Cabonga Reservoir

Infobox lake
lake_name = Cabonga Reservoir
image_lake = Cabonga 76.59W 47.36N.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry=
location = Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Outaouais
coords = coord|47|20|00|N|76|35|00|W|region:CA-QC_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = Artificial
inflow = Cabonga River
outflow = Gens de Terre River
Ottawa River
catchment =
basin_countries = Canada
length =
width =
area = km2 to mi2|404|abbr=yes
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore = km to mi|4500|precision=-2|abbr=yes
elevation = m to ft|358|abbr=yes
frozen =
islands =
cities =
reference =

The Cabonga Reservoir ( _fr. Réservoir Cabonga) is a man-made lake in central Quebec, Canada. It is located on the boundary between the unorganized territories of Lac-Pythonga and Réservoir-Dozois, and fully within the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve. The First Nations reserve of Rapide Lake is on its western shores.

Its name is derived from the Algonquin "kakibonga" and means "completely blocked by sand."cite web |url=http://www.toponymie.gouv.qc.ca/ct/topos/carto.asp?Speci=9435&Latitude=47,33333&Longitude=-76,58334&Zoom=1700 |title=Réservoir Cabonga |accessdate=2008-09-22 |publisher=Commission de toponymie du Québec |language=French]

The reservoir has 2 outlets: the Gens de Terre River flowing to the south-east which is a tributary of the Baskatong Reservoir and Gatineau River; and an outflow to the north-west flowing directly into Barriere Lake which is part of the Ottawa River system. Both outflows are controlled by dams to regulate the flow on these respective rivers.

Many fishing magazines and websites consider Cabonga Reservoir one of North America's top 20 walleye and northern pike waters.cite web |url=http://www.quebec-outfitters.net/deerhorn/cabonga.htm |title=Cabonga Reservoir |accessdate=2008-09-22 |publisher=Deer Horn Lodge] And "Outdoor Canada" magazine includes it among its "simply the best" hot spots for lake trout fishing.cite web |url=http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/fish/hot_spots06f.shtml |title=Hot Spots, Simply the Best |accessdate=2008-09-25 |publisher=Outdoor Canada]

History

Before its impoundment, Lake Cabonga was considered the largest body of water between the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers. In 1928-1929, a dam at the outlet of the lake, the Gens de Terre River, was constructed to create a water reserve for logging companies to float their logs downstream. Some 37 natural lakes were thus combined and formed a single reservoir with an area of 404 sq. km, dotted with innumerable islands (some with considerable proportions) and deep bays.

Surveyor H. C. Symmes, in a report dating from 1864, used "Kakibonga" to designate the lake. In 1911, one map named it "Lake Kakabonga". Finally in 1924, the "Commission de Géographie" approved its current name.

Fauna

Fish species found in the lake are: lake trout, yellow walleye, blue walleye, northern pike, lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, sauger, and yellow perch.

References