There’s Something Magical About These 11 Maine Lakes In The Summer

The largest lake on the Sabattus River, the pond runs northward from a dam in the northwest corner of Sabattus along the town line between Greene to the west and Wales to the east. It was once lovely for fishing, but development along the shore has changed that. For now, largemouth bass have been introduced to the lake.

Sebago is the deepest lake in Maine and we think it's one of the most fun. Enjoy boating, swimming and exploring unexepected inland islands. Frye Island is located in the center of the lake and is accessible only by boat during the summer months. Alternately, you can re-enact "Frye's Leap" based on the legend of Captain Frye. While trying to escape a Native American tribe in Portland, he came to a rock that he was unable to go around. Instead, he decided to leap into the waters of the lake and swim across. Read more about Sebago Lake here .

A smaller lake at 378 acres, you'll find primarily Brook Trout here. There's tons to say about this region, so click here for more information.

You can't swim in Jordan Pond, but it's a part of one of the best outdoor areas in Maine. Do the South Bubble hike to see the precariously perched rock and take in all of Jordan Pond beneath. Click here for more information.

What it lacks in pronounce-ability, it makes up for in beauty and fun. It is known for many coves, inlets, and more than 20 islands. It also has Ladies Delight Light, the only active inland waters lighthouse in the state. The lighthouse marks the northern part of the underwater reef running through the lake. If you love fishing this it the lake you'll want to check out. With a hearty population of largemouth bass, it is recognized as one of the best bass-fishing lakes in the country.

The Moosehead Lakes region is named for its visual similarity to the head of a moose when looking at it on a map. The lake is the largest in Maine and offers plenty of recreational activities. With over 80 islands located within the lake, it has lots of exploration possibilities. Hopefully, commercial development will not encroach too much, but in the meantime enjoy your time here all-year-round.

Megunticook is a great option year-round. In the summer, hike up Maiden's Cliff and then come down to enjoy a dip in the warm waters. In the fall, enjoy the foliage as well as boating.

While beautiful, Flagstaff Lake has a sad story. Before its existence, the communities of Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation were living their lives as any normal Mainers would. That is, until the CMP ultimately flooded the area. For a more detailed account of what happened, as well as old photos and a lovely tribute song click here.

Thompson Lake offers more than 4,000 acres of recreational activities including fishing. You'll find bigmouth and smallmouth bass, as well as landlocked salmon and lake trout.

The word "Umbagog" comes from the Abenaki word for "shallow water." While it's not entirely located in Maine, it's still a lovely one to visit if you're in the area. Running about 11 miles north to south, it is the largest lake along the Maine/New Hampshire border.

Big Lake is a bit off the beaten path, but those of you who love Washington County have surely enjoyed it. It has a hefty smallmouth bass population and is well-known among freshwater fishermen.