A Quieter Link in the Belgrade Chain
Salmon Lake, known to many locals as Ellis Pond, covers 695 acres in Belgrade and Oakland in central Maine’s Kennebec County. It is one of the seven waters that make up the Belgrade Lakes, and it sits in the middle of the chain: McGrath Pond flows into Salmon Lake, and Salmon Lake in turn empties into big Great Pond. That position makes it a connector, and the channel between Salmon Lake and McGrath Pond is shallow enough that the two are often talked about together.
For a Belgrade lake, Salmon Lake is on the quieter side. It does not have the wide-open size of Great Pond or Long Pond, and its reasonably deep cold-water habitat, a maximum of about 57 feet, makes it a more interesting fishery than its acreage might suggest. The lake holds brook trout, brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white perch, and pickerel, a mix that keeps anglers coming through the open-water season and onto the ice in winter.
The shoreline has the camps and cottages typical of the Belgrades, but the lake is small enough to feel manageable from a kayak or canoe, and the connection to McGrath Pond gives paddlers somewhere to go.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Fishing
Salmon Lake earns its name with a cold-water fishery that runs deeper than the surrounding ponds. Brown trout and brook trout are present alongside the warm-water species, and the lake’s depth gives trout cool water to hold in through the heat of summer. Spring and fall, when the cold-water fish move shallower, are the classic times to target them.
Bass fishing is the everyday draw. Both largemouth and smallmouth are here, and the rocky points, drop-offs, and the shallow water around the McGrath Pond connection all hold fish. White perch and pickerel round out the catch and make for easy action when you just want bites. The lake fishes well from a small boat, a canoe, or a kayak.
The narrows and channel between Salmon Lake and McGrath Pond concentrate fish and are worth a careful pass. Bass stack up around the structure where the two waters meet, and you can paddle between the two ponds to cover more water without trailering anywhere.
Paddling
Salmon Lake is a comfortable size for paddling. At 695 acres it is big enough for a real outing but small enough that wind rarely builds the kind of chop you get on Great Pond. A canoe or kayak launched at the public ramp can explore the shoreline, slip down into the McGrath Pond connection, or work the coves where loons and other birds gather.
This is not wilderness paddling. There is development around the lake and boat traffic in summer, so it is best enjoyed early in the morning or on a weekday when the water is calm and quiet.
Swimming
The water warms nicely by midsummer, and the lake is suitable for swimming, though there is no designated public beach. Most swimming happens off private camps and docks. If you are visiting and using the boat launch, you can find informal spots along the shore, but be considerate of private property.
Getting There
Salmon Lake is in Belgrade, in central Maine just north of Augusta and west of Waterville. From Portland, take I-95 north and head west toward Belgrade on Route 27, about an hour and 15 minutes. The trailered boat launch is off Route 8 in Belgrade.
This is settled central-Maine country, so cell service is generally good and services in Belgrade, Oakland, and Augusta are close by.
When to Visit
Spring
Cold-water fish move shallow after ice-out, making for prime trout fishing. Cool, quiet water and fewer boats. Blackflies appear by late May.
Summer
Warm water for swimming and easy paddling, with the best bass fishing. Busiest season on the chain, so go early for calm water.
Fall
Foliage around the lake, cooling water, and a return of good cold-water fishing as the crowds thin.
Winter
Ice fishing for trout and bass once the ice is safe. Access depends on plowing and conditions.
Summer is the most popular season, with warm water and the best bass fishing. Spring and fall are the times for trout, with cooler water and a quieter lake. Winter brings ice fishing once the ice is solid.
Packing List
Salmon Lake Trip
- Canoe or kayak with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Tackle for bass and trout
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Bug spray for late spring and early summer
- Water and snacks
- Binoculars for loons and other birds
- Swimsuit and towel for a midsummer dip
FAQ
Is Salmon Lake the same as Ellis Pond?
Yes. Salmon Lake in Belgrade and Oakland is also known as Ellis Pond. It covers 695 acres with a maximum depth of about 57 feet.
What fish are in Salmon Lake?
The lake holds brook trout, brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white perch, and chain pickerel. Its depth gives it a real cold-water trout fishery alongside the bass.
Where is the boat launch?
A trailered public boat launch is located off Route 8 in Belgrade. From there you can also paddle into the connected McGrath Pond.
How does Salmon Lake connect to the other Belgrade lakes?
McGrath Pond flows into Salmon Lake, and Salmon Lake empties into Great Pond, placing it in the middle of the seven-lake Belgrade chain.
Can you swim in Salmon Lake?
Yes, the water warms well by midsummer, though there is no designated public beach. Most swimming is off private camps and docks, so respect private property.
