Lakes and Rivers

Tay Valley Township is the home to an abundance of lakes and rivers which harbour a diverse range of wildlife habitat, exploration, and discovery opportunities. Our waterways make the area perfect for canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, and bird watching.

Lakes

Adam Lake

Lake Association: Adam Lake Property Owners Association

Contact: bobjackson@xplornet.com

Lake Details: Camping facilities, boat and cottage rentals are available at the lake.

Dimensions: 179 acres, Maximum Depth of 61 feet

Fishing: Banded Killfish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Brown Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and White Sucker.

Water Access: No public access. Light watercraft can gain access via the Rideau Canal System from Big Rideau Lake. A public boat launch on the Big Rideau can be accessed through Murphys Point Provincial Park. For directions, visit the Ontario Parks website for Murphys Point.

Andrew Lake

Lake Details: Andrew Lake is located north of Otty Lake and is surrounded by private land North of Kenyon Road and McLaren Road.

Dimensions: 30.8 acres

Fishing: Central Mudminnow.

Water Access: No public access.

Bennett Lake

Lake Association: Bennett and Fagan Lakes Association

Contact: doncra@bell.net

Lake Details: Bennett Lake is a beautiful lake situated just 15 miles northwest of Perth, Ontario. Bennett Lake is connected to Fagan Lake through the Fall River. The lake is close to 5 miles long and winds through a series of small islands. The lake is quite deep in most areas; however, there are a couple of rock shoals, which are well marked. Bennett Lake is often visited by plenty of wildlife.

Dimensions: 1189 acres, Maximum Depth of 40 feet.

Fishing: Yellow Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, White Sucker, Burbot.

Water Access: No public access. Directions from Perth: Take Highway #511 North to Balderson. Turn west on Fallbrook Rd. (County Rd. #7) and follow this road west then north, to the village of Fallbrook. Turn west on Bennett Lake Rd. (County Rd. #19) Turn South on Ennis Road. Follow this road to the lake for access, for a small fee, at Ennis Cottages. There is also a Paddle Boat rental store where gas, ice cream, some groceries, and bait are sold. Fishing licenses are available for purchase at the main office.

Big Rideau Lake

Lake Association: Big Rideau Lake Association

Contact: bmhawkins@rogers.com

Lake Details: Big Rideau Lake is 32 kilometers long and about 6 kilometers wide. The Rideau Canal was designated a national historic site in 1926. In 2000, the canal was designated a Canadian Heritage River and in 2007 was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Big Rideau Lake is home to many water bays including: Muskrat Hole, Horseshoe Bay, Bass Bay, Hawse Bay, Hoggs Bay, Nobles Bay, and more.

Fishing: Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: From County Road 1 (Rideau Ferry Road), turn West on County Road 21 (Elm Grove Road). Follow signage to Murphys Point Provincial Park. Park fees may apply.

Black Lake

Lake Association: Black Lake Property Owners Association

Contact: challiwe@rogers.com

Lake Details: Black Lake contains many islands and inlets to explore. There is a large wildlife population within its vicinity.

Dimensions: 846 acres, Maximum Depth of 70 feet

Fishing: Blacknose shiner, Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Brown Bullhead, central Mudminnow, Fathead Minnow, Northern Pike, Northern Redbelly Dace, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Pickerel. During the summer months, Black Lake is fished for Yellow Pickerel, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and Panfish. Winter fishing for Yellow Pickerel is a long-time tradition.

Water Access: No public access. Directions to South Side: From Perth, take County Road 10 (Scotch Line) to Narrows Lock Road. Directions to North Side: From Perth, continue along County Road 10 to Stanleyville Road. Follow straight through onto the Black Lake Road.

Bobs Lake

Lake Association: Greater Bob's & Crow Lakes Association

Contact: larryarpaia@gmail.com

Lake Details: Bobs Lake is a majestic and fascinating watershed. Famous for its many bays, islands, and connecting lakes, Bob's Lake is renowned internationally for offering some of the "world's greatest fishing". For the active lifestyle, Bobs Lake and area offers a wide array of activities. Summer sports include boating, water-skiing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and cycling. In the winter, it is a quiet and peaceful place.

