Derived its name from John Samuels son William Marchington. William, who was a Parliamentary writer and later editor of Canada's national newspaper the 'Globe & Mail'. William also wrote for a couple of English newspapers. William had a golfing buddy who was a Cartographer, and as such he asked to use William's surname to name areas in the 'back country' of Ontario.
Hydrology
The lake lies roughly south-west to north-east, a distance of 22.5km (14.0mi). There are two major bays on the lake: Northeast Bay, which forms the north-east end, and McDougall Bay, which forms a large hook at the south-west corner. Another arm forms a 5km (3.1mi) spike leading south-east from Northeast Bay.
The CNtranscontinentalmain line crosses the lake at its south-eastern arm near Robinson, travels inland, then continues along the south-west corner of the lake past Ghost River and McDougall Mills.
Marchington Lake is a significant lake located in the Kenora District of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Renowned for its pristine wilderness setting and exceptional fishing opportunities, it serves as a popular destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a remote Canadian outdoor experience.
Geography
Marchington Lake lies in a roughly southwest-to-northeast orientation, stretching for approximately 22.5 kilometers (14.0 miles) in length [1, 2]. Its maximum width is about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles), and it covers a surface area of approximately 81 square kilometers (31 square miles) [2]. The lake is part of an extensive river system, characterized by a complex network of inflows and a single primary outflow. It is fed by seven main river systems, including the Marchington River, Sturgeon River, and North River, all contributing to its water volume. The primary outflow is also the Marchington River, which continues its course from the lake [2, 3].
The lake features several notable geographical characteristics:
Northeast Bay: Forms the northeastern extremity of the lake.
McDougall Bay: A prominent, large hooked bay situated at the southwestern corner.
Southeastern Arm: Another significant arm extends approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) southeast from Northeast Bay, adding to the lake's intricate shape [2].
Marchington Lake's elevation is approximately 362 meters (1,188 feet) above sea level, contributing to its position within the vast Canadian Shield, an ancient geological formation known for its rugged landscapes, exposed bedrock, and countless lakes and rivers [2, 3].
Ecology and Wilderness
Marchington Lake is situated within a remote, pristine wilderness area of Northwestern Ontario, offering an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. The surrounding landscape is dominated by dense boreal forest, characteristic of the Canadian Shield, featuring coniferous trees like spruce and pine, interspersed with deciduous species.
The lake is part of a larger chain of approximately 15 remote lakes, many of which are only accessible by short portages or connecting river systems, maintaining their secluded and untouched nature [3]. This network of lakes and rivers supports a diverse array of wildlife, including common sightings of bear, moose, and various species of eagles [3]. The area is also recognized for its large moose populations, making it a significant region for wildlife viewing and hunting [3].
The ecological health of Marchington Lake is generally considered excellent, attributed to its remote location and limited human impact, which helps maintain water quality and supports healthy fish populations.
Fishing and Recreation
Marchington Lake is primarily renowned as a premier fishing destination, attracting anglers from various regions. The lake's abundant fish populations are a major draw, with Walleye and Northern Pike being the most popular species [4, 5]. Other fish species found in Marchington Lake and its connected water bodies include:
The lake's structure, with its numerous bays, inlets, and adjoining rivers and creeks, provides diverse habitats for these fish species, offering varied fishing experiences. Many remote fishing lodges in the area operate on or near Marchington Lake, emphasizing catch-and-release practices to help preserve fish stocks [3, 4]. These lodges often provide boats, motors, and guides, and highlight the unique "Canadian shore lunch" experience, where freshly caught Walleye or Northern Pike are cooked outdoors [3].
Beyond fishing, Marchington Lake offers other recreational opportunities:
Boating and Canoeing: The extensive lake system is ideal for boating and canoeing, allowing visitors to explore its many arms and access secluded areas [3].
Wildlife Viewing: The rich biodiversity of the surrounding wilderness provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation.
Hiking: While the area is remote, some lodges and outfitters may offer access to trails or portage routes that double as hiking paths.
Photography: The scenic beauty of the Canadian Shield, with its rugged shoreline, clear waters, and abundant wildlife, makes Marchington Lake an appealing location for nature photography.
Accessibility and Tourism
Marchington Lake is considered a remote fishing destination, and its accessibility contributes to its preserved wilderness character. While there are no direct road accesses to the main lake or the lodges situated on it, access is primarily gained through:
Boat-in access: From pick-up points on Highway 516 near Sioux Lookout, visitors are transported by boat or through a mechanical portage system that navigates through Windigo Falls to reach the lake [3]. This boat-in experience itself is often highlighted as an introduction to the scenic Canadian Shield [3].
Float plane: For even more remote access to outpost cabins on Marchington Lake or its connected satellite lakes, float plane services are typically utilized [3].
Tourism in the Marchington Lake area largely revolves around these remote fishing lodges and outpost camps, which offer varying levels of service, from housekeeping cabins to American Plan packages. These lodges provide comfortable accommodations, boat rentals, and local guidance for fishing and exploring the extensive lake system [3]. The region's tourism efforts focus on providing an authentic wilderness fishing adventure, promoting the area's remoteness, abundant fish stocks, and spectacular scenery.
Environmental Considerations
The primary environmental consideration for Marchington Lake and the surrounding wilderness is the preservation of its pristine nature. The remote location and limited road access act as natural protective barriers, minimizing human impact and pollution. However, sustainable tourism practices are crucial. Lodges and outfitters in the area often emphasize catch-and-release fishing policies to ensure the long-term health of fish populations, particularly for trophy-sized specimens [3].
The Canadian Shield ecosystem, while resilient, is sensitive to disturbances. Maintaining the integrity of the surrounding forests, river systems, and wildlife habitats is paramount. Organizations involved in managing and promoting outdoor recreation in Ontario, such as those under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, contribute to regulations and guidelines aimed at protecting these natural resources.
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