Moisie River
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The Moisie River is a river in eastern Quebec. It flows south from Lake Opocopa near the Labrador border to the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River near Sept-Îles, Quebec. The river is 410 km in length and drains an area of 19,200 km².
The river's name is said to originate from an old French word meaning "marshy banks".
The Innu call it "Mishtashipu", "Great River". As they have done for thousands of years, they continue to use the river to reach their northern hunting and fishing grounds. Large parts of the river were also protected by private fishing clubs. There were a number of attempts in recent times to develop hydroelectric projects on the Moisie. However, in 2003, the Quebec government protected a large part of the river's watershed as an aquatic reserve. This prevents activities such as logging, mining and power projects, but permits traditional uses such as hunting and fishing.
This river is the most important spawning grounds for the Atlantic Salmon in eastern North America.
The Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway follows the lower section of the Moisie river and provides access to the Quebec-Labrador plateau from which canoeists my reach its head.
The Moisie river is popular with experienced canoeists having a taste for whitewater.
Tributaries include the
- Rivière aux Pékans
- Carheil River
- Nipissis River