Fishing: Lake Whitefish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: No public access. Directions from Perth: Head West on Highway #7. Turn left onto Glen Tay Road. Turn right onto County Road #6 (Christie Lake Road). Continue on to Althorpe Road and across County Road # 36 to Ritchie Side Road. Turn right on Crozier Road.

Christie Lake

Lake Association: Christie Lake Association Inc.

Contact: http://christielakeassociation.com/contact-us/

Lake Details: Christie Lake is approximately 15 km southwest of Perth. Typical of the Canadian Shield, the watershed is characterized by thin soil and areas of exposed bedrock. The lake has a long, irregular shoreline, with rocky outcrops and steep cliffs dominating most of the northern and southern shoreline. There are 31 islands, ranging in size.

Dimensions: 1,596 acres, Maximum Depth at 60 feet.

Fishing: Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Brown Bullhead, Fallfish, Largemouth Bass, Log Perch, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, Smallmouth Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Perch, Yellow Pickerel.

Public Access - From Perth, take Christie Lake Road and continue on Althorpe Road to Hannah Road. Follow Hannah Road for approximately 10 km. The public access point is located off Hannah Road onto the Tay River. The launch site allows for car top and small motorized craft to enter Christie Lake from the South West. There are several campgrounds on Christie Lake including: Jordan's Cottages,  Christie Lake Kids Camp and Camp Opemikon, Tay River Tent & Trailer Park.

Clear Lake

Lake Details: Located off of Highway #7, south of Silver Lake Provincial Park.

Dimensions: Clear Lake has an elevation of 180 metres above sea level. The perimeter of the lake is 2.8 kilometres and the deepest point is 4.5 metres.

Fishing: Clear Lake supports a warm water fishery. In particular; Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.

Water Access: There is no public access.

Coin Lake

Lake Details: Located off of Highway #7, south of Silver Lake Provincial Park, Coin Lake is surrounded by private land.

Water Access: There is no public access.

Davern Lake

Lake Association: Davern Lake Cottage Association

Contact: p.ginsberg@rogers.com 

Dimensions: 128 acres; Perimeter of 4.45 kilometres; Maximum Depth of 175 feet.

Fishing: Crappie, F.W. Herring, Perch, Pike, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass.

Water Access: No Public Access. Directions from Perth: Head West on Highway #7 to County Road #36 at Maberly. Head South on County Road #36 for approximately 15 km to Davern Lake area.

Deer Lake

Lake Details: Deer Lake is surrounded by private land.

Water Access: There is no public access.

Fagan Lake

Lake Association: Bennett and Fagan Lakes Association

Contact: doncra@bell.net

Lake Details: Fagan Lake is connected to Bennett Lake by means of the Fall River.

Farren Lake

Lake Association: Farren Lake Property Owners Association Inc.

Contact: george@wi.llett.com

Lake Details: Located near the hamlet of Bolingbroke, Farren Lake is a beautiful calm lake with all sorts of fish and wildlife.

Dimensions: 427 acres, Maximum Depth at 70 feet.

Fishing: Banded Killifish, Black-chin Shiner, Black-nose Shiner, Bluegill, Bridled Shiner, Brown Bullhead, Ciscoe, Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rock-Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spot-tailed Shiner, Stocked Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: From Highway #7, head South from the village of Maberly on County Road #36. Follow County Road #36 past Bolingbroke to where the road borders the Southwest part of the lake. A short portage over the Township road allowance with a small boat or canoe is possible. There is also a public access from the County Road.

Hoggs Bay

Fishing: Lake trout, Lake Whitefish, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch.

Water Access : Located at Murphys Point Provincial Park. From County Road 1 (Rideau Ferry Road) turn west on County Road 21 (Elm Grove Road). Follow signage to Murphys Point Provincial Park. Contact Park for fees, access and watercraft restrictions. 

Lake of the Hills

Lake Details: Lake of the Hills is surrounded by private land.

Water Access: There is no public access.

Little Mud Lake

Lake Details: Little Mud Lake is surrounded by private land.

