⚓ Sparrow Lake — McLean Bay & Deep Bay

📍 44.834°N, 79.426°W ⬇ Depth: 1.2–4.6 m 4–15 ft ◆ Multiple protected bays. McLean Bay offers four corners of protection — the all-weather choice. Deep Bay at Mile 216.6 is a foul weather shelter but has 4-5 ft entrance bar. Marie Island area provides wind-dependent options. ✓ Overnight OK
Depth 1.2–4.6 m 4–15 ft
Holding Good
Nearest Lock #42  Couchiching
Scenic ★★★★☆
Mile MM 213-218
⚓ Navigation Disclaimer: The pin shown on this page marks the general location of this anchorage for reference only. It does not indicate a recommended anchoring position or safe water. The skipper is solely responsible for selecting an appropriate spot to anchor based on current, accurate nautical charts and on-the-water conditions. Always consult up-to-date CHS charts and Notices to Mariners before making anchoring decisions.
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Overview — Sparrow Lake — McLean Bay & Deep Bay

Sparrow Lake offers multiple anchorage options across its bays. McLean Bay provides four corners of protection and is the best all-weather choice. Deep Bay at Mile 216.6 is an excellent foul weather shelter, but the 4-5 foot entrance bar limits access to shallow-draft vessels.

At Marie Island (S212), head west then southwest or northwest depending on wind. A nice little anchorage also exists in the speed zone at green 193 just before Sparrow Lake Chute.

GPS Coordinates44.834°N, 79.426°W ⚠ Unverified
Water BodySparrow Lake
RegionSevern
Mile MarkerMM 213-218 (from Veterans Skyway Bridge)
Depth Range 1.2–4.6 m 4–15 ft — TSWIDB
Holding QualityGood
Nearest Lock Lock 42 — Couchiching  (~8 km downstream)
Overnight✓ Overnight OK
Overnight Notes: Multiple overnight options. McLean Bay is the safest all-weather choice. Deep Bay excellent if you can clear the entrance bar.
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Wind Protection Assessment

Multiple protected bays. McLean Bay offers four corners of protection — the all-weather choice. Deep Bay at Mile 216.6 is a foul weather shelter but has 4-5 ft entrance bar. Marie Island area provides wind-dependent options.

Current: None
Wake exposure: Mild
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Approach & Access

Dinghy Access✗ No
Pet Friendly No votes yet
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Practical Information

🔴 Mooring Balls: No ⛴ Free Dock: No
🐶 Is this anchorage pet friendly?

Nearest provisioning: Limited — Big Chute Marina (~15 km) has variety grocery store

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Waterway Context & Nearby Locks

Sparrow Lake is reached via a manmade 2-mile canal from Lock 42 with a 6-mph speed limit.

LockNameDirectionDistanceLift
#42 CouchichingSoutheast~8 km 1.5 m5 ft
#43 Swift RapidsNorthwest~15 km 14.3 m47 ft
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Location Map

⚓ GPS: 44.834°N, 79.426°W  ⚠ Approximate  ·  Get Directions ↗  ·  Street View ↗  ·  For navigation use CHS Chart — this map is reference only.
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🧤 Captain’s Anchorage Notes

McLean Bay is the no-brainer here — four corners of protection means you're covered regardless of what the weather does. If you can clear the 4-5 ft entrance bar at Deep Bay, that's an even better foul-weather hole — but check your draft first.

Approach all bays from deeper water and feel your way in until you hit the weed line. Between Mile 218 and 224, depending on wind, several more anchorages line this six-mile stretch toward Swift Rapids.

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⚠️ Hazards & Warnings

Deep Bay entrance bar: 4-5 ft — only accessible to shallow-draft vessels. Approach all bays from deeper water until you hit the weed line.

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📷 Photo Gallery

Have photos of Sparrow Lake — McLean Bay & Deep Bay?

💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.com
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🌄 Live Weather

📍 Centered on: 44.834°N, 79.426°W  ·  🌎 Default layer: Wind (ECMWF)  ·  Toggle temperature & radar via layer selector  ·  Zoom level: 11
Weather data for planning purposes only. Always check Environment and Climate Change Canada ↗ for official marine forecasts.
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▶️ Video Guide

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Sparrow Lake — McLean Bay & Deep Bay — Video Guide Coming Soon

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📝 Boater Reports

Anchored here recently? Help fellow cruisers with a quick report — depth readings, holding quality, wake conditions, and any hazards you noticed.

Boater reports are currently closed for this anchorage.

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