Pleasant Lake, Maine, USA

Pleasant Lake is a glacial ribbon lake oriented in a north-to-south direction, with a surface area of 1,332 acres and a surface elevation of 427 feet. The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region, an area of western Maine known for some of the most beautiful and cleanest bodies of water and the best brown trout fishing in the state, is home to the northern end of Pleasant Lake. Pleasant…
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    • All About Pleasant Lake, ME

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - Maine - Lakes & Mountains Region, ME -

    Pleasant Lake is a glacial ribbon lake oriented in a north-to-south direction, with a surface area of 1,332 acres and a surface elevation of 427 feet. The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region, an area of western Maine known for some of the most beautiful and cleanest bodies of water and the best brown trout fishing in the state, is home to the northern end of Pleasant Lake. Pleasant Lake is 4 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, and typifies the lakes in this region.

    Anglers enjoy casting for bass, perch, and black crappie, as well as trolling for landlocked salmon and lake trout. Fly fishing for brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout is also a productive activity. Salmon are a particularly good catch here, with 2- to 4-pound fish caught on a regular basis. The northern end of Pleasant Lake is found in Otisfield, in Oxford County, Maine, which is a small town with a population of about 1,600.

    The Sebago Lakes Region holds the southern end of this lake, which is found in Casco, Maine, in Cumberland County, population 3,500 and growing. Casco is home to a heron rookery, which is a must-see on any trip to the area, and three historic museums. For those looking for small-town energy and a relaxed atmosphere, Casco has gift shops, antiques, crafts, art galleries, and a choice of other businesses and shops to browse. Otisfield has a drive-in boat launch, and Casco has a public boat launch, with beaches found at both the north and south ends of the lake.

    The Mountains and Lakes Region of western Maine is a haven for skiers, snowshoe enthusiasts, snowboarders, snowmobilers, and so many others who enjoy the larger tourist areas as well as the more remotely located and undeveloped places to visit and take advantage of the wild winter conditions. Beyond fishing, the area is known for its horseback riding, swimming, golfing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.

    Camping is very popular in the area, as is vacationing in a remote rental cottages or self-catering cabins or lodges surrounded by forestland. Opportunities abound for booking a unique and unforgettable lengthy vacation or even a short weekend stay. From bed and breakfast accommodations to large hotels to spas and ski resorts, there is something for every taste and budget.

    Pleasant Lake is spring fed, and it drains into Parker Pond, a smaller lake to the south that is connected to Pleasant Lake by Lilly Brook (also called Lily Brook) passageway, over which a road dubbed Mayberry Hill Road has been constructed. Lilly Brook is narrow and falls into a no-wake zone, so for safety and minimizing disturbances on the shore, motor boats and larger craft are prohibited on Lilly Brooke. However, lake lovers are welcome to navigate the scenic passage at a leisurely via canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or rowboat.

    Both Pleasant Lake and Parker Pond are points of recreational interest, and both are noted for their excellent water quality. A concerted effort by local residents who formed the nonprofit Pleasant Lake and Parker Pond Association (PLPPA) in the 1960s has helped prevent invasive plant species from entering either of the lakes on Lilly Brook. Pleasant Lake is found to the northeast of Sebago Lake, which is the deepest lake in Maine and also the second largest.

    Cumberland County enjoys a reputation for stunning landscapes and a variety of indoor and outdoor recreation possibilities. From the Cumberland County Civic Center in nearby Portland, Maine, which hosts all manner of entertainment, to the popular Blacksmiths Winery, to the well-attended Casco Flea Market, there is always something going on in this area for every kind of visitor to enjoy in every season. Hiking, biking, and walking in the lush green countryside are popular in the warmer months, and there are many options for choosing a dedicated forested trail or lakeside path.

    Sebago Lake State Park is one of Maine’s five original state parks that opened in 1938. This park is a year-round attraction and home to two boat launches that are open to the public. Camping is popular, as the park boasts a campground with 250 sites. Over 1,400 acres of land make this park a versatile recreational choice: hiking trails are popular and well used, and much of the land is forested. Beaches are also found here, along Sebago Lake, and picnic tables and park-like grounds are available for family relaxation and daytrip getaways. The area is a magnet for local nature lovers. From woodlands to wetlands, this park holds a variety of natural resources for fun, relaxation, and a general appreciation of the incredible diversity of Maine’s landscape.

    Pleasant Lake is close to other parks, including Bradbury Mountain State Park, only 28 miles away, and Range Ponds State Park, 17 miles away. Otisfield relies mainly on tourism for its economy, which is well deserved. With its picturesque New England feel and its breathtaking views, the area is the perfect Maine getaway. In the summer, black-eyed susans and scarlet bee balms are two of the vibrant native plants that dot the countryside, and blueberry fields are expansive. Rolling hills surround the town, and the fall foliage is bright and colorful. The local bodies of water, including Pleasant Lake, are some of the cleanest and best maintained in Maine. Pleasant Lake averages clarity of 8.6 feet. Parker Pond is found directly south of Pleasant Lake, Long Lake is to the west, and Thomspon Lake is to the northeast.

    The Portland International Airport is a short drive away, as are major shopping centers, and the lake is located less than an hour from the Atlantic coast. Across the border into New Hampshire are the majestic White Mountains, which feature downhill skiing only 17 short miles from Pleasant Lake. Cross-country skiing is popular throughout the region, and the crisp New England winters allow several months of opportunity to experience all kinds of popular winter recreation.

    Things to Do at Pleasant Lake ME

    These are some activities in the Pleasant Lake, ME area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Horseback Riding
    • State Park
    • Museum
    • Antiquing
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Pleasant Lake ME?

    Pleasant Lake ME has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Crappie
    • Brook Trout
    • Brown Trout
    • Crappie
    • Lake Trout
    • Perch
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Salmon
    • Trout
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    Pleasant Lake ME Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 1,332 acres

    Shoreline Length: 10 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 427 feet

    Average Depth: 33 feet

    Maximum Depth: 62 feet

    Water Volume: 40,125 acre-feet

    Water Residence Time: 5 years

    Lake Area-Population: 5,100

    Drainage Area: 6 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oligotrophic

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