Rice Lake is the second largest body of water on the TSW, stretching 30 km long and 5 km wide. It offers numerous anchoring options around its two dozen-plus islands, with the locktender at Lock 18 recommending Margaret Island, White Island, Long Island, Cow Island, and the deeper water off Idylwilde Point.
The lake is not deep, and weed growth is significant in depths under 10 feet. Choose your spot based on predicted winds — over two dozen islands provide lee options from virtually every direction.
| GPS Coordinates | 44.24338°N, 78.08116°W PC Verified |
| Water Body | Rice Lake |
| Region | Trent River |
| Mile Marker | MM 57-69 (from Veterans Skyway Bridge) |
| Depth Range | 2.1–4.3 m 7–14 ft — CHS CEN309 Ch.3 |
| Bottom Type | Weedy |
| Holding Quality | Good |
| Nearest Lock | Lock 18 — Hastings (~10 km east) |
| Overnight | ✓ Overnight OK |
| CHS Chart | CHS CEN309 Ch.3 ↗ CHS |
Rice Lake is 30 km long and 5 km wide. Strong NE or SW winds can make it hazardous for small craft. Over two dozen islands provide lee options. Lock 18 locktender recommends anchoring off Margaret Island, White Island, Long Island, Cow Island, and the deeper pool off Idylwilde Point. Pick spot based on wind direction.
| Dinghy Access | ✗ No |
| Pet Friendly | No votes yet |
Nearest provisioning: Gores Landing or Harwood on south shore; Hastings to the east
Scenic notes: Marshy shores but island-studded. Historic Serpent Mounds nearby. Excellent fishing lake.
Rice Lake is a choose-your-own-adventure anchorage. The locktender at Lock 18 knows the conditions and will point you in the right direction if you ask. The key intel: it's not a deep lake, so expect weeds on your anchor in anything under 10 feet. The islands are your friends here — tuck into their lee based on the forecast.
Don't cut this lake short — especially for anglers, it's an exceptional place to spend a day or two. Just watch the submerged cribs near Picnic Point.
CAUTION: Submerged cribs (remains of 1855 railway bridge) cross the lake from Harwood to Picnic Point — 5 ft depths. Use buoyed channels only. Strong NE or SW wind can make lake hazardous for small craft. Marshy and weedy shores.
Have photos of Rice Lake — Margaret Island & Islands?
💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.comRice Lake — Margaret Island & Islands — Video Guide Coming Soon
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