Lake
Buffalo Pound Lake
Buffalo Pound Lake is a popular recreational, camping and fishing lake located 29km N of Moose Jaw. The lake is also the water source for around 25% of the province's population including Regina, Moose Jaw and the potash mine at Belle Plaine.
Highway 2 provides access to Buffalo Pound Lake and crosses the lake on a causeway. Where else in Saskatchewan can you drive across the middle of a lake in the summer? The provincial park is accessible from Highways 202 and 301.
[Buffalo Pound Provincial Park](#buffalo-pound-provincial-park) is the main attraction on the lake and is located at the southeast corner of the lake. The park has hundreds of campsites, a beach, an outdoor pool, a boat launch, day-use areas, mountain bike and hiking trails, a trout pond, and so much more. It's a great family-friendly destination with lots to do for everyone!
There is also a Nature Conservancy of Canada property on the northern shore of the lake covering 2,140 acres that contains native grasslands and provides habitat for several species at risk.
The lakes in the Qu'Appelle River valley contain a surprisingly large number of fish species. Buffalo Pound Lake is no exception and contains Bigmouth Buffalo, Burbot, Common Carp, Goldeye, Whitefish, Suckers, Northern Pike, Walleye and Yellow Perch. (*Note that there is a custom limit for Perch on Buffalo Pound Lake*) The lake is regularly stocked with Walleye.
Buffalo Pound Lake is eutrophic and has low oxygen levels and nutritious soil on the bottom. This can lead to algae growth and reduces the quality of the lake for swimming and as a water source.
The water level on the lake is controlled by the [Buffalo Pound Dam](/#buffalo-pound-dam) at the end of the lake. The level is further regulated by the Qu'Appelle River Dam and Gardiner Dam further upstream.
