The Headwater of the Belgrades
East Pond is the top of the Belgrade Lakes chain, the headwater pond where the system begins before the water works its way down through the other lakes. It covers 1,823 acres straddling Oakland on the south end and Smithfield on the north, which makes it one of the larger waters in the chain by surface area. What sets it apart is its depth, or rather its lack of it: East Pond is shallow, with a maximum of only about 27 feet, so it warms up early and stays warm. That makes it the warmest of the Belgrade lakes and an easy, friendly place for families.
The shallow, gentle character is the whole appeal. There are no big cold-water crossings or deep open reaches to worry about, just broad, calm water that suits a canoe, a kayak, or a paddleboard. The shoreline has the usual mix of camps and cottages, and the pond connects northward to North Pond through a winding channel known as the Serpentine.
East Pond also has its share of work behind the scenes. Lake associations watch its water quality closely, and an invasive aquatic plant has been found in part of the Serpentine, so paddlers and boaters should respect any posted hazard buoys and clean their gear between waters.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Fishing
East Pond is a warm-water fishery to its core, and a good one for anglers who like steady action over trophy hunting. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the headliners, holding around the weed edges, docks, and shallow structure that the warm water grows. White and yellow perch, chain pickerel, and other panfish keep rods bent, which makes the pond a fine spot to take kids fishing.
There are brown trout and rainbow smelt in the mix as well, but the shallow, warm profile means this is bass-and-panfish water first. Early morning and evening are the productive windows in summer, when the bass come up to feed in the shallows.
The state boat launch is on the south end off East Pond Road. It is a well-used ramp with room to park trailers, but it fills up on warm summer weekends, so arrive early. From there you have the whole shallow lake to work, and the warm coves heat up first in spring.
Paddling
Few Belgrade lakes are as forgiving for paddling as East Pond. The water is broad but shallow and gentle, so a family in canoes or kayaks can spend an easy afternoon poking along the shoreline without facing the kind of wind-driven chop that builds on the deeper lakes. The Serpentine channel toward North Pond adds an interesting destination, though paddlers should heed any invasive-plant hazard buoys in that stretch.
Loons, herons, and other birds work the shallows and weed beds, so bring binoculars. Because it is the headwater pond, East Pond has a slightly more out-of-the-way feel than the busier middle of the chain.
Swimming
Being the warmest of the Belgrade lakes, East Pond is well suited to swimming, and it warms earlier in the season than its deeper neighbors. There is no large public beach, so most swimming is off private docks and camps. Visitors using the launch can find informal shoreline spots but should respect private property.
Getting There
East Pond lies between Oakland and Smithfield in central Maine, just northwest of Waterville. From Portland, take I-95 north toward Waterville, then follow local roads west to East Pond Road, about an hour and a half. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife public boat launch is on the south end of the lake off East Pond Road.
This is settled country with good cell service and full services in Oakland and Waterville nearby.
When to Visit
Spring
The shallow water warms early, so bass turn on sooner here than on the deeper lakes. Cool, quiet paddling. Blackflies arrive by late May.
Summer
Warm water for swimming, easy family paddling, and steady bass and panfish action. The busiest season, so launch early.
Fall
Foliage around the shoreline and good fishing as the crowds clear out. Cooler, calmer water.
Winter
Ice fishing for bass and perch once the ice is safe. Access depends on conditions and plowing.
Summer is the prime season on East Pond, with its warm, shallow water ideal for swimming and family paddling. Spring brings the earliest bass action of the chain, and fall is quiet and scenic.
Packing List
East Pond Trip
- Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Tackle for bass and panfish
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Bug spray for late spring and early summer
- Water and snacks
- Binoculars for loons and herons
FAQ
How big is East Pond?
East Pond covers 1,823 acres in Oakland and Smithfield, with a maximum depth of about 27 feet. It is the headwater pond of the Belgrade Lakes chain.
Why is East Pond good for families?
It is shallow and warm, the warmest of the Belgrade lakes, with broad, gentle water and no big open crossings. That makes it forgiving for kids swimming, paddling, and fishing for panfish.
Where is the boat launch?
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife public launch is on the south end of the lake off East Pond Road, with a ramp and trailer parking.
What fish are in East Pond?
Mainly largemouth and smallmouth bass, white and yellow perch, and chain pickerel, with brown trout and rainbow smelt also present. It is a warm-water fishery best for bass and panfish.
Does East Pond connect to other lakes?
Yes. It connects north to North Pond through a winding channel called the Serpentine. Watch for invasive-plant hazard buoys in that stretch and clean your gear between waters.
