About the Lake
NEW SURFACE USE RESTRICTION (SUR) FOR NORTH POND!
Q & A:
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Why did Maine DEP and Inland Fisheries & Wildlife issue the SUR?
The SUR was issued due to the presence of the invasive aquatic plant Curly-Leaf Pondweed (CLPW). The purpose is to prevent spread to other parts of the pond and to protect divers working to remove the plants.
How long is the restriction in effect?
The order is for 24 hours a day from April 1st through December 31st in 2026. The order is subject to annual review.
How large an area is restricted?
3 parcels totaling 25.7 acres see the map for the approximate locations
Can I paddle in the restricted zones?
NO watercraft of any type can enter or travel through the restricted areas. The restricted area on North Shore Drive will be far enough from shore to allow property owners access to the pond.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, exceptions to this Order are limited to boat travel 1) in emergency situations where property or human safety is endangered, and 2) specifically allowed by the DEP or DIFW to survey for, remove invasive plants, deploy and retrieve fragment nets and buoys, and maintain fragment nets.
How will the areas be marked?
Maine DEP and IF&W will deploy buoys later this Spring around the boundary of the restricted areas in North Pond.
Who enforces the SUR?
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife enforces the restriction.
Title 12, §13068-A: Operating watercraft; prohibitions addresses penalties for violating surface use restriction orders for watercraft, including specific fines of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000 per violation, which cannot be suspended by the court.
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GENERAL LAKE INFORMATION:
Area: 2,225 acres
Maximum depth: 20 feet
Principal fisheries: Smallmouth bass, white perch, chain pickerel, and largemouth bass
North Pond, located in Somerset and Kennebec Counties, is second in the Belgarde chain of lakes and is a headwater pond in the Belgrade Lakes system. The town of Smithfield is situated on the east shore with the towns of Mercer and Rome on the west shore. Primary access to North Pond is via a state-owned boat launch on Bog Stream. The "Narrows" is a shallow channel connecting Little Pond to North Pond.North Pond provides excellent habitat for warm water game fishes. Good fisheries for both largemouth and smallmouth bass are present in this shallow, weedy pond. Chain pickerel and white perch are abundant and offer good action for winter and summer anglers. Northern pike, which were illegally introduced to the Belgrade lakes several years ago, are now present in North Pond. How the presence of this large, voracious predator will affect existing sport fishes is uncertain at this time.