Fenlon Falls

[DiveCoordinator]

I have always wanted to dive in Fenlon Falls. I understand that diving is prohibited when the locks are open from the May 24 weekend through Thanksgiving.

1. Am I correct on the dive time restrictions?
2. Can anyone give me dive details?
a. Entry points
b. What to look for
c. Other recommendations
d. Neat Stuff

If the dive restrictions are over for the season, if anyone happens to be planning on diving in Fenlon, I would love to go along.

 

[Axeman]

I have driven through there on my way to Bobcaygeon many times and would also like info on diving there.


probably lots of lost items there.

 

[cavanhills]

The diving in Fenelon is great – plenty to see there. I’m not aware of any restriction placed on diving there during the summer months – you may want to check into it though. Shore diving is pretty well the only way to dive it. Finding a suitable shore access point is no problem at the falls but can be tricky if you want to get access further downstream where the submerged railway cars are. I think Clifton (?) Street on the north side of the river dead-ends near the channel. You can walk to shore from there, just be prepared for a steep walk. Another option is to ask a landowner for permission. Some of the highlights of a dive at Fenelon include:
1) At least 3 submerged railway cars
2) A giant steel culvert large enough to swim through with no problem.
3) Interesting geological features including lots of small caverns in the sides of the cliffs where fish hang out. In one spot we found a 5 foot diameter hole travelling vertically through a rock and into a small cavern which a diver could then swim out of.
4) 3 automobiles pushed off a large cliff and lying upside on the bottom.

The river gets deeper the further downstream you go. The railcars are in about 60 ft of water. At this depth you definitely need a light. The cars and culvert are a little further upstream in about 30 feet of water, visibility is good. You’ll need to do multiple dives here to see and find everything mentioned above.

Mark

 

[simcoediver]

Wow I did not realize that Fenalon Falls had some really interesting diving! Is the current strong enough to require a downstream pickup point?

 

[Warren_L]

Definitely sounds interesting. I too never realized there was some interesting diving to be had there. Would be worthwhile learning more on this, definitely.

 

[Axeman]

does anyone know where I can get surveys of the lakes up in that region.

There are a few lakes that I would like to dive in but I am unfamiliar with the depths etc.

 

[NavyDoll]

Hey Axeman...

Can't believe there is someone else on this site that has heard of both Port Dover & Bobcaygeon... and been to Bobcaygeon!! Thanks for your response to my post about "my new drysuit".. in the exposure suit subject area!!

Exactly what type of Nautical Survey info are you looking for... Have you tried Canadian Hydrographic Services...

http://www.charts.gc.ca/chs/en

They sell Nautical Charts... go to the "Nautical Charts & Products link... then you can look up the Region you are interested in.. they also have a list of places that sell them.. so I'm sure you'll be able to find somewhere close to where you live!! From what I can tell.. all charts are $20.00 (plus applicable taxes ) unless otherwise indicated...

hope this helps..
NavyDoll

:scuba:

 

[Axeman]

thanks for the info.

yeah, I live in port dover and work in brampton.

and I do a lot of offroading in bobcaygeon..... and like hey... the hip song is worth the visit... I have been up to bob about 6 times this year for camping and jeeping... I would love to also do some diving in the lake where we camp. it is supposed to be in the 150-200' range..... I am mostly interested in diving in the 60-80' that I have been told is near the camp site.

ne ways... thanks

 

[mddolson]

We dive Fenlon Falls at least once a year.
We take small zodiac down stream from the locks to an orange plastic slide on the south side. (about 1/4 mile by boat) .
Directly under the cedar tree infront of the slide is a rail car.
Rail car is at 45-50 feet

There is a cool cave(short really just deep hole in the wall) at 35 feet. Bottom at 65 feet. There are some interesting wall formations on both sides of the canal.
Bring lights , it's black water.

PS the Trent Severn water way closed Wednesday this week.

Mike D

 

[DiveCoordinator]

Hey Mark, Hi Mike,

Thanks for that great information.

Guys - Are you planning on doing a dive in Fenlon any time soon? I am DMing a Basic OW this weekend in Kingston, but aside from that I am available most times during the week or weekends.

Ian