Water Access: There is no public access.

Little Silver Lake

Lake Association: Little Silver Lake & Rainbow Lake Cottage Property Owners Association Inc.

Contact: president@littlesilverandrainbowlakes.com

Dimensions: 206 acres

Fishing: Bass, Perch, Sunfish.

Water Access : Public boat access is not maintained. Car top and small motorized craft only. Little Silver Lake is a low speed lake, boats travelling along the entire south basis are restricted to 10km/h. Parking is very limited. Day use only. Directions from Perth: Take Highway #7 West to Maberly. Turn South on Bolingbroke Road (County Road #36) then turn left on Little Silver Lake Road (just before railway crossing).

Long Lake

Contact: cgillieson@gmail.com

Lake Details: Long Lake is fed by a number of small tributaries connected to intermittent lakes. It is drained by an unnamed creek leading into Adams Lake. Long Lake has five islands, the largest being Farry Island.

Dimensions: 210 acres, Maximum Depth at 65 ft.

Fishing: Banded Killifish, Black-chin Shiner, Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Brown Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: Public Access. Directions from Perth: Take County Road #10 (Scotch Line) Southwest to County Road #14 (Narrows Lock Road). Turn left on Long Lake Road to civic address #525. Owned by the Ministry and maintained by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. This is a day-use site restricted to small watercraft. Adequate parking is available.

Loon Lake

Water Access: From County Road 1 (Rideau Ferry Road), turn West on County Road 21 (Elm Grove Road). Follow signs to Murphys Point Provincial Park. Park fees required.

Lower Mud Lake

Lake Details: Lower Mud Lake is surrounded by private land.

Water Access: There is no public access.

McGowan Lake

Dimensions: 98 acres

Fishing: Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass.

Water Access: No public access. A commercial trailer park and campground is located on the South side of Highway #7, East of the Village of Maberly.

McLaren Lake

Dimensions: 26.4 acres

Fishing: Alewife, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Burbot, Largemouth Bass, Minnows, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: Lake is surrounded by private land, West of Otty Lake. Access by canoe or small watercraft from Otty Lake only.

Mills Lake

Water Access: No Public Access.

Mud Lake

Water Access: Mud Lake can be accessed through Otty Lake. Public Access to Otty Lake is located South of the Town of Perth. From County Road #1 (Rideau Ferry Road) head South West on Country Road #21 (Elmgrove Road). Turn right on Miller Bay Road and continue 1 km to the public launch site at the South West end of the lake. The boat launch is municipality maintained and has a small parking area.

Otty Lake

Lake Association: Otty Lake Association

Contact: reid.k@bell.net

Lake Details: Otty Lake is a beautiful, rocky shored lake in the heart of Eastern Ontario. Although Otty Lake is primarily spring fed, it supplies the Tay Valley Watershed which feeds into the Rideau near Rideau Ferry. Nearly five hundred seasonal and year-round residences border this lovely lake.

Dimensions: 1,545 acres, Maximum Depth at 90 feet.

Fishing: Alewife, Black Crappie, Bluntnose, Burbot, Golden Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: Otty Lake Boat Launch - Located South of the Town of Perth. From County Road #1 (Rideau Ferry Road) head South West on Country Road #21 (Elmgrove Road). Turn right on Miller Bay Road and continue 1 km to the public launch site at the South West end of the lake. The boat launch is municipality maintained and has a small parking area.

O'Brien Lake

Lake Details: O'Brien Lake is surrounded by private land.

Pike Lake

Lake Association: Pike Lake Community Association

Contact: adriennefowlie@hotmail.com

Fishing: Pike Lake is home to many seasonal cottages and wildlife. It is the perfect lake to enjoy tranquility, water activities, and nature.

Dimensions: 782 acres, Maximum Depth at 126 feet.

Fishing: Black-chin Shiner, Black-nose Shiner, Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Brown Bullhead, Burbot, Central Mudminnow, Golden Shiner, Lake Herring, Northern Redbelly Dace, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: From Perth, head South West on County Road #10 (Scotch Line) past Stanleyville Road, near civic address #4205. There is a small sign indicating the laneway. The public launch site with boat ramp and parking area are located at the North East end of the lake near the retaining dam on Grants Creek. A commercial trailer park and campground can also be found along the North shore of this lake.

