Cold Stream Pond - Central Maine's Premiere Cold Water Lake

 

 

Overview - Cold Stream Pond is one of the finest lakes in central Maine. It is very scenic with views of Mount Katahdin to the north and the "Bluff", a large elevated peninsula that separates the southern and northern basins of the lake. This large lake which is partly located in the towns of Enfield, Lincoln and Lowell, is probably best known for its incredible water quality and clarity. The water quality is so good that the state of Maine established a fish hatchery in Enfield using the lakes water via a pipeline.

The lake is supplied water by springs and also fed by the outlet of the two Upper Cold Stream Ponds located in Lincoln. This outlet is Smelt Brook and enters Cold Stream Pond in the northern basin. A few other cold brooks enter the lake including Miles Brook and the outlet of nearby Trout Pond in Lowell.

Size, Depths and Boating - The surface area of the lake is more than 3,600 acres. The upper basin is approximately 704 acres and max depth of 56 feet. The state lake survey says that the upper basin has good water quality but can suffer from lower dissolved oxygen levels in the later part of summer. This is a quiet place to explore large rocky coves with a kayak and is usually the first area of safe for ice fishing in the winter. The lower basin contains about 2,924 acres with water depths up to 104 feet. This is a deep round basin perfect for boating, water skiing and sailing.

 

 

 

Fishing - Lake Trout are native to CSP and naturally reproduce in the spawning beds within Webb Cove and other locations. No stocking is necessary to maintain this fishery. The lake is known to occasionally produce a trophy lake trout in excess of 20 pounds. Landlocked salmon and brook trout are maintained by a stocking program. One fish not mentioned on the online survey of the lake by Maine DIFW is the cusk. If you have never eaten this fish you are missing a real treat. The odd looking fish in the Cod family is somewhat difficult to clean unless you know how. Google search some videos on how it is done. I recommend the technique of skinning then filleting. Fishing regulations for Cold Stream Pond include no taking of smelts in the lake or tributaries, no size or bag limit on bass and daily bag limit on salmon is one fish. For all regulations click on this link to Maine 2015 open water and ice fishing regulations. CLICK HERE FOR MAINE FISHING REGULATIONS

 

 

 

Boat Landing and Beach Location - Cold Stream Pond has one improved boat landing located at the south west corner of the lake at its outlet. There is a concrete ramp and parking area located at the end of Old Hatchery Road near the center of Enfield. The ramp is located in the outlet and is sheltered from wind and weather. Large boats can be launched at this landing but use caution when exiting the channel of the stream as there are a few large rocks.

There is a public beach located on the western shore known as Morgans Beach. It is a beautiful sand beach and an excellent place for swimming and a family picnic. Traveling north on the Lincoln Road from Enfield village look for the signs for the beach on the right.

Real Estate Types & Values - Property types around Cold Stream Pond include small seasonal cottages and cabins which are mostly on the west shore of the lake. This was the area first developed nearly 100 years ago. Some of these properties have since been converted to year round homes. Finding land for building is rare on this side of the lake. Cottages will range in value from $125,000 to $250,000 depending on lot size, building and lake front quality among other variables. Year round converted properties will sell from $200,000 - $300,000 on average.

The eastern side of the pond was not developed until the late 1980's. Lots on this side of the lake are much larger because of changes in zoning regulations and required setbacks that went from 75 to 100 feet in residential zones and 250 foot lake setbacks in the resource protected areas of Enfield and Lowell. Most of the properties found on this side of the lake are much newer and larger than the west side. Most are year round residences. Property values on this side of the lake currently range from $250,000 to over $400,000.

Getting Here - From I-95 you take exit 217 and head east on Route 155 about 6 miles to the boat landing on Old Hatchery Road. The landing is located 39 miles from Bangor, Maine and 272 miles from Boston, Ma.

If you are looking for a perfect central Maine waterfront property see our listings linked CLICK HERE FOR MAINE WATERFRONT PROPERTIES.