The tench is a medium-sized freshwater fish that generates moderate interest among anglers in Quebec. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America. This fish is appreciated for its ability to survive in challenging water conditions, making it a good candidate for murky and low-oxygen waters. Although it is not among the most sought-after species for sport fishing, it can offer an interesting challenge to anglers due to its moderately combative nature when hooked. It is primarily found in certain lakes and rivers in southern Quebec.

The tench has a thick and robust body with a slightly oval shape. Its color ranges from olive green to golden brown, with metallic reflections that give it a unique appearance. The belly is generally lighter. Its fins are rounded and dark-colored. The mouth is small and terminal, featuring two small barbels at each corner that help it forage the bottom for food. The scales of the tench are small and well embedded, giving it a smooth texture to the touch. Young tenches are paler, while adults display brighter colors. During the spawning season, males develop nuptial tubercles on their heads.

In Quebec, the tench is primarily found in the southern part of the province, particularly in the watersheds of the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. It is more abundant in calm lakes and rivers rich in aquatic vegetation. The tench prefers stagnant or slow-moving waters where it can easily hide and feed. Although it is less widespread than other fish species, it has adapted well to certain aquatic habitats in Quebec.

The tench prefers calm waters rich in vegetation, typically found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. It favors areas with moderate depth, often between 1 and 3 meters, with a muddy or sandy bottom. The presence of dense aquatic vegetation is essential, as it provides the tench with ideal hiding spots and an abundance of food. While it tolerates a wide range of temperatures, it is more active in warmer waters, around 18 to 24 °C.

The spawning period of the tench generally occurs in the spring when the water temperature reaches around 20 °C. Females lay their adhesive eggs among aquatic vegetation, where they hatch within a few days. The fry primarily feed on zooplankton before transitioning to a more varied diet as they grow. Sexual maturity is reached at around 3 to 4 years of age. The tench has a longevity that can reach 15 years, although 7 to 10 years is more common.

Spring → Spawning and laying → Summer → Rapid growth → Autumn → Preparation for winter → Winter → Less active, survival under the ice.

The tench is generally a social fish, especially when young. It can form small groups that move together in search of food. It is not particularly territorial but appreciates areas where it can easily hide and feed. The tench is more active early in the morning and late in the day, and it is sensitive to changes in light and temperature. It reacts little to noise, but a sudden change in atmospheric pressure can make it less active.

The diet of the tench is varied and depends on its life stage. Fry primarily feed on zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates. As it grows, the adult tench adopts an omnivorous diet, feeding on insect larvae, worms, mollusks, as well as plant matter. It often forages the muddy bottom using its barbels to uncover its food. Its diet varies by season, with more intense feeding activity in spring and summer.

In spring, the tench becomes more active as the water warms, especially during the spawning period. Anglers can seek it in shallow areas with dense vegetation. In summer, it remains in these areas but may also move to deeper waters when it gets very hot. Autumn sees a decrease in activity, but it continues to feed actively to build up reserves. In winter, the tench is much less active and takes refuge in deep areas where it can survive under the ice. The best fishing times are early in the morning and late in the day, especially in calm and overcast weather.

For tench, lures are generally not used as it prefers natural baits. However, if you choose to use lures, opt for natural colors like brown, green, or yellow, which closely mimic the tench's natural prey. In clear water, subtle colors are preferable, while in murky water, slightly brighter colors may be effective. Soft lures with a natural swimming action are recommended.

To fish for tench, a light to medium fishing rod of 2.1 to 3.0 meters is ideal. Choose a rod with a moderate action to feel the bites well. A fixed spool reel size 2000 to 3000 with a line of 6 to 10 lb is sufficient. Hook sizes 8 to 12 are recommended, especially if using natural baits. Use a fluorocarbon leader for its invisibility in the water.

The tench should be handled with care to avoid injuring it. Use a fine-meshed net to lift it from the water and avoid holding it too tightly. If you want to release it, do so quickly to ensure it recovers well. For a photo, wet your hands before handling it to protect its natural mucus.

In Quebec, the natural predators of the tench include pike, large mouth bass, and herons. Young tenches are particularly vulnerable to aquatic birds like cormorants.

The tench is not considered a threatened species in Quebec. It is managed in a way that does not harm native species. It is recommended to practice catch and release to maintain local populations, especially in water bodies where it coexists with other important species.