It has a catchment area of 187 km2 (72 sq mi),[1] and is an early tributary of the Battle River, to which it is connected through the Pigeon Lake Creek.

Later, the summer village of Ma-Me-O Beach was developed at the south end of the lake on land obtained from the Indian reserve in 1924.

[2] Pigeon Lake is one of the most intensely used recreational areas in Alberta, with 10 summer villages, 4 unincorporated communities, and over 2,300 private cottages along its shores.

[3] The unincorporated communities include Fisher Home, Mission Beach, Mulhurst Bay and Village at Pigeon Lake.

This data was then used to create a nutrient budget for lake and to undertake a model to explore future management options.