Nipigon River
title: "Nipigon River" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["rivers-of-thunder-bay-district", "tributaries-of-lake-superior"] topic_path: "general/rivers-of-thunder-bay-district" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nipigon_River" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="Infobox river"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Nipigon River |
| image | Nipigon River.jpg |
| image_caption | Nipigon River viewed to the south, with Nipigon Bay in the distance |
| image_alt | Nipigon River viewed to the south, with Nipigon Bay in the distance |
| map | Nipigon River basin map.png |
| map_size | 250px |
| map_caption | Map of original Nipigon River basin, not including the diverted basin |
| pushpin_map | Ontario |
| subdivision_name1 | Canada |
| subdivision_type2 | Province |
| subdivision_name2 | Ontario |
| subdivision_type3 | District |
| subdivision_name3 | Thunder Bay |
| length | 48 km |
| discharge1_location | Alexander Generating Station |
| discharge1_avg | 350 m3/s |
| source1 | Lake Nipigon |
| source1_coordinates | |
| source1_elevation | 259 m |
| mouth | Nipigon Bay |
| mouth_location | Red Rock |
| mouth_coordinates | |
| mouth_elevation | 184 m |
| river_system | Great Lakes Basin |
| basin_size | 25400 km2 |
| waterbodies | Helen Lake |
| bridges | Nipigon River Bridge, CP Railway Bridge |
| :: |
| name = Nipigon River | name_native = | name_native_lang = | name_other = | image = Nipigon River.jpg | image_size = | image_caption = Nipigon River viewed to the south, with Nipigon Bay in the distance | image_alt = Nipigon River viewed to the south, with Nipigon Bay in the distance | map = Nipigon River basin map.png | map_size = 250px | map_caption = Map of original Nipigon River basin, not including the diverted basin | map_alt = | pushpin_map = Ontario | pushpin_map_size = | pushpin_map_caption= | pushpin_map_alt = | subdivision_type1 = | subdivision_name1 = Canada | subdivision_type2 = Province | subdivision_name2 = Ontario | subdivision_type3 = District | subdivision_name3 = Thunder Bay | length = 48 km | width_min = | width_avg = | width_max = | depth_min = | depth_avg = | depth_max = | discharge1_location= Alexander Generating Station | discharge1_min = | discharge1_avg = 350 m3/s | discharge1_max = | source1 = Lake Nipigon | source1_location = | source1_coordinates= | source1_elevation = 259 m | mouth = Nipigon Bay | mouth_location = Red Rock | mouth_coordinates = | mouth_elevation = 184 m | progression = | river_system = Great Lakes Basin | basin_size = 25400 km2 | basin_landmarks = | basin_population = | tributaries_left = | tributaries_right = | waterbodies = Helen Lake | waterfalls = | bridges = Nipigon River Bridge, CP Railway Bridge | ports = | custom_label = | custom_data = | extra =
The Nipigon River is located in Thunder Bay District in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The river is about 48 km long
Since 1943, 5545 mi2 of the Ogoki River basin has been diverted to the headwaters of the Little Jackfish River, a tributary of Lake Nipigon. This diversion increases the size of the river's watershed by almost 60% to {{sum|25400|14360}} km2, and contributes an average of about 116 m3/s to the Nipigon River. This increased flow has caused significant erosion and landslides along the river.
History
The Nipigon River was formerly known for the size and quantity of the brook trout that were to be found there. However, four dams built on the Nipigon led to a major decline in their population. The four dams are as follows:
- Cameron Falls Dam built in 1918
- Virgin Falls Dam built in 1925
- Alexander Dam built in 1930
- Pine Portage Dam built in 1950
Modern uses
Three hydroelectric dams on the Nipigon, Cameron Falls Dam, Alexander Dam, and Pine Portage Dam (all operated by Ontario Power Generation), provided 2,144 gigawatt-hours in 2000. Resource Management Plan" This however effectively makes travel via boat between Lake Nipigon and Lake Superior impossible. The river is also a popular fishing destination.
::data[format=table title="Hydroelectric generating stations on the Nipigon River"] | Installation (in downstream order) | Capacity | Head | No. of units | Year built | |---|---|---|---|---| | Pine Portage Generating Station | 145 MW | 105 ft | 4 | 1950 | | Cameron Falls Generating Station | 92 MW | 72 ft | 7 | 1920 | | Alexander Generating Station | 69 MW | 60 ft | 5 | 1930 | ::
Fishing
46 fish species have been identified in the Nipigon River, including the rare sturgeon, cisco, and “coaster” brook trout.
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Prince_Edward,_Prince_of_Wales_speaking_with_guide_in_the_woods_near_Nipigon,_Ontario.jpg" caption="Prince Edward, Prince of Wales]] talks with river guide Neil McDougall at their camp on the Nipigon River, 1919."] ::
In 1915, Dr Cook caught the world record for the largest brook trout, also known as speckled trout or coaster trout. Four years later, Prince Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor), spent time fishing on the Nipigon; a trout that he caught was mounted and today is displayed at the National Archives of Canada. The river also has a run of lake trout, rainbow trout and salmon during various times of the year. Fish that migrate up the river are able to get to the first dam which is located approximately 15 mi from the mouth of the river system. The reservoir between the dams are good fishery, especially for large speckled trout and lake trout.
Fishing starts the first of May until freeze up at the end of November. The river can be accessed from boat, or fished by shore from various strategic locations.
References
References
- "Lake Nipigon - lake, Ontario, Canada". Encyclopaedia Britannica.
- "ALEXANDER GS Watershed Conditions". Ontario Power Generation.
- (2010-10-25). "The Atlas of Canada - Rivers". Natural Resources Canada.
- "Nipigon River".
- (October 2022). "Canada's Rivers at Risk". WWF-Canada.
- (1974). "Great Lakes Basin Framework Study. [report] - Appendix". Public Information Office, Great Lakes Basin Commission.
- "An Overview of Great Lakes Diversions".
- "Hydroelectric power". Ontario Power Generation Inc..
- (July 2003). "Chapter 2: Ecological Land Use and Resource Management Strategy". [[Ontario Parks]].
- (1957). "Effect on Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River of an Increase of 1000 Cubic Feet Per Second in the Diversion at Chicago". U.S. Army.
- Whalen, James. "Royalty on the Nipigon". Brook Trout Heaven.
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