Bark Lake
A large, mostly Crown-land lake near Barry's Bay, managed as part of the Madawaska River hydro system.
About Bark Lake
Bark Lake sits in the Hastings Highlands near Barry's Bay, with over 90% of its shoreline preserved as Crown land — making it one of the least-developed larger lakes in the Ottawa Valley. The lake is part of a hydro-managed system operated by Ontario Power Generation.
Its low level of shoreline development gives Bark Lake a genuinely wilderness feel compared to more built-up cottage lakes nearby, while still being close to Barry's Bay for supplies and services.
Fishing
Bark Lake has a long-standing reputation for lake trout, with fish typically found in deep, cold water through the summer months and moving closer to the surface in fall. Walleye were introduced some years back and have established well; smallmouth bass and pike round out the fishery. The connected Cub Lake, boat-access only, adds largemouth bass and pike to the mix for those willing to explore further.
Fish Species
Access & Amenities
Public and cottage-based access points serve the lake; because of the extensive Crown land shoreline, much of Bark Lake remains undeveloped.
Nearby
Barry's Bay is the primary service town, with the area's well-known snowmobile and ATV trail network close by.
Thinking About Bark Lake Real Estate?
Wade Kovacic has deep local knowledge of Hastings Highlands / Barry's Bay and the surrounding cottage country. Reach out for current listings, a free property valuation, or help finding the right waterfront fit.