Also known as
Atlantic tomcod, microgradus tomcod, frostfish, winter cod, tommy cod
Where to find it
- In the frozen waters of rivière Sainte-Anne (in the town of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, in Mauricie), especially at rising tide
- Find a fishing center
Why anglers like it
- It has delicious, flaky meat.
- It is accessible and easy to bait.
- It is enjoyable to fish during ice fishing season, with family or friends, notably in the comfort of a warm cabin.
Pro tips and tricks
- It is caught using line fishing with a sinker held at the bottom of the lake or river.
- It bites at any given moment, but especially at night.
- For guaranteed success, bait it with a pork liver cube put on each hook. Replace the cube if it turns white and loses all its blood.
- Once the fish is out of the water, quickly put it on ice so it stays fresh.
The chef’s recommendation
Les meilleures recettes de poulamon (Association des pourvoyeurs de pêche aux petits poissons des chenaux) (in French only)
How to recognize it
- Average length: 15 to 20 cm.
- It has a triangular head, numerous small teeth, tiny scales, 3 dorsal fins and a small chin barbel.
- It has a brownish body with a yellowish tint.
- There are undefined spots or blotches on its back, flanks and fins.
- Consult the detailed fact sheet (in French only).
Good to know
- No licence is required to fish in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade.
- There are no applicable quotas
- Selling tomcods from sport fishing is legal.