Quebec provincial police say a search and rescue operation is under way to find seven fishermen missing in northern Quebec.

The seven people, aboard two boats, left on a fishing trip on Lake Kachistasakaw on Thursday and were supposed to return in the evening.

Police say an eighth person waiting for them on the shore contacted authorities on Friday to say they were missing.

Story continues below advertisement

Police met with the man at their Radisson detachment and an operation was triggered.

Authorities say they are searching in an area more than 1,000 kilometres northwest of Montreal.

A police helicopter, a rescue team and patrollers with boats based in Matagami, Que., have been dispatched to the scene.