The hydrographic slopes adjacent to the Bell River are: The Bell River originates in Abitibi, at the mouth of Lake Tiblemont (length: 18.7 kilometres (11.6 mi); altitude: 309 metres (1,014 ft)).

To the north of the lake, it reverted to James Bay under the name of the Nottaway River, a name that used to designate it throughout its length.

The Bell, with its catchment area of 22,222 square kilometres (8,580 sq mi), is dotted with numerous rapids and large islands, Canica and Bancroft, which emerge near the mouth.

The Abitibi-Jamésie Watershed Organization (OBVAJ) is responsible for the integrated management of this drainage basin drained by the Bell River.

The toponym "Bell River" was officially registered on 5 December 1968 by the Commission de toponymie du Québec.