Long Lake, a Crown Jewel of the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine, is a Boaters’ Paradise
November 20th, 2009 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Lots of open water makes Long Lake, in the Sebago Lake Watershed of western Maine, a boaters’ paradise.
Long Lake is the northern link in the chain of lakes that includes Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake and is bordered by three area towns: Naples, Bridgton, and Harrison.
At 11 miles long, you’ll find the Naples Causeway at Long Lake’s southern tip. Abundant activities occur at the Causeway during the summer months. Tour the lake on the Songo River Queen II, a replica of a Mississippi Paddle Wheeler, get a bird’s eye view from the North Country Scenic Seaplane Rides, learn to sail with Sebago Sailing, rent a boat from Long Lake Marina, pull up to the town dock to grab a bite to eat at Freedom Café, Sandy’s Flight Deck, Rick’s Café or The Tiki Bar and Grill, or shop in downtown Naples. Winter activities include ice fishing and the Naples Winter Carnival events.
At the northern tip, you’ll find the village of Harrison. Dock your boat and stroll about town. Things are a bit quieter in Harrison, but this is the home of the Lake Region Sailing Club, comprised of sailors of different skill levels. During the summer months about 25 boats gather to race each Tuesday evening. In the winter, the Harrison Recreation Department clears an area for public skating. Any time of the year, you can get dine at the Caswell House and Olde Mill Tavern or grab a quick bite to eat at the Village Tie-Up or the Market Basket.
At 4,867 acres, Long Lake is popular with water skiers and boaters. There are numerous coves to explore. And the fishing is great. Smallmouth bass catches average 2-4 pounds, while largemouth average about 3 pounds, but don’t be surprised by a larger catch. This is a popular lake for bass angling tournaments. State Fisheries Biologist, Brian Lewis, caught a 6-pound brown trout near Harrison. Landlocked salmon are also frequently caught here.
The water quality is good, but currently rated by the Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) and the State of Maine as having a high degree of concern due to apprehension about the rapid development in the watershed. So far Eurasian Milfoil is not a problem, but according to Peter Lowell, Executive Director of LEA, the goal is to keep it from spreading from the Songo River and Brandy Pond into Long Lake via boats.
Along the shores of Long Lake you’ll find three residential summer camps. Camp Takajo in Naples is a premiere camp for boys. Camp Newfound for girls and Camp Owatonna for boys in Harrison offer programs for Christian Scientists.
LEA has benefited from associations with these camps, and annual meetings have been held at both sites.
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Tom - MrLakefront
