Doe Lake

Introduction

Welcome to Doe Lake, located just a short twelve-minute drive from Burke’s Falls. Known to be one of the largest lakes in the Almaguin Highlands, locals refer to it as both Big Doe Lake and Little Doe Lake. Regardless of its name, this lake is a popular destination for all types of cottage-goers. 

Activities on the lake

Doe Lake offers a variety of activities for everyone. There is a fantastic park complete with picnic tables, restrooms, and a public beach. It’s a great spot to spend time with friends or enjoy a day out with the family. The naturally sandy bottom makes swimming an enjoyable experience, and fishing enthusiasts will be delighted to find several species of fish in the waters, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Boaters can access the local marina and boat launch at Doe Lake Campground Rizzort via Ferguson Road in Katine. There is also an additional boat launch on Peggs Mountain Road.

For water sports enthusiasts, Doe Lake is an ideal location for water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. If you prefer a calmer activity, you can paddle your canoe or kayak around Lawton’s Cove or take a sail by Reazin Island while enjoying the clear blue waters. If you want to take a break to cool off, the small bays surrounding the lake are perfect for swimming.

Exploring the area

After a relaxing day on the water, take a trip into the vibrant village of Burk’s Falls. Here you can find groceries, restaurants, local museums, a theater, and much more. It’s the perfect time of year to take a drive and discover why Doe Lake is an excellent choice for your next home away from home.

Location
Official Name	Lake Muskoka
Local Names	Little Doe Lake, Big Doe Lake
County/District	Parry Sound
Municipality	Township of Ryerson Township of McMurrich/Montieth Township of Armour Township of Perry
Drainage Basin	Magnetawan River
Latitude/Longitude	45.531 N 79.417 W

Physical Features
Surface Area (km)	11.87
Elevation (m asl)	295
Mean Depth (m)	5.9
Maximum Depth (m)	23
Perimeter (km)	34.3
Island Shoreline (km)	1.4
Clarity (m)	2.5

Land Use and Development
Crown Land (%)	1
Provincial Parks	none
Shoreline Development	moderate; commercial, shoreline residential
Access	public; public boat launch on Almaguin Drive in Katrine
Water Level Management	regulated; water level is controlled by MNR owned and operated dam located on Magnetawan River; flows and levels are governed by the Magnetawan River Operating Plan.

Fish Species
Major Fish Species	smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, lake whitefish
Other Fish Species	burbot, white sucker, brown bullhead, cisco, yellow perch pumpkinseed, rock bass, bluntnose minnow, common shiner, emerald shiner, rainbow smelt, trout-perch