Algonquin Adventures / Madawaska Lake Algonquin Park

**Posted by Davisje** 4/23/2025 3:19 pm

Hey Folks,

Just decided to start a new thread with this to keep it relevant and focused. I've been checking out some locations for my trip and came across Madawaska Lake. Everything I've read says it has very good fishing for Bass in August. However, I'm concerned about water levels in the small river connecting Madawaska to the Hay Lake entry point.
Does anyone have any information as to whether or not this route is passable in August?

**Posted by TripperMike** 4/23/2025 7:29 pm

The short answer is no, the creek is not passable. There is a very flat and easy portage around the creek, but it's long. Once you get into the Madawaska river, minimal issues.

My advice? Launch from Rock lake or Galeairy lake and avoid the 5km's of portaging around Cauliflower creek.

**Posted by MartinG** 4/23/2025 8:38 pm

Smedley I and I did that in June. Water was not low but it still looked so bad we chose to avoid it entirely. We portaged from the South Madawaska to where a logging road crossed Hay Creek. It was nearly 7km.

I've heard Madawaska Lake is pretty uninspiring. If you are after Bass just go to Little Hay.

**Posted by Stainless** 4/24/2025 9:27 am

I can vouch for good bass fishing in Little Hay in August. And you can have the lake to yourself on the lone campsite. Casting from the rocky point on the campsite can yield results too. One potential drawback to camping on Little Hay... possible logging truck noise.. Uggh!

**Posted by iainwf** 4/24/2025 2:40 pm

I'm going to this lake for the July long weekend but im coming in from Cyldegale lake