The Heart of the Belgrade Chain
Great Pond is 8,239 acres of water at the center of Maine’s Belgrade Lakes region, a chain of seven interconnected lakes that has drawn summer visitors for well over a century. At a maximum depth of 69 feet, the lake is big enough to feel expansive but shallow enough in many areas to warm up for comfortable swimming by mid-summer.
The lake forms the boundary between Belgrade to the south and Rome to the north. Belgrade Lakes Village sits at the outlet where Great Pond flows into Long Pond, and this tiny community of shops, restaurants, and a historic post office serves as the social hub of the region.
Ernest Thompson spent summers here and drew inspiration from Great Pond for his play “On Golden Pond,” which became the 1981 Academy Award-winning film starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. The movie was filmed on Squam Lake in New Hampshire, but the setting was born here. The Belgrade Lakes also inspired E.B. White, who summered in the area, and his essays about Maine lake life are among his finest writing.
Fishing Great Pond
Great Pond offers diverse fishing across both warm-water and cold-water species. The bass fishing is some of the best in central Maine, and the lake also holds landlocked salmon, brook trout, brown trout, and northern pike.
| Species | Best Season | Method | Where on Lake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | June-September | Topwater, soft plastics, weedlines | Lily pad beds, shallow bays, island shorelines |
| Smallmouth Bass | June-September | Crayfish patterns, drop-shot, rocky structure | Rocky points, gravel bars, island drop-offs |
| Landlocked Salmon | May-June, September-October | Trolling streamers, light tackle | Open water, deeper channels between islands |
| Northern Pike | Spring, fall | Large spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, live bait | Weed beds, shallow bays, Great Meadow Stream inlet |
| Brown Trout | Spring, fall | Trolling, live bait | Deeper water, near tributary inlets |
The bass tournaments held on Belgrade Lakes draw competitors from across New England. Largemouth bass in the 4-5 pound range are caught regularly, and fish over 6 pounds turn up each season. Northern pike were introduced decades ago and have established a strong population, with fish occasionally exceeding 10 pounds.
Fish the islands. Great Pond has over a dozen islands, and the drop-offs, rocky shelves, and weed beds around them concentrate bass and pike. Hoyt Island and Pine Island are productive starting points.
A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Boat Launch and Marina Access
The primary public boat launch is the state-owned facility on Pub Boat Landing Road off ME-27 near Belgrade Lakes Village. It has a hard-surfaced ramp with parking for vehicles with and without trailers, plus a seasonal portable toilet.
Great Pond Marina in Belgrade Lakes Village offers boat rentals, dockage, and fuel. You can rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes. Several other marinas and rental operations serve the lake as well.
The public boat launch gets crowded on summer weekends. Arrive early or try weekday mornings. The marina rental option is worth considering if you want to avoid the launch line and just get on the water.
Swimming
Great Pond warms to the low to mid-70s by late July, making it one of the more comfortable swimming lakes in Maine. The combination of moderate depth and relatively low elevation means the water gets warm enough for extended swimming without a wetsuit.
- Rome Town Beach: A small sandy beach on the northern end of Great Pond, accessible via Route 225 to Frederick Lane. Free and public. Limited parking.
- Belgrade Lakes Village shoreline: Informal access near the village center. Popular but not a formal beach.
- Private shoreline: Most swimming happens from private docks, camps, and rental properties along the 40+ miles of shoreline.
The Belgrade Lakes Chain
Great Pond is the largest lake in a chain of seven that includes East Pond, North Pond, Great Pond, Long Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Salmon Lake, and McGrath Pond. The chain flows generally south and east, eventually reaching the Kennebec River at Waterville.
The interconnected nature of the chain means fish move between lakes, and paddlers can explore multiple bodies of water. Great Meadow Stream connects North Pond to Great Pond. Salmon Lake flows into Great Pond’s east side near North Belgrade.
Where to Stay
The Belgrade Lakes region has been a vacation destination since the late 1800s, and lodging options reflect that history:
- Camps and cottages: Lakefront cabin rentals are the classic Belgrade experience. Many families return to the same camp year after year.
- Inns and B&Bs: A few options in and around Belgrade Lakes Village.
- Day’s Store: Not lodging, but the general store in Belgrade Lakes Village is a landmark and gathering spot. Stop in for sandwiches and local information.
There are no large hotels directly on Great Pond. Augusta, about 20 minutes south, has chain hotels.
Planning Your Visit
Spring
Ice-out mid to late April. Fishing picks up fast. Services begin reopening. Blackflies peak late May.
Summer
Peak season. Swimming, boating, fishing all at their best. Lake culture in full swing. Book lodging early.
Fall
Foliage peaks late September to early October. Bass fishing stays strong into October. Fewer visitors, quieter lake.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon and trout. Quiet. Most seasonal businesses closed. Snowmobiling on nearby trail systems.
Great Pond Trip Packing List
- Fishing gear and Maine fishing license
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and hat
- Bug spray (especially June)
- Kayak or canoe (or rent locally)
- Camera
- Cash for local shops and launches
Getting There
Belgrade Lakes Village is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland via the Maine Turnpike and I-95 to the Belgrade exit. From Bangor, the drive is roughly 1 hour and 12 minutes via I-95 south.
Cell service is good in the Belgrade Lakes area. Verizon and AT&T both work reliably in the village and around most of the lake’s shoreline.
Augusta, the state capital, is about 20 minutes south and has grocery stores, gas stations, and other services.
FAQ
Is Great Pond the lake from On Golden Pond?
Great Pond inspired the story. Playwright Ernest Thompson summered on Great Pond and used it as the setting for his play On Golden Pond. The 1981 film was shot on Squam Lake in New Hampshire, but the real 'Golden Pond' is here in Belgrade.
How warm does Great Pond get?
Surface water reaches the low to mid-70s by late July and stays warm through August. It is one of the more comfortable swimming lakes in Maine due to its moderate depth and lower elevation.
Where is the boat launch on Great Pond?
The state boat launch is on Pub Boat Landing Road off ME-27 near Belgrade Lakes Village. It has a paved ramp and parking. Great Pond Marina also offers launch services and boat rentals.
What fish are in Great Pond?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, brook trout, brown trout, northern pike, white perch, chain pickerel, and smelt. The bass fishing is particularly strong, with largemouths regularly reaching 4-5 pounds.
Can I swim in Great Pond?
Yes. Rome Town Beach on the northern end is the main public beach. Most swimming happens from private camps and docks. The water warms to the 70s in summer, making it comfortable for extended swims.
