Kahshe Lake

Introduction

Kahshe Lake is a natural wonderland, one of the largest lakes in the region. Located less than fifteen minutes south of Gravenhurst, it is one of the Muskoka region’s biggest and most southern lakes.

It is unique in multiple ways. First, its waters are tea-coloured due to the high levels of dissolved organics. And second, it has a shoreline that is anything but ordinary, featuring multiple bays and inlets, enhancing the area’s beauty. With several islands dotted throughout the water – the largest by far is Boyd Island – there is no shortage of things to see and explore. The west side of Kahshe Lake is shallow, while the east side is deep. Both areas are home to external rock hazards, so vigilance is vital in the water.

Activities on the lake

If you want to explore the corners, channels and wide-open spaces of Kahshe Lake by boat, you can quickly head to one of the two boat launch sites, either Kluey Bay Landing on the north side of the lake or South Kahshe Lake Road launch on the south side. The local marina is Denne’s Marina. For the experienced boater, Kahshe Lake residents have been staging the annual Regatta for over fifty years. In addition, The Kahshe Lake Waterfront Committee often hosts an annual 5K Run and a Fishing Derby. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, the organization of these events was challenging, but hopefully, we can soon see a revival of these celebrations.

Exploring the area

The lake’s proximity to Gravenhurst also makes it easy for day trips. So whether it’s to restock your pantry or have a night out, there’s fun in this small town. Try one of Gravenhurst’s restaurants or catch a show at the historic Gravenhurst Opera House.

Location
Official Name	Kahshe Lake
Local Names	Kah-she-she-bog-a-mog
County/District	Muskoka
Municipality	Town of Gravenhurst
Drainage Basin	Kahshe River
Latitude/Longitude	44.8636 N 79.2664 W

Physical Features
Surface Area (km)	8.28
Elevation (m asl)	243
Mean Depth (m)	5
Maximum Depth (m)	21
Perimeter (km)	60
Island Shoreline (km)	30
Clarity (m)	2.9

Land Use and Development
Crown Land (%)	5
Provincial Parks	Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve, Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve
Shoreline Development	high; commercial, shoreline residential
Access	public; boat launch at west end of lake off South Kahshe Lake Road
Water Level Management	regulated; water level is controlled by MNR owned and operated dam at west end of lake; flows and levels are governed by Kahshe Lake Operating Plan

Fish Species
Major Fish Species	walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, black crappie, smallmouth bass, burbot, largemouth bass
Other Fish Species	grass pickerel, cisco (lake herring), brown bullhead, rock bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white sucker, trout-perch, golden shiner, bluntnose minnow