The Arctic cod, or Boreogadus saida, is a cold-water fish that you will mainly find in Arctic waters. This fish is not very popular among sport fishermen in Quebec, mainly due to its small size and inaccessible habitat. Nevertheless, it plays a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem, serving as prey for several major predators such as seals and walruses. Its distribution in Quebec is limited to the northernmost waters, particularly in the Hudson Bay and Ungava Bay regions. If you seek to catch it, it's more for scientific or ecological interest than for sport, as it offers little resistance at the end of the line.

The Arctic cod is a small fish that rarely exceeds 30 cm in length. Its body is elongated and slender, covered with small scales that give it a smooth appearance. The color of its skin ranges from light brown to silvery-gray, with a paler, almost white belly. Its head is relatively large compared to its body, with a terminal mouth well adapted for capturing small prey. It has three distinct dorsal fins and a long anal fin. Its tail is forked, allowing it to swim efficiently in the cold and often turbulent Arctic waters. Young Arctic cod closely resemble adults, although they are often paler. There is no notable difference between males and females, even during the spawning period.

In Quebec, you will find the Arctic cod primarily in the northern waters, particularly in Hudson Bay and Ungava Bay. These regions are characterized by very cold waters, often close to freezing point, which is ideal for this species. Outside of Quebec, the Arctic cod is widely distributed throughout the Arctic Ocean, from the shores of Canada to those of Russia. Due to the isolated and difficult-to-access nature of its habitat, it is not a frequent target for fishermen, but it is abundant in its range, playing a key role in the local food chain.

The Arctic cod prefers cold, often icy waters typical of Arctic regions. It generally inhabits shallow coastal waters but can also be found at depths of up to 200 meters. These fish are often associated with under-ice habitats and pack ice areas where they find shelter and food. They are adapted to extreme conditions, surviving in water temperatures as low as -1.5 °C. To observe or catch them, target areas where the ice begins to melt in spring, as this attracts many fish seeking food.

The life cycle of the Arctic cod begins with spawning that occurs in spring, when temperatures start to warm slightly. Eggs are laid in large quantities and float at the surface until hatching. The larvae primarily feed on zooplankton. As they grow, young Arctic cod begin to gather in schools, which offers them better protection from predators. Sexual maturity is reached at around two to three years of age, after which they participate in annual reproduction. The longevity of this species is relatively short, from three to seven years, but this is compensated by their abundance and high reproduction rate. Spring: spawning → Summer: growth of young → Autumn: intensive feeding → Winter: survival under the ice.

Arctic cod are social fish, gathering in large schools to protect themselves from predators. They are not particularly territorial, preferring to move according to food availability and environmental conditions. Sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure, they react to weather variations, often moving to deeper waters when the climate becomes too unstable. These fish are generally active both day and night, although activity may decrease during overcast weather or storms.

The diet of the Arctic cod varies depending on its developmental stage. Larvae and young fish primarily feed on zooplankton, especially copepods, which are abundant in Arctic waters. As they grow, their diet expands to include crustaceans, small fish, and sometimes fish eggs. In winter, when food becomes scarcer, they may reduce their activity and live off their fat reserves. Spring and summer are periods of intensive feeding to compensate for the meager winter resources.

Fishing for Arctic cod is mainly possible during the seasons when the ice is less thick, namely in spring and summer. In spring, when the ice begins to melt, these fish become more active and move closer to the shores. In summer, they remain active, taking advantage of the more open waters to feed abundantly. Autumn sees a decrease in their activity as temperatures drop. In winter, although they are present under the ice, their activity is reduced and they move less. The best hours to catch them are generally early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are more inclined to feed. In cloudy or windy weather, they tend to stay deeper.

For Arctic cod, lures are not as effective as natural baits. However, if you wish to try, prefer small metallic lures that mimic the reflections of baitfish in clear water. Silver and blue colors are recommended, as they resemble the natural prey of the Arctic cod. In murky water, a lure in brighter colors may attract their attention. It is crucial to adapt the size of the lure to the size of the targeted fish.

To fish for Arctic cod, a light and sensitive rod about 1.5 to 2 meters is ideal. A light reel with modest line capacity is sufficient, as you won't need to fight very powerful fish. A 4 to 6 lb line is generally adequate. Use small to medium hooks, suitable for the size of their mouths. A fluorocarbon leader can help reduce line visibility in clear water.

Handle the Arctic cod with care, as its skin is delicate and can be easily damaged. If you plan to release it, minimize the time out of the water and use a damp cloth to handle it. Avoid squeezing its body and release it quickly to maximize its chances of survival. For photos, keep the fish close to the water for a quick return.

The predators of the Arctic cod include the ringed seal, Arctic cod, and sometimes the polar bear during the hunting season. Seabirds, such as the glaucous gull, may also prey on young Arctic cod near the surface.

The Arctic cod is not considered a threatened species in Quebec, although it is crucial for the balance of the Arctic ecosystem. Currently, there is no specific regulation for the recreational fishing of this species, but it is always recommended to practice catch and release to preserve local populations.