Crystal Water in the Western Foothills
Clearwater Lake sits in the towns of Industry and Farmington in Franklin County, about an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Portland. The name is not an exaggeration. At 751 acres with a maximum depth of 129 feet, Clearwater has some of the best water clarity in the state. On calm days you can see the bottom in 20 feet of water. The lake is C-shaped, with 6.5 miles of shoreline that winds through forested hills and past scattered camps and cottages.
This is a quiet lake. There are no resorts, no rental fleets, and no commercial activity on the water. Development along the shoreline is modest and mostly residential. The result is a lake that feels peaceful and uncrowded even in the middle of summer. Loons nest here, ospreys hunt over the water, and the evening quiet is broken only by the occasional call of a loon echoing across the surface.
On the Water
A public boat launch on Route 43 provides access to the lake. The launch accommodates boats of all sizes, though the lake’s character is best suited to smaller craft. Kayaks and canoes are ideal for exploring the 6.5 miles of shoreline, which includes rocky points, sandy stretches, and small coves tucked into the forest.
The lake allows motorboats, but the local ethic leans toward quiet recreation. Most power boats you see will be small fishing boats running at moderate speed. Personal watercraft are less common here than on larger destination lakes.
Swimming is excellent. The water is cold and clear, with a sandy or rocky bottom depending on location. There are no formal public swimming beaches, but several spots along the shoreline offer easy access from the water.
Paddle the full shoreline on a calm morning. The C-shape of the lake creates protected coves and channels that are ideal for wildlife viewing. Bring binoculars and move quietly near the marshy inlets where loons, herons, and kingfishers are most active.
Fishing
Clearwater Lake supports a mix of coldwater and warmwater species. The deep, cold, well-oxygenated water sustains populations of brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocks brook trout, lake trout, and salmon to supplement natural reproduction.
Smallmouth bass and yellow perch are present in the warmer, shallower sections. The bass fishing can be productive around rocky points and submerged structure.
The coldwater fishing is the primary draw. Trolling for landlocked salmon and lake trout is productive in spring after ice-out and again in fall when the water cools. In summer, the fish retreat to the deep, cold water in the center of the lake, and you need downriggers or lead-core line to reach them.
Clearwater Lake is also called Clearwater Pond on some maps and by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Both names refer to the same body of water. If you are looking up fishing regulations, search for “Clearwater Pond” in the MDIFW database to find the right entry.
A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
When to Go
Spring
Ice-out fishing for salmon and trout. Loons return and begin nesting. Black flies arrive in late May.
Summer
Warm enough for swimming by July. Best paddling conditions. Long, quiet days on the water.
Fall
Foliage reflects beautifully on the clear water. Fall fishing for salmon and lake trout is productive.
Winter
Ice fishing for lake trout and salmon in the deep water. Quiet and solitary. Snowmobile access in the area.
Practical Notes
The town of Farmington is about five miles away and has all basic services: grocery store, gas stations, restaurants, and a hardware store. Farmington is also home to the University of Maine at Farmington. The Rangeley Lakes region is about 45 minutes to the northwest.
Cell service is spotty on the lake. You may get a signal on the Farmington end but lose it on the Industry side.
Clearwater Lake is an important loon nesting site. During nesting season (May through July), keep your distance from nesting pairs and stay at least 150 feet from shore near known nesting sites. Do not approach loons with chicks. Your quiet enjoyment of the lake helps protect these birds.
Clearwater Lake Packing List
- Fishing license (if fishing)
- Life jackets for every person on the water
- Bug spray (May through July)
- Binoculars for loon and bird watching
- Sunscreen
- Layers for cool mornings on the water
- Cooler with lunch and water
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 4 North through Farmington. At Farmington, continue to Route 43 and follow it west toward Industry. The public boat launch is on Route 43. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Bangor, take Route 2 West to Farmington, then Route 43. About 1 hour and 50 minutes. From Rangeley, the drive south is about 45 minutes.
FAQ
How clear is Clearwater Lake?
Very clear. Visibility regularly exceeds 20 feet in calm conditions. The lake lives up to its name and is one of the clearest bodies of water in the western Maine foothills.
What fish are in Clearwater Lake?
Brook trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The deep, cold water supports a quality coldwater fishery supplemented by MDIFW stocking.
Can you swim in Clearwater Lake?
Yes. The water is cold and clear with good swimming conditions. There are no formal public beaches, but the public launch area and several shoreline spots offer access.
Is Clearwater Lake the same as Clearwater Pond?
Yes. The lake appears as Clearwater Pond in some official databases and on older maps, but Clearwater Lake is the more commonly used name. Both refer to the same body of water in Industry and Farmington.
Are there loons on the lake?
Yes. Clearwater Lake is an important nesting site for common loons. Nesting pairs are present from May through July. Respect nesting areas and keep your distance from loons with chicks.
For more in the area, see our guide to Rangeley Lake and the western mountains region.
