Gouin Reservoir

Gouin Reservoir is a large reservoir in the province of Quebec, Canada, created by impoundment of rivers for hydroelectric and water-management purposes. The reservoir covers an extensive area with a shoreline cut by numerous bays and islands.

The reservoir is used for recreational fishing, boating and wilderness access, with remote lodges and camps located along its shores and islands. Navigation is by motorboat and floatplane in more remote sections.

The body of water was formed when a dam was built on the regional river system; the reservoir has since been managed for power production and forestry-related access. Over time logging roads and seasonal camps have developed around parts of the shoreline.

Gouin Reservoir is in central Quebec, lying within the province’s interior lake-and-forest landscape. It is remote from major cities; the nearest regional service towns are located many tens to hundreds of kilometres away by road.

• Purpose: Formed by damming and used for hydroelectric regulation and recreation

• Use La Tuque as the primary staging point-most outfitters, boat rentals and floatplane services serving the Gouin Reservoir operate out of that area, so arrange launches and guides there.
• Plan trips to the reservoir's more remote arms rather than the main open basins if you want solitude-many day-boaters stick near the main access points while anglers and campers find quieter coves farther from road access.
• If you're exploring by boat, study a recent chart or local guide beforehand: the reservoir has many narrow channels, islands and submerged hazards, and local guides know the best sheltered fishing spots and sheltered anchorages.