Wilcox Lake, Grey Highlands

Size, Depth, Boating Use, Fish Species, Public Access and What It’s Known For
Wilcox Lake is a natural inland lake located in Grey Highlands, Ontario. It offers a quieter waterfront setting compared to some of the region’s larger lakes and is known for its connection to surrounding trail systems and natural landscape.

Wilcox Lake: Quick Facts
Waterbody type: Natural inland lake
Location: Grey Highlands, Grey County, Ontario
Surface area: Approximately 65 acres based on Grey County GIS mapping
Shoreline: Primarily wooded and residential

At roughly 65 acres, Wilcox Lake is large enough to feel like a true lake while maintaining a calm, low traffic atmosphere.

Depth

Detailed bathymetric surveys are not widely published, but Wilcox Lake is generally described as:

• Shallow to moderate in overall depth
  

• Without a significant deep water basin
  This depth profile supports calm lake conditions and recreational fishing rather than high speed boating.
  

Fish Species in Wilcox Lake

Wilcox Lake supports freshwater species typical of inland lakes in Grey Highlands.

Commonly targeted fish include:

• 
  Largemouth bass
  

• 
  Smallmouth bass
  

• 
  Yellow perch
  

• 
  Sunfish species
  

Vegetation and shoreline structure provide suitable habitat for recreational fishing.

Boating and Watercraft

Wilcox Lake is best suited to non motorized and low impact boating.

Typical uses include:

• 
  Kayaks
  

• 
  Canoes
  

• 
  Paddleboards
  

• 
  Small fishing boats
  

Because of its size and character, large high speed motorized boating is not typical on this lake.

Public Access

Wilcox Lake does have limited public access.

There is a small roadside access point, and the former rail trail runs alongside portions of the lake, providing seasonal access by:

• 
  Hiking
  

• 
  ATV where permitted
  

• 
  Snowmobiling in winter
  

Most of the remaining shoreline around Wilcox Lake is privately owned.

For general location reference only, Wilcox Lake can be viewed here:
 https://maps.app.goo.gl/oNF1FXAxhGHyF7Xc9

What Wilcox Lake Is Known For

Wilcox Lake is known for:

• 
  A quieter, low traffic lake environment
  

• 
  Recreational fishing
  

• 
  Direct connection to the rail trail system
  

• 
  Seasonal trail access
  

• 
  Natural surroundings with modest development
  

It is not a high activity boating lake, and that quieter character is part of its appeal.

A Local Perspective

Wilcox Lake appeals to people who value simplicity and access to nature. The connection to the rail trail gives it a different feel than many inland lakes. You are not just near the water. You are connected to a broader recreational corridor.

For those looking for a calm inland lake in Grey Highlands with nearby trail access, Wilcox Lake offers a balanced and understated setting.

Size, Depth, Boating Rules, Fish Species, Public Access & What It’s Known For

Lake Eugenia is the largest inland lake in Grey County and one of the most recognizable lakes in Grey Highlands. Set along the Niagara Escarpment in the Beaver Valley, it’s a four-season lake that attracts a mix of full-time residents, recreational boaters, anglers, and families who value space, scenery, and accessibility.

This post focuses on clear, factual information about Lake Eugenia to help you understand what makes it unique.

Some Quick Facts:

Lake type: Man-made reservoir
Location: Grey Highlands, Grey County, Ontario
Waterway: Beaver River

Surface area: Approximately 1,787 acres
Shoreline length: Approximately 14.9 miles

Lake Eugenia is the largest inland body of water in the county, which gives it a noticeably more open feel compared to smaller lakes in the area.

Lake Depth

Lake Eugenia is generally shallow, with deeper water near the dam.

• Average depth: Approximately 4.6 feet

• Maximum depth: Approximately 40 feet

This depth profile contributes to warmer water temperatures in summer and supports a wide range of recreational use.

How Lake Eugenia Was Created

Lake Eugenia is not a natural lake.

It was created in the early 1900s when the Beaver River was dammed as part of a hydroelectric power project. Construction began around 1912, and by 1915 the surrounding land had flooded, forming the lake as it exists today.

The project reshaped the Beaver Valley and transformed former farmland into a large reservoir. The dam and water system were later rebuilt in the 1960s, resulting in minor changes to water levels.

Fish Species in Lake Eugenia

Lake Eugenia supports a variety of warm-water and cold-water fish species and is a popular recreational fishing destination.

Commonly found species include:

• Smallmouth bass

• Largemouth bass

• Yellow perch

• Rainbow trout (stocked)

• Rock bass

• Sunfish

• Bullhead catfish

Fishing conditions vary by season, with bass fishing popular in summer and trout activity often stronger during cooler periods.

Boating on Lake Eugenia

Motorized boating: Permitted

Lake Eugenia supports a wide range of watercraft, including powerboats, pontoons, personal watercraft, kayaks, and canoes.

There is no single lake-wide horsepower limit posted, but boaters are expected to follow provincial boating regulations, posted signage, and no-wake zones, particularly near shorelines and swimming areas.

Public Access, Boat Launch & Beach

Lake Eugenia has one primary public access point, located in the community of Eugenia.

This public access includes:

• A municipal boat launch

• A designated swimming beach

• Parking

• Picnic space

Most of the remaining shoreline around Lake Eugenia is privately owned.

Public Access Map

You can view the public beach and boat launch here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6HogEEmePw6cH7gr7

What Lake Eugenia Is Known For

Lake Eugenia is best known for:

• Being the largest inland lake in Grey County

• A balance of active boating and quieter shoreline areas

• Recreational fishing for bass, perch, and trout

• Scenic views connected to the Beaver Valley and Niagara Escarpment

• Proximity to hiking, including nearby Bruce Trail access points

Its size gives it a more open, expansive feel than many inland lakes, while still maintaining a strong sense of community.

A Local Perspective

Lake Eugenia tends to appeal to people who want space, views, and the ability to enjoy the lake without any boating restrictions across all four seasons. It offers a mix of seasonal cottages and year-round homes, with nearby towns providing everyday services without feeling far removed from nature.

It’s a lake people choose when they want room to breathe, on and off the water.