Deschambault Lake (Saskatchewan)

Primary outflowsChannel to Pelican LakeCatchment area7,356 km² (2,840 sq mi)Basin countriesCanadaSurface area542 km² (209 sq mi)Average depth6.2 m (20 ft)Max. depth22.4 m (73 ft)Water volume3,350,000 dam³ (2,720,000 acre⋅ft)Residence time4.7 yearsShore length¹680 km (420 mi)Surface elevation324 m (1,063 ft)FrozenOctober to MayIslandsSettlementsDeschambault LakeReferences^[1]1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Deschambault Lake^[2] /dəˈʃæmboʊ/ is a freshwater lake in the north-eastern region of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The identically-named community of Deschambault Lake resides on its shore. There are also four Indian reserves on the lake — Kimosom Pwatinahk 203, Mistik Reserve, Pisiwiminiwatim 207, and Muskwaminiwatim 225 — and a provincial recreation site.^[3]

Access to Deschambault Lake and its amenities is from Highways 106 and 911.^[4]

Description

Deschambault Lake is a large lake divided into two sections by the Deschambault Channel.^[5] The western section is known as Ballantyne Bay. While several rivers flow into the lake, Deschambault and Ballantyne Rivers are the primary inflows. Other significant rivers include Puskwakan River^[6] and Palf Creek.^[7] Deschambault River begins at Wapawekka Lake and drains the nearby Wapawekka Hills. Ballantyne River begins at Big Sandy Lake and drains the Cub Hills.^[8] Deschambault Lake and its catchment are part of the Sturgeon-Weir River drainage basin. The Sturgeon-Weir River is a tributary of the Saskatchewan River.^[9]

Parks and recreation

The provincial Deschambault Lake (South East Arm) Recreation Site (54°42′22″N 103°14′05″W / 54.7062°N 103.2346°W / 54.7062; -103.2346)^[10] is situated on the Southeast Arm of Deschambault Lake. It is leased by Northern Lights Lodge, which also has a facility at the neighbouring Limestone Lake. Northern Lights Lodge is a fishing lodge with a campground, cabins, and access to the lake for fishing. There is also a dock and boats for rent.^[11]

Deschambault Lake Resort is on the eastern shore of Ballantyne Bay. The resort has a motel, cabins, and a campground. There is access to the lake for fishing, boating, and swimming.^[12]

The Puskwakau River enters Deschambault Lake at the south end of Ballantyne Bay. Puskwakau River Recreation Site (54°30′37″N 103°31′40″W / 54.5104°N 103.5278°W / 54.5104; -103.5278)^[13] is just upstream from the river's mouth where Highway 106 crosses it. The park has a small campground and access to the river for fishing.^[14]

Fish species

Fish commonly found in Deschambault Lake include burbot, cisco, lake whitefish, longnose sucker, northern pike, walleye, white sucker, and yellow perch.^[15]

See also

• List of lakes of Saskatchewan

References