Katchewanooka Lake sits between Lakefield and Young's Point on the Trent-Severn Waterway, a long, narrow lake roughly 8 km in length that forms part of the Otonabee River system in the Kawartha Lakes region. The name translates loosely as "Lake of Many Rapids," a reference to conditions that existed before the lock system tamed the water levels. For cruisers transiting between Lock 26 and Lock 27, the lake offers a welcome pause with several protected anchoring opportunities among its islands.
The primary anchorage area lies in the deeper water behind Third Island, Second Island, and Webster Island, roughly mid-lake near mile 102. A cluster of islands along the western side of the channel creates a natural breakwater, and the pool north of red daymarker C114 carries 10 to 12 feet with good holding. Farther north near mile 104, the area south of Polly Cow Island offers a second option in 8 to 10 feet. Both spots reward cruisers with a quiet Kawartha Lakes setting — undeveloped shoreline, osprey nests in the tall pines, and loon calls at dusk.
While the anchorage areas themselves are comfortable, Katchewanooka Lake demands respect outside the marked channel. The lake is shallow overall, averaging around 7 feet, with submerged stumps, rocks awash, and sunken piles scattered through the off-channel areas. Stay on the marks until you reach the anchorage pools, and do not attempt shortcuts between the islands from the east side.
| GPS Coordinates | 44.4478°N, 78.2702°W ⚠ Unverified |
| Water Body | Katchewanooka Lake |
| Region | Kawarthas |
| Depth Range | 3.0–3.7 m 10–12 ft — TSWIDB |
| Bottom Type | Mud and sand |
| Holding Quality | Good |
| Nearest Lock | Lock 27 — Young's Point (~5 km) |
| Overnight | ✓ Overnight OK |
The Third Island anchorage offers good all-around protection. The cluster of Third, Second, and Webster Islands forms a natural barrier on the west and south sides, while the narrow width of the lake limits fetch from the north and south. The strongest exposure is to wind from the northeast, where the lake opens up slightly, but even this is limited by the relatively short fetch. In settled summer weather, the anchorage is well sheltered from all directions.
| Dinghy Access | ✗ No |
| Shore Access | No convenient shore access at the anchorage — the surrounding islands are small and either privately held or ecologically sensitive. The nearest public docks are at Lakefield Marina to the south or Young's Point lock station to the north. |
| Pet Friendly | No votes yet |
Nearest provisioning: Lakefield (approximately 8 km south via the waterway) has full provisioning including Foodland grocery, pharmacy, restaurants, and an LCBO, all within walking distance of Lakefield Marina. Young's Point (approximately 5 km north) has a general store near Lock 27 with basic groceries, bait, ice, and a snack bar.
Scenic notes: Classic Kawartha character — pine-topped islands, undeveloped stretches of shoreline, and expansive wetland areas that attract herons, osprey, loons, and the occasional bald eagle. Mornings and evenings are particularly rewarding when the lake goes calm and wildlife is most active. Cottage development is present but generally set back, preserving a sense of quiet.
Katchewanooka Lake lies on the Trent-Severn Waterway between Lock 26 at Lakefield (approximately 8 km downstream) and Lock 27 at Young's Point (approximately 5 km upstream). Cruisers heading north from Peterborough will have already transited five locks on the Otonabee River before reaching Lakefield. From Young's Point, the waterway continues through Clear Lake toward Stony Lake and Burleigh Falls.
Lakefield Marina, located at the south end of the lake, has transient slips, pump-out, 30/50 amp power, and showers. Downtown Lakefield is a short walk with Foodland grocery, restaurants, and a pharmacy. Young's Point at the north end has a general store near the lock with basic supplies, bait, and ice.
| Lock | Name | Direction | Distance | Lift |
| #27 | Young's Point | Upstream | ~5 km | 1.8 m6 ft |
| #26 | Lakefield | Downstream | ~8 km | 2.4 m8 ft |
The preferred anchorage is the deeper pool north of red daymarker C114, tucked behind Third, Second, and Webster Islands on the west side of the channel. Approach from the main channel and round the islands from the south — do not try to cut through the island group from the east, as the water shoals quickly with rocks and stumps. You should find 10 to 12 feet in the pool between Second and Third Islands, with reports of 14 feet in spots. The islands block prevailing winds and channel traffic wake effectively, making this a reliable overnight stop.
For cruisers wanting quieter water, continue north past red C120 and Webster Island. Powerboat wakes diminish here and effectively cease at dusk. There is also a reported pool of approximately 15 feet beyond red daymarker C126 and before red C130, offering additional swinging room on the western side of the channel if the Third Island area is occupied.
The Polly Cow Island anchorage near mile 104 provides a secondary option — anchor south of Polly Cow Island near red C156 in 8 to 10 feet with good holding. Be aware that Polly Cow Island is a culturally significant site with First Nations heritage, so landing on the island is not appropriate. Wake erosion is an ongoing concern around these islands, so maintain slow speed when transiting nearby even if you are not anchoring.
Katchewanooka Lake has numerous off-channel hazards including submerged stumps, sunken pilings, and rocks awash — do not stray from the marked channel when approaching the anchorage. The lake averages only about 7 feet depth overall despite pockets of deeper water, so a cautious approach following the daymarkers is essential. Weed growth can be significant in late summer, particularly in shallower areas near shore.
Have photos of Katchewanooka Lake — Wallace Point?
💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.comKatchewanooka Lake — Wallace Point — Video Guide Coming Soon
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