long Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Androscoggin River — Ouananiche fishing water
- Quabbin Reservoir — Ouananiche fishing water
- Wachusett Reservoir — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lake Winnipesaukee — Ouananiche fishing water
- Squam Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Newfound Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Sunapee Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Winnisquam Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Ossipee Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Merrymeeting Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Conway Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- First Connecticut Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lake Francis — Ouananiche fishing water
- Nubanusit Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Silver Lake (New Hampshire) — Ouananiche fishing water
- Umbagog Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Great East Lake — Ouananiche fishing water
- Merrill Creek Reservoir — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lake Aeroflex — Ouananiche fishing water
- Lake Wawayanda — Ouananiche fishing water
Ouananiche Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Ouananiche:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Ouananiche?
Ouananiche (Salmo salar) is typically found in lake water and river water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Ouananiche get?
Mature Ouananiche average around 18 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Ouananiche in the USA and Canada?
Ouananiche is reported across North American waters, including spots in Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Ouananiche?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Ouananiche vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.