Rainbow Lake

Lake Association: Little Silver Lake & Rainbow Lake Cottage Property Owners Association Inc.

Contact: president@littlesilverandrainbowlakes.com

Lake Details: Originally this was muddy with little water and a great habitat for mosquitoes. Then, in 1984, a developer built a dam at the east end of the lake on his property. Now Rainbow Lake is well established. Water flows from Rainbow Lake into Little Silver Lake along a stream that is about 100 metres long.

Rock Lake

Lake Details: Rock Lake is located North of Long Lake Road, west of Otty Lake.

Dimensions : 23.2 acres

Fishing: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: No Public Access. The lake is surrounded by private land.

Round Lake

Details: Round Lake is surrounded by private land.

Silver Lake

Lake Details: Silver Lake is home to Silver Lake Provincial Park, where visitors can enjoy a picturesque setting that offers great camping, swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Camping and parking is also available. Amenities are all within walking distance of the parking area. Park fees may apply. 

Dimensions: 608 acres, Maximum Depth at 80 feet.

Fishing: American Eel, Brown Bullhead, Burbot, Lake Herring, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Perch.

Water Access : Located just North of Highway #7, approximately 5 km West of the village of Maberly. Access is available at Silver Lake Provincial Park (park fees apply). There is also a gravel access point available to the public at no charge, located on the North side of Highway #7, less than 1 km west of the Park.

Upper Mud Lake

Dimensions: 23 acres

Fishing: Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch.

Water Access: No Public Access. Surrounded by private land.

Creeks and Rivers

Black Creek

Details: Black Creek flows from Black Lake to Big Rideau Lake.

Bolton Creek

Details: Bolton Creek flows from the Bolton Lakes and joins the Fall River, and then the Mississippi River into the Ottawa River.

Campbell's Creek

Details: Campbell's Creek runs alongside Lower Mud Lake until it connects to Bolton Creek.

Fall River

Details: The Fall River is part of the Saint Lawrence River drainage basin, and flows from Sharbot Lake through Bennett Lake to join the Mississippi River, and then the Ottawa River. It flows through the communities of Maberly and Fallbrook and is about 50 kilometers from end to end. The river is named after European settlers of the late 17^th century. The Fall River near Upper Mud Lake and Lower Mud Lake forms a Provincially Significant Wetland complex.

Water Access: There is public access in the village of Maberly, near the intersection of Cohen Way and Maberly-Elphin Road.

Grants Creek

Details: The East end of the Creek is designated a Provincially Significant Wetland due to its ecological importance.

Water Access: A public boat launch and parking area is available on Scotch Line Road, just North of civic address #4225; owned and maintained by the Ministry.

Mississippi River

Details: The Mississippi River along our northern boundary is a fun river to canoe, kayak and swim. For information about canoe trips in this watershed and other adjacent areas, check out the Mississippi Field Naturalist's website which is full of information about local hikes and canoe trips.

Water Access: Near the junction of Fallbrook Road and McDonalds Corners Road is a bridge which crosses the Mississippi River. Just after the bridge is a public boat launch with sufficient parking. There is a strong current and the water can be shallow so this is a non-swimming area.

Scotts Snye

Details: The Scotts Snye is a branch of the Tay River and has a length of 1.24 kilometers.

Tay River

Details: The Tay River Watershed is approximately 95 km long, encompasses 46 lakes and passes through 6 municipalities. The headwaters of the Tay River are used as a reservoir for the Rideau Canal.

Water Access: The Tay River can be accessed via Hanna Road. There is parking available, which is maintained by the Ministry. Please be respectful of surrounding residents when using this access point.

There is a second water access on Glen Tay Road, known as the Glen Tay Swimming Area. It is owned and maintained by Tay Valley Township. There is also parking available.

A third water access point is known as the Noonan Access Point. The municipality owns 1284 feet of frontage on the Tay River at this location. Public swimming is available.