A Long Lake Under Pleasant Mountain
Moose Pond is a long, narrow lake that runs along the foot of the Pleasant Mountain range in western Maine, spanning the towns of Bridgton, Denmark, and Sweden. It covers roughly 1,617 acres and stretches for miles, divided into three distinct basins, with the dramatic ridgeline of Pleasant Mountain rising right above the water. The mountain is also home to the ski area long known as Shawnee Peak, so the same hills that draw skiers in winter look down on paddlers and anglers the rest of the year.
The lake’s shape and depth make it more interesting than its narrow profile suggests. The middle basin runs deep, to around 70 feet, and that cold water supports landlocked salmon and lake trout alongside the warm-water fish, giving Moose Pond a genuine cold-water fishery. A causeway carries Route 302 across the lake between the north and main basins, a crossing that has been in place in one form or another since the 1830s, when an early bridge was built on pine cribbing through holes cut in the winter ice.
With Pleasant Mountain overhead and Sebago Lake country nearby, Moose Pond is a scenic, accessible lake an hour from Portland, popular for fishing, paddling, and swimming through the warm months.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Fishing
Moose Pond rewards anglers who like variety. The deep middle basin holds the cold water that landlocked salmon and lake trout, called togue here, need to thrive, and trolling that basin is the classic approach, especially after ice-out when the salmon run nearer the surface. As summer warms the lake, the cold-water fish drop deeper into the middle basin.
The warm-water fishing is strong too. Smallmouth and largemouth bass work the rocky structure and shoreline cover, and white perch, yellow perch, and chain pickerel keep rods bent. With three basins of different character, you can fish deep for salmon and togue in one and cast the shallows for bass in another.
The deep middle basin is the spot for salmon and togue, particularly in spring and again in fall. The shallower north and south basins warm faster and fish better for bass. Picking the right basin for the species and season is the key to Moose Pond.
Paddling
Moose Pond’s long, narrow shape makes for scenic paddling, with Pleasant Mountain looming over the water for much of its length. A canoe or kayak can follow the shoreline through the basins, pass under the Route 302 causeway, and explore the quieter ends away from the busier middle. The reflection of the mountain on a calm morning is the reason a lot of people put in here.
Because the lake is long and open in places, wind can funnel down it and build a chop, so an early start gives you the flattest water and the best mountain views. Watch for motorboat traffic in summer, especially near the launches and the causeway.
Swimming
The lake warms well by midsummer, and the shallower basins are pleasant for swimming. There is no large public beach, so most swimming happens off private camps and docks. Visitors using the public launches can find informal shoreline spots but should respect private property.
Getting There
Moose Pond is in Bridgton, in western Maine’s lakes-and-foothills country, about an hour northwest of Portland. From Portland, take Route 302 northwest through Naples to Bridgton; the road crosses the lake on the causeway. There are two public boat ramps: one off Route 302 between the north and main basins, and another off Denmark Road serving the south basin.
This is a popular vacation area with good cell service and full services in Bridgton, so supplies and fuel are close by.
When to Visit
Spring
Prime salmon and togue trolling after ice-out, with cool, quiet water before the summer crowds. Blackflies arrive by late May.
Summer
Warm water for swimming, scenic paddling under Pleasant Mountain, and good bass fishing. The busiest season, so launch early.
Fall
Foliage on Pleasant Mountain mirrored in the lake, plus a return of strong cold-water fishing as salmon and togue move shallow.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon, togue, and bass once the ice is safe. Shawnee Peak skiing draws the area's winter crowd.
Summer brings the warmest water and the classic mountain-and-lake scenery. Spring and fall are the times for salmon and togue, with quieter water. Winter turns the area over to ice fishing and skiing on Pleasant Mountain.
Packing List
Moose Pond Trip
- Canoe or kayak with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Trolling and casting tackle for salmon, togue, and bass
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Layers and a windbreaker (the long lake gets breezy)
- Water and food
- Binoculars for loons and eagles
FAQ
How big is Moose Pond in Bridgton?
Moose Pond covers roughly 1,617 acres across Bridgton, Denmark, and Sweden, running long and narrow in three basins with a maximum depth around 70 feet in the middle basin.
What fish are in Moose Pond?
The deep middle basin holds landlocked salmon and lake trout (togue), while all three basins support smallmouth and largemouth bass, white and yellow perch, and chain pickerel.
Where are the boat launches?
There are two public ramps: one off Route 302 between the north and main basins, and another off Denmark Road that serves the south basin.
Is Moose Pond near Pleasant Mountain?
Yes. The lake runs along the foot of the Pleasant Mountain range, home to the Shawnee Peak ski area, and the mountain rises right above the water for much of the lake's length.
Can you swim in Moose Pond?
Yes, the shallower basins warm well by midsummer. There is no large public beach, so most swimming is off private camps and docks; respect private property.
