Lake
Blackstrap Lake
Blackstrap Lake is a man-made reservoir located 41km SSE of Saskatoon. The lake is in the RM of Dundurn No. 314 east of Dundurn in southern Saskatchewan with access from Highway 11 and Highway 211.
The lake is a popular recreational destination for [fishing](#fishing), boating, and camping. There are several communities and developments on the lake and a Provincial Park. Blackstrap Lake is also used for irrigation and as a municipal and industrial water source.
There are two communities on the western side of the lake; [Thode](#thode) and [Shields](#shields). There are residential subdivisions at [Skyview Estates](#skyview-estates).
[Blackstrap Provincial Park](#blackstrap-provincial-park) is on the eastern side of the lake. The park has campgrounds, a boat launch, a beach and trails. A recreation area was established shortly after the lake was formed. A ski hill (now closed) was added for the 1971 Canada Winter Games. The provincial park itself was opened in 1986.
Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Walleye and Lake Whitefish can be found in Blackstrap Lake. **Please note there are custom limits for all species in the lake. Fishing is also closed year round within 100m of the central causeway**
There is an important IBA (Important Bird Areas) in the Blackstrap Coulee. The IBA contains both Blackstrap and Indi Lake. 239 different species have been recorded. Both lakes are important for many different species.
## History
There were two small marshy lakes (Theresa Lake and Blackstrap Lake) in the area of the current lake. The current lake formed when two dams were built in 1967. The dams are operated by the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency.
The canal that feeds Blackstrap Lake starts at Gardiner Dam on Lake Diefenbaker. From there it flows through [Broderick Reservoir](broderick-reservoir/), and [Brightwater Reservoir](brightwater-reservoir). Then bypasses [Indi Lake](/indi-lake/) and flows under Highway 11 and into Blackstrap Lake.
