The northern and western portions of the Lake Opawica watershed are accessible via the forest road route 113 linking Chibougamau to Lebel-sur-Quévillon.

A forest road serving the southern, eastern and northern shores of Opawica and Wachigabau lakes connects via the north to route 113.

The surface of the Opawica River is usually frozen from early November to mid-May, however, safe ice movement is generally from mid-November to mid-April.

Intermediate course of the Opawica River (segment of 51.5 kilometres (32.0 mi)) Townships: De Gradis, Guesclin, Guercheville, La Ronde.

The toponym "Opawica River" was formalized on December 5, 1968, at the Bank of Place Names of the Commission de toponymie du Québec.