1969-05-23 - Overall Lake & Land-Use Observations

“Pigeon Lake is a spring fed body of water 35-25 square miles in area and is part of the headwater of the Battle River. Its watershed is relatively small, extending an average of three miles back from the lakeshore. Surface water drains into the northwest end of the lake and flows out of the lake through Pigeon Lake Creek into the Battle River. The water surface level of Pigeon Lake has shown a gradual decline over the last 15 years, with the exception of 1965 which was a year of considerable precipitation. Between 1954 and 1969, the level of the lake has dropped approximately 5 feet, an amount equal to the decline of Sylvan Lake over the same period….” p.107

“The dominant characteristic of the lake, which affects its suitability for water-oriented activities, is the very gradual fall of the lake bed, so that a six inch rise or fall in the level of the lake can result in the covering or uncovering of up to 20 feet of beach.” - p.108

“The main species in the lake are Whitefish, Pike and Perch. Pike and Perch are the most popular sport fish during the non-winter months, but in recent years the catch of these fish has shown a considerable decline. This is attributed by the regional fishery biologists to the fact that cottage owners have removed much of the aquatic vegetation from the littoral zone of the lake which was the prime habitat for Pike and Perch. Also, changes in the waterbed have reduced spawning runs of Pike.” - p.109

“Ice fishing is a popular activity on the lake. Approximately 15 - 20, 000 lbs. of fish were caught this way in 1967, whitefish comprising most of the catch.” - p.110

Excerpts from ‘A land use and socio-economic study of the Pigeon Lake Indian Reserve No. 138A and summary report of the Hobbema Reserve group / prepared for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development by Stanley Associates Engineering Ltd.’

Full study documentation - HERE

Images seen below have been included from the study accredited previously.