Kawagama Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Kawagama Lake (a.k.a. Hollow Lake)
image_lake =
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Ontario
coords = coord|45|18|N|78|45|W|type:waterbody_region:CA|display=inline,title
type =
inflow = "various creeks and streams"
outflow = Hollow River
catchment = northwestern Haliburton, southwestern Algonquin Park
basin_countries = Canada
length = 10 miles
width = 4 miles
Surface area = 32 km²
Average depth = 21 m
max-depth = 75 m
volume = convert|498646|acre.ft|abbr=on|lk=on
residence_time =
Perimeter shoreline = 83.5 km
elevation = 355.6 m
islands = 8 inhabited
cities = None

Kawagama Lake is located on the northeastern border of Haliburton and Muskoka counties in southern Ontario, Canada.

Description

Kawagama lake is the largest lake in Haliburton county. It is only slightly smaller than the 3 large Muskoka lakes and Lake of Bays. It is a large lake that does not have any towns or settlements on it. From its northwestern bay (Fletcher Bay) to its southeastern tip (the Hollow or East River) it is over 10 miles in length. In its central area, it is 4 miles wide. It is a popular spot for cottagers that want something a bit quieter than the 4 large Muskoka lakes. It has 2 marinas and 2 access points.

Kawagama Lake is pretty and peaceful. But it is also described as 'unforgiving.' One must be aware of weather conditions at all times. Boaters must respect Kawagama. Even in fair weather the lake can become very rough with little warning, and such conditions can sometimes last for days. When venturing out into the main part of the lake, boaters must be prepared to seek shelter quickly and hole up, sometimes for 2 or 3 few days.

The word "kawagama" is Native for "hollow".

The main area of the lake has 8 inhabited islands. One island has a camp called Moorelands camp for underprivileged children from the G.T.A. There are few shallow or rocky areas in the lake that are hazardous to boaters except narrow channels.

The maximum depth of the lake is 75 metres with an average depth of 21 metres. It is regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in ontario and there are no zebra mussels. It also connects to the picturesque bear lake. The shoreline is about 83 kilometres long. The Ministry of Natural Resources controls the lake level.

There are 14 creeks and small rivers that feed Kawagama. The two main ones are the short Bear River and the Hollow River, known by the locals as the East River. One major river, also called the Hollow River, drains out of Kawagama into Lake of Bays.

It is a good lake for trout and smallmouth bass.

Activities

A kawagama lake regatta is held every year at Moorelands camp, usually on the August long weekend. This years regatta is on July 27th. On August 2nd 2008, the fireworks show will be displayed near Old Mill Marina. The southern shore and down near the marinas is where the big cottages are. Most of the mainland is road accessible. Property is expensive because of demand and the fact that over 70% of easy developable land is gone.

Wild life

Loons can be found in certain parts of the lake. There is a loon nest in the western end of Lower Fletcher bay. Ducks and other water birds are found in the lakeshed. Kawagama is abundant in laketrout and bass. Plenty other kinds of fish are found too like stickelback, yellow perch, brook trout and catfish. Land animals like bear, moose, deer, fox, raccoon and hundreds of bird species as well. On Maple Ridge Road, there is a landfill site. Black bears could often be found their eating garbage but an electric fence has recently been built to keep bears out. Cottage country is on the borderline of coniferous and deciduous forestzones.

Location

The small towns of Dorset, Dwight and Baysville are nearby. Bigger towns like Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Minden are only 40 min. from Dorset. Kawagama is about 3 hours from Toronto