Gateway to the North Woods
Upper Shin Pond is a 544-acre mountain pond in the town of Mount Chase, Penobscot County, sitting at 791 feet elevation with a maximum depth of 64 feet. Mount Chase itself, a volcanic peak rising to 2,440 feet, stands to the north, and the forested ridges of the North Woods surround the pond on all sides.
This is the gateway to Baxter State Park’s northern entrance. The park’s Matagamon Gate is a short drive south, and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument lies just to the west. Upper Shin Pond is where anglers, hikers, and paddlers stage before heading into some of the wildest country in the eastern United States.
The pond connects to Lower Shin Pond to the south, and together they anchor a small community of sporting camps, lodges, and year-round homes that has served visitors for over a century. This is not a resort destination. It is working North Woods country, logging trucks on the road, loons on the water, and moose in the shallows at dawn.
On the Water
Upper Shin Pond is big enough to spend a full day paddling and small enough that you can see the entire shoreline from any point on the water. The shoreline is a mix of forest, rocky points, and marshy coves that hold wildlife. Moose are a regular sight in the shallow areas, particularly in spring and early summer. Loons nest on the pond and are present from ice-out through October.
Motorboats are allowed, but traffic is light. Most boats on the pond are fishing boats running at low speed or canoes and kayaks. There is no wakeboarding or jet ski culture here. The pond stays quiet.
Paddle the northern shoreline at dawn in June or September. Moose feed in the shallows, eagles work the thermals off Mount Chase, and the pond is often glassy calm before the breeze picks up. This is why people come to northern Maine.
Kayak and canoe rentals are available at Shin Pond Village, which sits between Upper and Lower Shin Ponds with easy access to both. If you do not have your own boat, this is a convenient option.
Swimming
Upper Shin Pond is swimmable, though this is mountain water and it stays cold. Surface temperatures reach the low-to-mid 60s by late July and peak in the upper 60s in August. The sandy and gravelly shallows near the lodges warm up enough for a refreshing dip after a hike, but this is not a lounging-on-the-beach lake.
There is no designated public beach. Most swimming happens from lodge docks, canoes, or rocky shoreline spots. If you are staying at Mt. Chase Lodge or Shin Pond Village, you will have direct waterfront access.
Upper Shin Pond is a cold mountain lake at nearly 800 feet elevation. Even in August, the water rarely breaks 70 degrees. Bring a rash guard or wetsuit top if you plan extended time in the water, especially for kids.
Fishing
Fishing is the primary draw at Upper Shin Pond. The pond supports brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass in excellent numbers. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocks brook trout annually, in 2026, 200 fish of 10-inch size were stocked in May.
| Species | Best Season | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brook Trout | May-June, September | Fly fishing, small spinners, worms | Stocked annually; cold water sustains them well |
| Landlocked Salmon | May, October | Trolling streamers, light tackle | Post ice-out and fall are prime windows |
| Smallmouth Bass | June-September | Soft plastics, topwater, crankbaits | Strong population on rocky structure |
The pond is in Maine’s North Zone for fishing regulations. General law applies unless special regulations are posted. North Zone brook trout bag limit is 5 fish per day. A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Check the MDIFW website for current regulations.
Book a stay at Mt. Chase Lodge and fish with a local guide for your first visit. The guides know the pond’s structure, the drop-offs, the weed lines, the places where trout hold in summer. A guided day will teach you the water faster than a week of exploring on your own.
Spring is the most productive season for coldwater species. After ice-out in late April or May, salmon and brook trout cruise the shallows and feed aggressively on smelt. By mid-June, the warmwater species take over and smallmouth bass provide consistent action through September.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is part of the winter tradition here. The pond freezes solidly by late December or January, and tip-ups for trout and salmon are the standard approach. The surrounding North Woods offer snowmobiling and cross-country skiing to complement a day on the ice.
Lodging
Two established operations anchor the Upper Shin Pond area.
Mt. Chase Lodge sits on the shore of Upper Shin Pond and operates as a full-service sporting camp. Waterfront cabins have full baths, propane or wood heat, and cooking facilities. The main lodge serves meals. Fishing, paddling, ATV trails, and winter sports are all accessible from the property.
Shin Pond Village occupies the land between Upper and Lower Shin Ponds and offers a wider range of accommodations: RV sites, tent camping, housekeeping cottages, guest suites, and waterfront homes. The main building houses a general store, gift shop, restaurant, and bar. Kayak and UTV rentals are available on-site.
| Lodging | Type | Setting | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Chase Lodge | Sporting camp with cabins | Directly on Upper Shin Pond | Anglers, couples, quiet retreat |
| Shin Pond Village | Campground, cottages, RV sites | Between Upper and Lower ponds | Families, groups, RV travelers |
Both operations provide easy access to Baxter State Park’s northern entrance (Matagamon Gate) and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Planning Your Visit
Spring
Ice-out fishing is excellent. Blackflies peak late May through mid-June. Roads may be soft from mud season.
Summer
Warm enough for swimming, peak fishing, paddling, and hiking. Moose sightings common. Book lodging early.
Fall
Foliage peaks late September. Fewer bugs. Trout and salmon fishing rebounds. Spectacular quiet.
Winter
Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing. Some lodges stay open. Deep snow and cold temps.
Cell service is spotty in Mount Chase. You may get a signal near the main road (Route 159), but coverage drops on the pond and in the surrounding woods. Plan accordingly.
Upper Shin Pond Packing List
- Fishing license and gear
- Canoe or kayak (or rent at Shin Pond Village)
- Life jackets for all paddlers
- Bug spray and head net (May-July)
- Warm layers (nights are cool even in summer)
- Rain gear
- Camera and binoculars (moose and eagles)
- Map of Baxter State Park if visiting
- Cash for lodge services and rentals
Getting there: From Patten, take Route 159 North for about 10 miles to Mount Chase and the Shin Pond area. From Bangor, take I-95 North to Sherman (Exit 264), then Route 11 North to Patten, and Route 159 North, roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes total. From Portland, allow about 4 hours and 30 minutes via I-95. The nearest gas and groceries are in Patten. Stock up before heading to the pond.
FAQ
How do I get to Baxter State Park from Upper Shin Pond?
The Matagamon Gate (northern entrance to Baxter State Park) is a short drive south from the Shin Pond area via the park access road. This entrance provides access to the northern end of the park, including South Branch Pond and the northern trails.
Can I rent a kayak at Upper Shin Pond?
Yes. Shin Pond Village, located between Upper and Lower Shin Ponds, rents kayaks and other watercraft. Mt. Chase Lodge also provides boats for guests.
What fish are in Upper Shin Pond?
Brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. Brook trout are stocked annually by MDIFW. The cold mountain water provides excellent coldwater fish habitat.
Is there camping at Upper Shin Pond?
Shin Pond Village offers tent camping, RV sites with water and electric, and housekeeping cottages. Mt. Chase Lodge has waterfront cabins. There is no primitive or backcountry camping on the pond itself.
When does Upper Shin Pond freeze and thaw?
The pond typically freezes by late December or January and ice-out occurs in late April to early May, depending on the year. Spring fishing picks up immediately after ice-out.
