The Quiet Link in the Belgrade Chain
North Pond is the overlooked member of the Belgrade Lakes chain. At 2,115 acres, it spans the towns of Smithfield, Rome, and Mercer in Somerset and Kennebec Counties. While Great Pond and Long Pond draw the summer crowd with their camps, marinas, and lakeside restaurants, North Pond stays relatively quiet. It is the shallowest lake in the chain, maxing out at about 20 feet, which gives it a character all its own: warm water, weedy shallows, and fishing that favors patience over deep-water trolling.
The flow of the Belgrade chain runs from East Pond into North Pond, then downstream to Great Pond, Long Pond, and Messalonskee Lake before reaching the Kennebec River at Waterville. North Pond sits near the top of this sequence, catching clean water from upstream.
The shoreline is a mix of seasonal camps, year-round homes, and undeveloped stretches. The surrounding landscape is classic central Maine: rolling fields, mixed forest, and small farms. The village of Smithfield, on the eastern shore, is tiny but functional.
On the Water
A public boat launch provides free access on the eastern shore. The ramp handles small to mid-sized boats, with parking for trailers. Motorboats are permitted, and the lake sees moderate traffic on summer weekends, though far less than Great Pond to the south.
North Pond is excellent for kayaking and canoeing. The shallow, weedy character means abundant lily pads, emergent grasses, and sheltered coves that reward slow exploration. The western shore, toward Mercer, is less developed and quieter.
Paddle the northern end of the pond at dawn. The marshes here are alive with herons, kingfishers, and the occasional mink. The shallow water warms early in the day, and bass start feeding along the weed edges before most boats launch.
Fishing
North Pond’s shallow, weedy water creates ideal warm water habitat. Largemouth bass are the headline species, thriving in the lily pad beds and submerged vegetation that line much of the shoreline. Fish in the 2 to 4 pound range are common, and the topwater bite on summer mornings is excellent.
Smallmouth bass are also present, though less dominant than in the deeper Belgrade lakes. Chain pickerel are everywhere, and white perch are abundant enough to keep a bucket full on a good day.
Northern pike have been found in North Pond, as they have in several Belgrade chain waters. Pike are considered invasive in Maine, and MDIFW encourages harvest. Check current regulations for bag limits and size restrictions.
Brown trout are stocked periodically, adding a cold water element. They hold in the deeper pockets during summer but move shallower in spring and fall.
The weed beds on the western shore between Mercer and Rome hold the densest vegetation and the best largemouth bass habitat. Fish topwater frogs, buzzbaits, or weightless soft plastics over the lily pads early morning. The fish blow up on surface presentations here.
Milfoil and other invasive aquatic plants are a concern in the Belgrade chain. Inspect and clean your boat, trailer, and gear before and after launching. The Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance monitors the lakes and asks boaters to help prevent the spread.
A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Purchase one at the MDIFW website or at local stores in the Belgrade area.
When to Go
Spring
Bass begin feeding in May. Brown trout active near shore. Blackflies in late May and June.
Summer
Peak bass and pickerel fishing. Warm water for swimming. Lily pads in full bloom.
Fall
Bass still active. Foliage over the farmland and forest. Quieter than summer.
Winter
Reliable ice on the shallow pond. Ice fishing for pickerel, perch, and pike. Snowmobiling on nearby trails.
Practical Notes
Cell service is spotty around North Pond. Coverage is better near Smithfield village but drops off on the water and along the western shore.
The pond is dog-friendly. No restrictions at the boat launch or along the shoreline.
Swimming is informal. The shallow water warms into the mid-70s by early July. There is no public beach, but the shoreline offers sandy and gravelly access points.
North Pond Packing List
- Fishing license (if fishing)
- Topwater lures for bass
- Bug spray (May through July)
- Sunscreen
- Life jackets
- Kayak or canoe
- Boat inspection awareness (invasive species)
- Snacks and water
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 North to Waterville, then Route 137 West to Smithfield. The drive is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Bangor, take I-95 South to Waterville, then the same route west. About 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The Belgrade Lakes village, about 10 miles south, has a general store, restaurants, and a marina. Waterville, 20 minutes east, has full services.
FAQ
Is North Pond part of the Belgrade Lakes?
Yes. North Pond is the second lake in the Belgrade chain, receiving water from East Pond and flowing downstream to Great Pond. It covers 2,115 acres across Smithfield, Rome, and Mercer.
How deep is North Pond?
North Pond is the shallowest lake in the Belgrade chain, with a maximum depth of about 20 feet. The shallow water creates excellent warm water fishing habitat.
What fish are in North Pond?
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, northern pike (invasive), and stocked brown trout. The largemouth bass fishing in the weed beds is the primary draw.
Can you swim in North Pond?
Yes, informally. There is no public beach, but the water warms into the mid-70s by midsummer. Sandy and gravelly shoreline spots provide access.
Are there invasive species concerns?
Yes. Milfoil and other invasive aquatic plants are monitored in the Belgrade chain. Clean your boat and gear before and after launching. Northern pike are also considered invasive.
