Devil’s (Matchayaw) Lake

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Devil’s Lake is located east of Onoway, off Highways 37. The Bilby Nature Area is on the South shore and Imrie Park Campground is on the West shore.. The Lake was originally named Matchayaw Lake (meaning Devil’s Lake) by the area’s Indigenous people. Sport fishing in Devil’s Lake includes burbot, northern pike, walleye, whitefish, and yellow perch [1, adapted].

The lake is fed from the Sturgeon River (which both enters and exits at the north end of the lake. The Kilini Creek flows into the lake from the south.

The Fast Facts

  • ADVENTURE
  • Circumnavigate the lake as a day trip.
  • Washrooms at north boat launch.
  • Not Kid Focused
  • High Beginner due to ice safety

Private land in the form of farms and residential homes surround the lake with the exception of Imrie Park Campground on the west part of the lake. There is access to the lake from the north off township road 550 or from the South in Bilby. The location link provided below is for the North access. The lake is a favourite destination for ice fishing. Nevertheless, ice safety considerations and common sense are required if going on the lake.

Boat Launch Sign on the North End of Devil’s Lake.
  • Name/Owner: Devil’s Lake / Lake proper is crown land, surrounding area is mostly private land.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Circumnavigating the lake would make for an interesting day outing. Combine it with a drive into Onoway and perhaps a visit to some of the other locations in the area such as Bilby or Salter’s Lake.
  • Map Reference, Location and Wayne Gretzky Units:
    • Central Alberta Backroads Map Book, p. Wabamun Lake (p. 44), Cell G3.
    • 53′ 43″ -114′ 06″, access the lake from the North via Township Road 550 off Highway 37 – east of Onoway.
    • Wayne Gretzky Driving Time & Distance: 48 Minutes & 60 Kilometers
  • Rating and Description:
    • Difficulty Level & Safety: High Beginner, although there are no technical challenges, this rating is given because this is an ice walk. Ensure the ice is thick enough before going on the lake.
  • Links: See Notes and References.
  • The Drive Out: Take Highway 37 out. Although narrower than Highway 16, it travels through farm country. Consider exploring Onoway when in the area including visiting its museum and small downtown core.
  • The Other Shoe: Fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter.
  • Kid Rating: Low kids rating
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
    • First done: 2020-12-11. Despite the recent warm weather, there were a few ice fishers on the lake.

Notes and Reference

  1. Thomas, Mary, and Hacienda Consulting. “(Onoway) Nature Tour.” Town of Onoway. Accessed December 5, 2020. https://www.onoway.ca/visitors/nature-tour.

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