Some 266km long, the Ashuapmushuan formerly served as a means of communication and was equipped with relay posts between the Montagnais and the Cris. The basin is dotted with over 1,200 lakes, streams and rivers. Its name in Montaignais means "place where one stalks moose". This 4,487km² wildlife reserve is a hunting and fishing paradise, and one of the region's largest spawning grounds for the landlocked salmon (ouananiche).