Understanding Water Information Terms
Boat Launch
Unimproved: Natural materials were used to create the boat ramp (stone, gravel, sand, etc.) and are typically smaller in size. Some unimproved boat launches can still be utilized by small boats, others are "carry-in" only meaning they will be limited to personal water-craft like canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.
Improved: Boat ramps built using Pavement or Concrete pads. These ramps can still vary in size but are more suitable for motorized/trailered water craft.
Shore Line
Undeveloped: The land around the body of water retains a natural state with minimal to no human impact. More common on bodies of water that are less populated and/or utilized.
Developed: The land surrounding the body of water has some human infrastructure like buildings and roads.
Highly Developed: Extensive human infrastructure encompasses the majority of the land surrounding the body of water. Buildings, roads, and shoreline stabilization structures will be common in these areas.
Beach:
If no beach is available swimming is still possible but there is no maintained swimming area.
Survey Map:
A state managed resource that provides information on water depths, fish species and regulations, boat launch directions, and more
Also known as "Weeks Pond" can be reached by a gravel road off of Route 151. The unimproved boat launch makes it easy for personal water-craft like kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards but more difficult for larger boats. This medium sized pond offers a quiet sense of wilderness with out having to travel too far from home.
Boat Launch: unimproved
Shore line: undeveloped
Beach: no
Fishing: year round
Size: 160 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/smith_pond.pdf
Lake George Regional Park is located right off of Route 2 near the Skowhegan-Canann town line. The lake & park offer multiple ways to access the lake; An Improved boat launch off of the East Entrance of the park, swimming areas at both the East and West sides of the park, and even a dog swimming area along the road just after the boat launch.
Boat Launch: improved & unimproved launches
Shore line: Developed
Beach: Yes (within the Park)
Fishing: year round
Size: 335 Acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/lake_george.pdf
Also known as "Hayden Lake" this popular destination offers an abundance of space for all kinds of activities! The boat launch can be accessed off of the East Madison rd. near the East Madison Village. This area also offers some beach area for public swimming beyond the boat launch and a small parking area.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: yes
Fishing: year round
Size: 1446 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/wesserunsett_lake.pdf
A very popular lake for all kinds of recreational activities. The boat launch is located at the southern end of the pond and is accessible via Mill Rd. There is no swimming allowed at the boat ramp, but a small public beach is available right next to the boat launch. The paved ramp is perfect for personal water-craft up to medium sized boats.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Highly developed
Beach: Yes
Fishing: year round
Size: 1568 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/embden_pond.pdf
A small, shallow pond great for exploring in a canoe or kayak! its mostly undeveloped shoreline and marshy wetland offer a perfect habitat for wildlife! the public boat launch is located on the southern end of the pond, off Eames Dr. in Embden. Unimproved landing is best suited for small boats and personal watercraft, boats with engines over 10hp are prohibited. Parking is minimal.
Boat Launch: unimproved
Shore line: undeveloped
Beach: No
Fishing: year round
Size: 196 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/fahi_pond.pdf
Located off Embden Pond Road, this small, quiet pond offers a peaceful spot for outdoor recreation. A paved walking path leads down to the water where you can easily launch a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and more. Though lesser-known, the pond boasts warm, clear water ideal for fishing. If you plan to swim, water shoes are recommended due to the presence of rocks and sticks on the pond floor.
Boat Launch: unimproved
Shore line: lightly developed
Beach: No
Fishing: year round
Size: 320 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/hancock_pond.pdf
Located on the North Eastern shore of the lake off the Fahi Pond rd. the unimproved boat launch provides carry-in access, down a short path, for personal watercraft like canoes and kayaks. Access to ramp in the winter is restricted to foot & ATVs. The Ponds small size makes for good opportunities to utilize the whole body of water in a small amount of time.
Boat Launch: unimproved
Shore line: undeveloped
Beach: No
Fishing: year round
Size: 107 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/sandy_pond.pdf
Moxie Pond, also known as "Lake Moxie" is a large lake with numerous inlets/outlets and coves to explore. The public boat launch can be accessed from Route 201 on the Lake Moxie rd and is large enough to accomodate boats & water-craft of most sizes. There is no public beach or swimming access, but campgrounds & raft rental businesses do offer swimming opportunities at the Lake.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Lightly developed
Beach: Yes
Fishing: Closed to fishing in the winter
Size: 2370 acres
Survey Map: https://www11.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/moxie_pond_theforks.pdf
Also known at "Moose Pond" for its similarity to the shape of a moose antler, is a large fairly shallow lake that is attractive to Fishermen and recreators alike. The boat launch is located in Hartland off of Great Moose dr. and offers ample parking. The west and south shoreline of the lake is fairly developed with more rural scenery in the north eastern end of the lake.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Lightly developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 3584 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/moose_pond_hartland.pdf
Nestled on the southern side, Morrill Pond drains into Sibley Pond and Carrabassett Stream. Covering 134 acres with a maximum depth of 48 feet, this serene pond is perfect for fishing and boating. A small boat landing off Morrill Pond Road provides easy access. Anglers can enjoy catching Brown Trout, White Perch, and Chain Pickerel.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Lightly developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 134
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/morrill_pond.pdf
Located on the west side of the Kennebec River on Canaan Rd right off Rt. 201. A large ramp allows boats and watercraft of all sizes to access one of Maine's Largest Rivers! From this location boaters have access to a stretch of river reaching from Skowhegan down to the damn in Fairfield. A large parking lot offers multiple parking spaces for vehicles and trailers.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Open Water season (Spring, Summer)
Size: 15mi of river access
For more information:https://www.fairfieldme.com/town/pages/parks-and-recreation
Also known at "Big Wood Pond" has a boat launch located right in town Jackman, on Mill rd., offering access to the water for all boating types. Parking is minimal. The shoreline following the town of Jackman is highly developed but once you leave the boat ramp the remainder of the lake is very rural. The Jackman town park offers a small but family friendly beach with docks and diving platforms.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Undeveloped
Beach: Yes
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 2168 acres
Survey Map:https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/wood_pond.pdf
Kennebec River (Nathan St. Boat Launch)
Access on of Maine's largest rivers just above the Madison Dam! This paved boat ramp offers ample parking, a picnic area, and access to the Weston Woods trail system for a full day of fun!
