The Deep Water of the Belgrade Chain
Long Pond is one of the larger and deeper waters in the Belgrade Lakes, covering roughly 2,714 acres across Belgrade, Mount Vernon, and Rome in Kennebec County. The village of Belgrade Lakes sits right between Long Pond and neighboring Great Pond, so this is the heart of the chain, and Long Pond is the cold-water side of it. A narrows divides the lake into two distinct basins. The lower, southern basin is the deepest, reaching around 106 feet, and that depth is what makes the lake a genuine cold-water fishery rather than just a warm-water bass pond.
That two-basin shape gives Long Pond variety. The deep lower basin holds the cold water that landlocked salmon and lake trout need, while both basins support warm-water species too. The result is one of the more complete fisheries in central Maine, with salmon, togue, and bass all in the same lake. The shoreline carries the camps and seasonal homes typical of the Belgrades, but the lake is big enough to find quiet water, especially up in the northern basin.
For paddlers, Long Pond is a more serious lake than shallow East Pond. Its size and depth mean wind can build real waves, so it rewards an early start and an eye on the weather.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Fishing
Long Pond is a destination fishery in the Belgrade chain because it can support cold-water and warm-water fish at once. The deep lower basin is the key. Landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brown trout hold in the cold water there, and trolling is the traditional approach, especially in the weeks after ice-out when the salmon and trout cruise nearer the surface.
The bass fishing is excellent as well. Smallmouth bass work the rocky structure and drop-offs, and largemouth hold around the weedier, shallower water and the shoreline cover. The mix means you can troll deep for salmon in the morning and cast for bass along the shore later in the day.
Target the cold-water fish in spring and fall, when salmon and trout are higher in the water column and easier to reach. In the heat of summer they drop into the cold depths of the lower basin, and that is the time to switch to bass along the shorelines and rock piles.
Paddling
Long Pond rewards paddlers with room to explore, but it asks for respect. At nearly 2,714 acres with two basins, it is large enough that wind can kick up a real chop, and an open crossing in a canoe or kayak is not something to start when whitecaps are building. Paddle the shoreline, use the narrows and coves for shelter, and plan around the wind.
The narrows between the basins is a natural focal point, and the quieter northern basin is the place to go for calmer, more scenic paddling away from the busier village end.
Long Pond is large and can build dangerous waves in a strong wind, particularly down the long open basins. Check the forecast, stay near shore in a canoe or kayak, and get off the water if whitecaps form. Cold water early and late in the season raises the stakes if you go over.
Swimming
The lake warms enough for swimming by midsummer, though the deep basin stays cooler than shallow lakes like East Pond. There is no large public beach, so swimming is mostly off private docks and camps. The public launch is for boats rather than swimming, so respect private shoreline if you look for a spot to cool off.
Getting There
Long Pond runs through Belgrade, Mount Vernon, and Rome in central Maine, with the village of Belgrade Lakes at its midpoint. From Portland, take I-95 north and head west on Route 27 to Belgrade Lakes, about an hour and 20 minutes. The state-owned boat launch and parking area is on the lower basin, just south of the narrows.
This is settled central-Maine country with good cell service and services in Belgrade Lakes village and Augusta nearby.
When to Visit
Spring
Prime time for salmon and trout near the surface after ice-out. Cool, quieter water before the summer crowds. Blackflies arrive by late May.
Summer
Warm surface water for swimming, good bass fishing along the shores, and long days for paddling. The busiest season, so go early for calm water.
Fall
Foliage around the lake and a return of strong cold-water fishing as salmon and trout move shallow again. Crowds thin out.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon, trout, and bass once the ice is safe. Conditions and access vary.
Spring and fall are the times for salmon and lake trout, with cooler water and fewer boats. Summer brings the warmest water for swimming and the best bass fishing, along with the most traffic. Winter offers ice fishing once the ice sets up.
Packing List
Long Pond Trip
- Canoe or kayak with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Trolling and casting tackle for salmon, trout, and bass
- Layers and a windbreaker (open water gets breezy)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water and food
- Binoculars for loons and eagles
FAQ
How big and deep is Long Pond in Belgrade?
Long Pond covers roughly 2,714 acres across Belgrade, Mount Vernon, and Rome, and its deep lower basin reaches about 106 feet, making it the cold-water lake of the Belgrade chain.
What fish are in Long Pond?
Landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brown trout in the deep cold water, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. The two-basin shape supports both cold-water and warm-water fishing.
Where is the boat launch?
A state-owned boat launch and parking area is on the lower basin, just south of the narrows that divides the lake's two basins.
Is Long Pond safe for paddling?
It is, with caution. The lake is large and can build dangerous waves in wind. Stay near shore in a canoe or kayak, watch the forecast, and avoid open crossings when whitecaps form.
Can you swim in Long Pond?
Yes, the surface warms by midsummer, though the deep basin runs cooler than shallow lakes. There is no large public beach, so most swimming is off private docks and camps.
