about the lake

Messalonskee Lake, Maine

Also known as: Snow Pond, Nine Mile Pond

Locations

• USA > New England > Maine

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Messalonskee Lake: Map & Description

Messalonskee Lake, also known as Snow Pond and Nine Mile Pond, is located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Central Maine. The 3,510 acre lake, the second largest of the Belgrade Lakes, is approximately 9 miles long and is the result of continental collision and glacial scouring. Its size was increased after it was dammed in 1905 to provide waterpower to Oakland's Cascade Woolen Mill and several factories in the early 20th century. Its average depth is 33 feet with a maximum depth of 113 feet.

While power boating is permitted on Messalonskee Lake, the lake suffers from a problem with aquatic plant life (milfoil) and therefore has become a popular destination for paddle boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Because of its unique habitat and conditions, the lake is considered one of the better places to view plants and wild animals, and binoculars are a must for an afternoon boat ride. The flora and fauna are abundant, ranging from singing bullfrogs and proud bald eagles to carnivorous pitcher plants. Black terns, a rare sight in Maine, also nest on the lake and any visitor will be awed by their beauty.

Fishing is a popular activity on Messalonskee Lake. Anglers can wile away the hours fishing for American eel, crappie, trout, bullhead, pickerel, fallfish, shiner, salmon, bass, pike and more.

While popular for its fishing, the lake is also known for its birding and scenic landscape. Whether observing nature in a canoe or kayak from the water or taking advantage of hiking trails, you will be in awe of the quiet peacefulness of the area, giving you unique and wonderful opportunities to catch animals in their element: foraging for food, bounding through the trees and sleeping in knolls. Don't forget your camera!

Messalonskee Lake: Statistics

• Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed
• Surface Area: 3,510 acres
• Average Depth: 33 feet
• Maximum Depth: 113 feet