| Deschambault Lake | |
| Pushpin Map: | Saskatchewan#Canada |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Saskatchewan |
| Location: | Northern Saskatchewan Administration District |
| Coords: | 54.7833°N -128°W |
| Rivers: | Cub Hills |
| Outflow: | Channel to Pelican Lake |
| Part Of: | Saskatchewan River drainage basin |
| Basin Countries: | Canada |
| Residence Time: | 4.7 |
| Frozen: | October to May |
| Cities: | Deschambault Lake |
| Reference: | [1] |
Deschambault Lake[2] 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]
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]
The provincial Deschambault Lake (South East Arm) Recreation Site [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 [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 commonly found in Deschambault Lake include burbot, cisco, lake whitefish, longnose sucker, northern pike, walleye, white sucker, and yellow perch.[15]