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Canoe Trip 30
Otter Lake - Grandmother Bay - French Lake -
Ducker Lake - Otter Lake
Length of Trip: 35 kilometres (22 miles)
Time Required to Complete Trip: 1 to 2 days
Number of Portages: three
Warning:
Water levels and canoeing conditions on many Saskatchewan rivers
and lakes vary from time to time, causing changes in the appearance
of the various landmarks described in this booklet, as well as
causing hazards not described herein. It is the canoeist's
responsibility to proceed with caution and alertness, using
discretion and good judgement at all times. The information in this
booklet is intended to be of general assistance only, and the
Government of Saskatchewan assumes no responsibility for its use.
Canoeists are reminded that they travel at their own risk at all
times.
Access to Starting Point:
Canoes may be launched from the Saskatchewan Government campground
at Missinipe (Walker Bay) on Otter Lake 80 kilometres (50 Miles)
north of La Ronge on Highway 102. Arrangements for the safe parking
of vehicles may be made with one of the camp outfitters at
Missinipe. An alternate starting point for this trip is from below
the rapids at the Saskatchewan Government campground at Otter
Rapids 88 kilometres (55 miles) north of La Ronge on Highway 102.
Otter Lake forms part of the Churchill River system.
Accommodation, food, gasoline and telephone services are available
at Missinipe.
Maps:
73-P/10 Otter Lake
About the Trip:
This trip is a short, easy loop returning to its starting point via
a different route. It is suitable for the relatively inexperienced
canoeist as there are no rapids to run and only three short
portages. This trip, however, traverses much of Otter Lake, the
many islands and bays of which require constant use of the map to
avoid confusion. Under adverse wind conditions the lake may become
very rough. In such event canoeists should be prepared to wait out
bad weather.
This trip could be made in reverse direction as stream currents are
negligible except for a few short stretches at the outlet of Ducker
and French Lakes. Prevailing weather conditions, or personal
considerations may make the reversal of direction of this trip
desirable. For this reason, portage locations have been described
from both ends.
This trip offers good northern pike and walleye fishing.
The Canoe Trip:
From Missinipe on Walker Bay the canoeist travels east-northeast
across Otter Lake, through Grandmother Narrows, to the eastern part
of Grandmother Bay.
Portage Number 1:
Connecting Grandmother Bay with French Lake. Approximately 365
metres (400 yards) long and in good condition.
From the eastern part of Grandmother Bay, this portage starts as a
break in the shoreline grass and willows (Grid location 218641 -
Map 73-P/10)
From the northwest bay of French Lake, this portage starts as a
break in the alders and willows (Grid location 223640 - Map
73-P/10).
Canoeists should make their way to the outlet stream at the
northeastern end of French Lake.
Portage Number 2:
Connecting French Lake with Ducker Lake, this portage bypasses the
shallow, unnavigable outlet stream. Approximately 90 metres (98
yards) long and in fair condition.
From the northeast end of French Lake, after passing through a
small riffle, this portage starts approximately 20 metres (22
yards) southeast of the outflowing stream at a grassy break in the
shoreline.
From the west-central shore of Ducker Lake (Grid location 282678 -
Map 73-P/10), this portage starts approximately 170 metres (185
yards) southeast of the base of the inflowing stream.
Canoeists should travel south on Ducker Lake to its outlet.
Portage Number 3:
Bypassing the shallow, rocky fall at the outlet of Ducker Lake.
Approximately 200 metres (219 yards) long and in fair condition.
From the southern extremity of Ducker Lake, this portage starts at
a large rock on the west, or right side, in fast flowing water
approximately 65 metres (71 yards) above the shallow, rocky rapids
and fall.
From the downstream end, this portage starts from a clearing in a
small inlet about 25 metres (27 yards) west of the base of a rocky
waterfall (Grid location 287664 - Map 73-P/10).
As the canoeist travels southwest down Stewart River, some faded
Indian pictographs may be found on the west side on a conspicuous
vertical rock cliff.
From the mouth of Stewart River, the canoeist travels from Norris
Bay of Otter Lake in a west and northwest direction to the starting
point of the trip at Missinipe on Walker Bay. This is the most
exposed portion of the trip. Adverse weather conditions may make it
necessary for canoeists to seek shelter and wait until wind and
waves subside before continuing. Frequent use of map and compass
will lessen the chances of becoming confused among the many islands
and bays encountered along this part of the trip.
WRITTEN BY: Original script by Northrock Canoe Trail Surveys,
reviewed in 1989 by Historic Trails Canoe Club.
Credits: The text for the numbered canoe routes is supplied by Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, and authorization for the use of the text is given by the same department.
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Modified on 23 Jan 96