The Atlantic salmon, or Salmo salar, is one of the most sought-after fish by sport anglers in Quebec. Known for its strength and endurance, the Atlantic salmon provides an unforgettable fight for those lucky enough to hook one. Its distribution is mainly concentrated in the rivers of Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, and Basse-Côte-Nord, where cold, well-oxygenated waters are ideal for its survival and reproduction. Due to its popularity and the beauty of its fight, the Atlantic salmon is often considered the king of sport fish in the province. Anglers appreciate not only its fighting spirit but also the challenge of catching it, which requires precise technique and a good understanding of its behavior.

The Atlantic salmon has a streamlined body, ideal for swimming in fast water. Its color varies from blue-green on the back to shiny silver on the sides, with a white belly. These fish display small black spots in the shape of an X on their back and sides, often above the lateral line. Young salmon, called parr, have darker vertical stripes on their sides. The mouth of the Atlantic salmon is wide, with a slightly protruding lower jaw. The fins are generally dark, and the tail fin is slightly forked. During spawning, males develop a hook on the lower jaw, called a kype, and their coloration can become brighter, with reddish hues. Females generally remain more silver, even during spawning.

In Quebec, the Atlantic salmon is primarily found in the rivers of Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, and Basse-Côte-Nord. These regions provide ideal conditions with cold, clear, and well-oxygenated waters. Famous rivers for salmon fishing include the Bonaventure River, the Matapédia River, and the Moisie River. Although its presence is more limited in other areas, the Atlantic salmon can occasionally be found in some tributaries of the Saint Lawrence. It is absent from areas where the water is too warm or polluted, limiting its distribution to preserved and well-managed zones.

The Atlantic salmon prefers rivers with cold, clear, and well-oxygenated waters. It particularly enjoys areas with moderate to fast currents, where it can hide behind rocks or in deep pools. During spawning, it ascends rivers to find clean gravel areas to lay its eggs. Outside of the spawning season, it can be found in calmer waters, often near river mouths or in lakes connected to river systems. The ideal water temperature for Atlantic salmon is between 10 and 16 °C, making the northern regions of Quebec its preferred habitat.

The life cycle of the Atlantic salmon begins with the laying of eggs in the fall, in gravel nests called 'redds'. After hatching, the fry remain in the gravel until spring, then become parr. These young salmon typically spend between two and four years in the river before migrating to the ocean, where they become adults. After a stay at sea of one to three years, adult salmon return to their natal river to spawn. The longevity of Atlantic salmon generally varies from four to seven years.

Spring → Egg hatching → Summer → Parr growth → Fall → Migration to the ocean → Winter → Stay at sea.

The Atlantic salmon is primarily a solitary fish, especially outside of the spawning period. During spawning, it becomes territorial and aggressive to protect its breeding territory. Sensitive to changes in light, it is more active at dawn and dusk. The salmon reacts strongly to noise and disturbances, making it cautious and sometimes difficult to catch. Weather conditions also influence its behavior; it is often more active in overcast or slightly rainy weather.

The diet of the Atlantic salmon varies according to its life stage. Fry mainly feed on zooplankton and small insect larvae. As they grow, parr consume aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Once at sea, adult salmon feed on fish such as herring, capelin, and sandlance, as well as crustaceans like shrimp. Their diet also varies with the season; in the fall, before spawning, they generally stop feeding.

In spring, as the ice melts, the Atlantic salmon begins to ascend rivers to prepare for spawning. This is an excellent time for fishing, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In summer, fishing can be more challenging, especially in hot or sunny weather, although cloudy or rainy days increase the chances of success. In the fall, although the salmon is less active in feeding, it is more concentrated in specific areas for spawning, which can make it easier to locate. In winter, the Atlantic salmon is absent from rivers, being either at sea or migrating.

For Atlantic salmon fishing, choose silver or copper lures on sunny days, as they reflect light well. In overcast weather or in murky waters, opt for bright colors like pink or orange that attract the salmon's attention. In deeper water, lures with holographic or phosphorescent reflections can be very effective, as they catch any available light.

To fish for Atlantic salmon, a rod between 9 and 11 feet with medium to heavy power is recommended. A fast action helps in effectively hooking the fish. Use a sturdy reel with a line of 12 to 20 lb, depending on the size of the targeted fish. Hooks should be strong, generally size 4 to 6. A fluorocarbon leader of 10 to 15 lb can be useful for discretion in clear water.

When you catch an Atlantic salmon, handle it carefully to minimize stress. Use a fine-mesh net and wet your hands before touching the fish. For a successful release, let the salmon recover by holding it in the water, head facing into the current. If you take a photo, be quick and keep the fish close to the water.

Natural predators of the Atlantic salmon include seals and birds of prey like the osprey. In some rivers, large pike may also target young salmon. Cormorants are also known to consume young parr.

The status of Atlantic salmon in Quebec is concerning in certain rivers due to overfishing and habitat degradation. Strict management measures, such as catch quotas and closed seasons, are in place to protect populations. Catch and release is encouraged, especially for large breeding specimens.