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: More than 10miles of River access
More Information: https://madisonmaine.com/index.php/recreation/outdoor-activities/126-river-access
This peaceful spot on the Kennebec River offers an unimproved hand-carry launch for small watercrafts like kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc. Stop in for a quick break or bring your lunch!
Boat Launch: Unimproved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: More than 10 miles of river access
More Information: https://www.somersetwoodstrustees.org/properties
Also known as "Hayden Lake" this popular destination offers an abundance of space for all kinds of activities! The small boat launch is located off Shore Rd near the Lakewood Theater. With less than 50’ of waterfront access and a short dock system this launch is perfect for canoe and kayak access. Roughly 6 parking spaces
Boat Launch: Unimproved
Shore line: Highly developed
Beach:
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 1446 acres
Survey Map:https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/wesserunsett_lake.pdf
Created by the installation of a 150ft Dam on the Kennebec River, this "lake" stretches for more than 15 miles! Access Wyman Lake right off Rt.201 at an improved boat launch with plenty of parking for all kinds of watercraft.
Boat Launch: Unimproved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 1819 Acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/wyman_lake.pdf
Access on of Maine largest river systems via a small improved boat launch off of Madison st. This boat ramp is best suited for small boats and personal watercraft but provides a decent amount of parking accross the street from the ramp.
Boat Launch: Unimproved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: More than 10 miles of river access
More Information: https://madisonmaine.com/index.php/recreation/outdoor-activities/126-river-access
Flowing through the town of Pittsfield, the river, accompanied by numerous parks along its shores, provides an abundance of opportunities for picnics, personal water craft, fishing, and so much more! There is a small hand-carry launch site at Pinnacle Park, providing access north towards Douglas Pond. Another unimproved/hand-carry launch site roughly 4 miles south of town, provides access to a larger stretch of the river, including the East Branch of the Sebasticook. The river is also known for its significant annual rund of alewives and supporting wildlife like Bald Eagles.
Boat Launch: Unimproved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: More than 10 miles of river access
More Information: https://www.sebasticookrlt.org/public-lands-trails
A small youth only (ages 16 and under) fishing pond located off Prospect St. in Skowhegan. There is multiple parking spots and a few picnic tables available. The pond is stocked regularly by MIFW making it a great place for youth learning how to fish.
Boat Launch: None
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: .5 Acres
More Information: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/special-opportunity-waters.html
Located on Route 2 right next to the Kennebec Banks Rest Area. This boat launch offers an improved boat ramp and a small parking area with access to the Kennebec river and a portion of Wesserunsett Stream!
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Lightly developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Open-water only
Size: 15mi of River Access
More Information: https://www.somersetwoodstrustees.org/properties
North Pond, like many of the other Belgrade Lakes have become a popular fishing destination for Pike and other warm water fish such as bass and perch. This relatively shallow, weedy pond makes for some fun exploring in a kayak, or canoe. The boat launch is found right off of North Shore Dr./Bog Rd. The paved boat ramp makes is accessible for watercraft of all types, but parking is limited to the side of the road and you do need to travel a short distance via the pond's outlet. Although swimming is allowed at North Pond, there is no public beach.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 2,225 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/kennebec/north_pond.pdf
Also known as Wentworth Pond, is accessible via a public hand-carry launch site at the north end of the west shore off of the Ironbound Pond Rd. Although the road is plowed throughout the winter, the boat launch is not maintained regularly. With inlets at all sides of the pond, this is a great pond for some exploring and wildlife opportunities. There is no public beach.
Boat Launch: Unimproved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 213 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/wentworth_pond.pdf
Starting in-town St. Albans, this long narrow pond stretches over three and a half miles before hitting the northern shore. The boat launch is located on the South East shore of the lake via the Town Landing Rd. Parking is somewhat limited but the paved ramp makes water access a breeze! The boat launch is also accompanied by picnicking opportunities.
Boat Launch: Improved
Shore line: Developed
Beach: No
Fishing: Year Round
Size: 990 acres
Survey Map: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lake-survey-maps/somerset/indian_pond_big.pdf
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