The Winnipeg River - Seven Sisters to Slave Falls, Part II
« The Winnipeg River - Seven Sisters to Slave Falls (Part I)
Pinawa Channel
East of Sharky's is another direct but longer passage to Margaret Lake called Pinawa Channel. It was opened up with the help of dynamite to supply the Old Pinawa Dam with a heavy flow of water. The two dams on Margaret (Diversion Dam at Eleanor Lake and the dam at Sharky's Channel) assisted in this flow of water that once rushed to Old Pinawa Dam.
The golf course can be seen on the shores of the Pinawa Channel
Because of its explosive history, this channel has spectacular piles of broken granite lining its shoreline in many areas. Not far from the Pinawa golf course, by which this Winnipeg River channel runs, a massive boulder called Keystone Rock (some refer to it as Manitoba Rock) sits atop one such rock pile. Viewed from one particular angle from a boat, Keystone Rock reveals a profile that is uncannily similar to that of the province of Manitoba.
Like Sharky's, Pinawa Channel should be left to expert boaters with navigational tools or experience in the waterway.
The rock bottom in the channel makes it a good place for walleye fishing.
Dorothy Lake
Above and to the east of Otter Falls and Margaret is a big lake named Dorothy Lake. Like Eleanor and Margaret lakes, it has miles of pristine natural shoreline on its north side and cottages accessible by Highway 307 along its south and southeast shores. Also on the southern shores, there is a lodge and two different picnic sites with restrooms that are provided and maintained by the Whiteshell Provincial Park. On the northeast, there is a secluded beach.
Dorothy Lake is connected to Nutimik Lake by a single Winnipeg River channel made narrow by an outcropping of land known as The Barrier. The fast water there that flows into Dorothy Lake is popular for walleye fishing. Nearby is Opapiskaw Campground and a lodge, still on the Dorothy side of the channel.
Nutimik Lake
Nutimik reveals itself as you boat around The Barrier from Dorothy. Its west side, adjacent to the Whiteshell's Highway 307, has many cottages. Its southernmost shore is home to Nutimik Campground, the Whiteshell's Natural History Museum and Nutimik Lodge. On the east side of the lake is Sturgeon Falls. From there, the northern shoreline back to The Barrier is all natural.
Boaters who stop at the south shore will find a number of amenities. The Nutimik Campground has restrooms and showers. Nutimik Lodge has takeout food, gas, a convenience store and a liquor store. The museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the area or the Winnipeg River's sturgeon. There is a nearby footbridge and public beach.
Sturgeon Falls when the river flow is low
Sturgeon Falls
As the name would suggest, this area is popular for sturgeon fishing, which is currently catch-and-release only. Anyone in the area interested in these large fish probably should visit the museum in Nutimik as they are not always possible to catch and see. They have a sturgeon display. Walleye are also in these waters.
Some boats are capable of crossing Sturgeon Falls, but this should be left to expert drivers who take safety precautions and are familiar with the best route. Most will agree that going up the falls is not the hard part and that just knowing the way is not enough. There are times when the flow of the Winnipeg River is so strong that even seasoned veterans of crossing Sturgeon Falls will not attempt it. Many boaters are more than satisfied with just seeing this natural wonder and staying downstream.
Numao Lake
Above Sturgeon Falls is Numao Lake. It is a quiet retreat, save for the sound of the water. There is light boat traffic and no cottages, meaning it has an all-natural shoreline. The shoreline is characterized by a number of well-defined bays, suitable for goldeye and northern pike fishing.
Slave Falls dam. Only a lucky few ever get to see this dam.
Numao is the last of the lakes before reaching Slave Falls Dam. The lake is fed by Scott Rapids, a narrowing of the Winnipeg River with fast, fast water that is said to be up to 130ft deep. It has its share of sturgeon and walleye.
For those who reach the dam, it is a wonderful sight, but be wary of it as water conditions can change rapidly with the opening of the gates. The walleye fishing is good and there is a shoreline where a boat can be beached for a little bit of walking around. A railroad track is used to service the dam and sometimes a converted schoolbus with dam maintenance workers will appear on the rails.
Boats on the Winnipeg River cannot get by the dam.
Concluding a Winnipeg River Adventure
Dinner, entertainment and a comfortable bed at the Pinawa Motor Inn all await your return from activities and exploration on the Winnipeg River. We will enjoy your company!