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Maine · Fishing
New Portland is a quiet corner of Somerset County where fishing means small ponds and minimal crowds. The three fishable waters here — Pennell Pond, Safford Pond, and Butler Pond — are all lake and pond fisheries, which shapes what you should expect: this is still-water angling, not river wading.
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New Portland is a quiet corner of Somerset County where fishing means small ponds and minimal crowds. The three fishable waters here — Pennell Pond, Safford Pond, and Butler Pond — are all lake and pond fisheries, which shapes what you should expect: this is still-water angling, not river wading. That means a canoe, kayak, or small motorized boat will open up far more water than fishing from the bank, though shore access is worth scouting at each spot before you haul gear in. The area sits in western Maine's hill country, so water temperatures stay cooler longer into the season than coastal lakes, which can work in your favor during summer. None of these ponds are large destination fisheries that draw regional crowds, and that's part of the appeal — you're more likely to have a pond to yourself on a weekday morning than you are at better-known Somerset County waters. If you're driving up from the south, plan for the last stretch of road to be rural and occasionally unpaved depending on which pond you're targeting. Check current conditions before you go, especially in early spring when access roads can be soft.
All three fishable waters in New Portland — Pennell Pond, Safford Pond, and Butler Pond — are pond and lake fisheries. You're looking at still-water fishing rather than stream or river angling, so techniques like trolling, casting from a boat, or float-fishing from shore are the most practical approaches here.
Yes, a valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or at local sporting goods retailers. Make sure to check the current year's regulations booklet for any pond-specific rules, since some Maine waters carry special gear or bag-limit restrictions.
Safford Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Flagstaff Lake - Dead River Access
~25 min drive
Moderate
Kennebago River
~52 min drive
Hard
Butler Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Kennebec River - The Forks
~45 min drive
Moderate
Pennell Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Grindstone Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Spruce Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Redington Pond
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Lily Pond
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Macdougall Pond
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Chase Pond
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are generally the most productive windows on small Maine ponds. Fish tend to move into shallower water to feed during low-light periods, especially in warmer months. Midday fishing in summer can be slow as fish push deeper to find cooler water.
A canoe or kayak will give you a significant advantage on all three ponds, letting you reach coves, drop-offs, and weed edges that shore anglers can't access. Shore fishing is possible, but bank access and vegetation vary by pond, so it's worth walking the shoreline first to find a fishable spot before setting up.
Yes, small pond fishing in New Portland is a reasonable setting for beginners. The waters are manageable in size, there's no current to deal with, and the pace is relaxed. A basic spinning setup with live bait or simple lures is enough to get started, and you won't be competing with heavy boat traffic or crowds.
