The Lake That Stayed Quiet
Kezar Lake stretches nine miles through the town of Lovell in Oxford County, about an hour and forty minutes northwest of Portland. At 2,665 acres and 160 feet deep, it is a substantial body of water. But what sets Kezar apart is not its size. It is the clarity.
The water quality here consistently ranks among the best in Maine. Secchi disk readings (a measure of how far down you can see a white disk) regularly exceed 30 feet. The lake sits at 377 feet elevation in the foothills of the White Mountains, and on a still morning the reflection of the peaks in the water is almost too perfect to believe. The painter Marsden Hartley captured this view multiple times in the early 20th century, and not much has changed since.
The shoreline is largely residential, with summer cottages and year-round homes tucked among the pines. There are no large resorts, no strip of restaurants, no miniature golf courses. Lovell has a general store, a post office, and the kind of quiet that people come to Kezar Lake specifically to find.
On the Water
Kezar Lake Marina, on the west shore, offers boat rentals, fuel, and a small store. They rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and water ski equipment. The marina also has a restaurant.
There is a public boat launch at the south end of the lake with parking for trailers. A town swimming beach near the launch offers a sandy entry and picnic tables. This is the main public access point for both boaters and swimmers.
The lake’s nine-mile length and relatively narrow shape create good conditions for paddling. The upper (northern) basin is quieter and narrower, while the southern basin is wider and sees more motorboat traffic. Early mornings are ideal for kayaking before the wind and boat traffic build.
Paddle the upper basin in the morning. The water is calmer, the loon calls echo off the hillsides, and the White Mountains fill the horizon to the west. You will see almost no one before 8 AM.
Swimming at Kezar is excellent. The water is clean and clear, and by August surface temperatures reach the mid-70s, warmer than many Maine lakes thanks to the relatively shallow southern basin. The sandy town beach is the easiest public access for swimming, with a gradual bottom and plenty of room.
Fishing
Kezar Lake supports a mix of warmwater and coldwater species. The deep, clear water holds landlocked salmon and lake trout, while the shallower areas produce smallmouth and largemouth bass.
| Species | Best Season | Method | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landlocked Salmon | May, September-October | Trolling streamers, downriggers in summer | Deep central basin |
| Lake Trout | Summer (deep), Winter (ice) | Downriggers, lead-core line, tip-ups | Deep holes in the upper basin |
| Smallmouth Bass | June-September | Rocky points, soft plastics, topwater | South basin, rocky structure |
| Largemouth Bass | June-August | Weed edges, shallow coves | Southern end, weedy flats |
| White Perch | Summer | Worms, small jigs | Throughout the lake |
A Maine fishing license is required. The nearest place to buy one is in Lovell or Fryeburg.
When to Go
Spring
Ice-out fishing. Quiet lake. Blackflies in late May. Marina may not be fully open until Memorial Day.
Summer
Warm water by July, excellent swimming. Marina and town services open. Loons nesting.
Fall
Spectacular foliage against the White Mountains. Water still warm through September. Very few visitors.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon and togue. Snowmobiling nearby. Very quiet. Limited services in Lovell.
Practical Notes
Cell service at Kezar Lake is poor to nonexistent. You may get a weak signal in the center of Lovell, but do not count on it anywhere near the water. Download maps, directions, and any reservation confirmations before you leave the last town with reliable service (Fryeburg or Bridgton).
The lake is dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome at the public beach and around the shoreline. Keep them leashed near other swimmers and pick up after them.
Lodging options in Lovell are limited to vacation rentals and a few small inns. The Quisisana Resort, on the lake’s eastern shore, is a unique music camp-resort where the staff are classically trained musicians who perform concerts throughout the summer. It has operated since 1947.
The Kezar Lake Watershed Association runs water quality monitoring and publishes annual reports. If you are considering buying property on the lake, their data is the most thorough resource on long-term water trends.
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 302 West to Fryeburg, then Route 5 North to Lovell. The drive is about an hour and forty minutes. From the Conway, New Hampshire, side of the White Mountains, Lovell is about 20 minutes east on Route 5.
The approach from Fryeburg through the Saco River valley is scenic, with views of the Presidentials on clear days. Kezar Lake is less than 10 miles from the New Hampshire border.
FAQ
How clean is Kezar Lake?
Very clean. Water clarity readings regularly exceed 30 feet, making it one of the clearest lakes in Maine. The Kezar Lake Watershed Association monitors water quality annually and publishes detailed reports.
Can you swim in Kezar Lake?
Yes. The town beach near the public boat launch has sandy entry and is open to the public. The water warms into the mid-70s by August. There is no fee for the beach.
Is there a boat launch at Kezar Lake?
Yes. A public boat launch with trailer parking is at the south end of the lake. Kezar Lake Marina on the west shore also offers boat rentals and fuel.
What is the cell service like at Kezar Lake?
Poor. You may get a weak signal in Lovell village, but coverage near the water is unreliable. Plan ahead and download anything you need before arriving.
How far is Kezar Lake from Portland?
About an hour and 40 minutes via Route 302 and Route 5. From Fryeburg, the last town before Lovell with full services, it is about 15 minutes.
