Long Lake

Locations

Be the first to add a photo to this lake!

Be the first to post a photo to the Long Lake Photo Gallery

Long Lake: Description

Long Lake is part of the Sebago Lake Region, which includes nearby Panther Pond, Little Sebago, Thompson Lake, Coffee Pond, Brandy Pond, Moose Pond, Pleasant Lake, and Crescent Lake. The lake stretches approximately 11 miles between Naples, Maine and Harrison, Maine. The lake is 1 mile wide at some points with a maximum depth of 59 feet and an average depth of 25 feet. Some sources describe the lake as covering 4,867 acres and others as 5,295 acres. Topographical variations over time and the improved accuracy of satellite mapping may account for these differences.

Long Lake lies just north of the Naples Causeway. Many recreational activities start at the Causeway, including lake tours on the Songa River Queen paddleboat, seaplane rides, windsurfing, and parasailing. Boat rentals are available at marinas in Naples and Harrison. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the public dock in Naples.

Brandy Pond connects Long Lake to the north with Sebago Lake to the south via the Songa River Lock, so boaters have plenty of scenery to explore. The Songa Lock opened in 1830, part of the 27-lock Cumberland-Oxford Canal system that ran from Casco Bay to Sebago Lake. Originally constructed to transport commercial and industrial goods, the canals then transported passenger steam boats after railroads were constructed in the late 1800s. Today the Songa Lock is used for recreational boating and tourism. It is one of the last remaining hand-operated locks in the country. The gates at the Songa Lock serve as the dam for controlling water levels at Long Lake and Brandy Pond. Water levels rose six to seven feet in 1830 after construction was completed. The gates are opened every November and remain opened until the ice melts in the spring, lowering water levels about four feet.

Long Lake lends itself to many recreational activities, one of which is its great fishing. Anglers come to the lake for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing, which is said to be some of the best in the region with its average 2-4 pound catches. Largemouth bass also makes its home in the lake, averaging about 3 pounds, though you shouldn't be surprised to hear stories of 8-pound victories. Also prevalent in Long Lake's waters is landlocked salmon, which finds its way to the lake via narrow channels from West Grand and Big Lake. If you can make it to the lake in September/October, you can fish for salmon while you gaze at the spectacular fall foliage all around you.

The Maine scenery is breathtaking year-round and visitors should make the best of the seasons. The warmer months present you with gorgeous vistas of clear blue water and green foliage. The autumn months paint a palette of reds, oranges, yellows and browns across the landscape. In the winter, snow covers the land and provides stunning photo opportunities. Depending on your preferences and the seasons, these panoramas can be enjoyed from hiking trails, scenic overlooks accessible by car or by water in your canoe or kayak.