IT is almost inconceivable that the entire body of Grand Lake is drained by the tiny Jemseg River, or that the approach to the lake is through such a tiny back door. The Jemseg is typical of other creeks off the Saint John River, with trees overhanging the banks of low, flat islands and current of not much more than a couple of knots.
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When heading to Grand Lake, enter the Jemseg west of Gagetown Island, between Huestis Island and Nevers Island. The entrance is marked by a bold daybeacon and light on the bank of Huestis Island and by green spar “E1” left to port. Deep-draft boats should not attempt approaching the Jemseg through shoal Raft Channel farther north.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
The river is constricted at Dykeman Shoals but well marked. Here, the current is most pronounced and can slow progress. Keep green spars “E3,” “E5,” and “E7” to port, then red “E8” to starboard.
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At Jemseg, the river is crossed by Route 2, the Trans-Canada Highway, on a bridge with 75 feet of vertical clearance. Sailors report that, as fate would usually have it, it is here, in the 66 feet of space between the pilings, that you will most likely encounter the “Chip Barge,” loaded with ground pulp chips being towed downriver from—where else?—Chipman, at the head of Grand Lake, to the pulp mill at the Reversing Falls.
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Just past the bridge, there is a small marina on the east bank with a fuel dock and a nearby restaurant off the highway.
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The northern end of the Jemseg River breaks into the broad expanse of Grand Lake, but don’t be deceived. This end of the lake is shoal, and the well buoyed channel through the shallows known as the “Bush Track” must be followed before you can ease off on a run down the lake. The Bush Track ends with flashing green buoy “E43.”
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