Albert Peter Low had noted in 1895 that "a high rocky headland jutts into the lake."

The reservoir was built as part of the James Bay Project that gave rise to the La Grande hydroelectric complex.

The 84 kilometres (52 mi) between Caniapiscau and Brisay is only recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles due to large rocks on the coarse-gravel surface.

The site is now used by an outfitter (fishing and caribou hunting)[5] and the commercial Lac Pau Seaplane Base allows floatplanes to launch, subject to seasonal conditions.

Located approximately 75 km south of Radisson, the Trans-Taiga highway is an unpaved gravel road.