Crescent Lake
About Crescent Lake
The lake spans approximately 703 to 716 acres in surface area and has a maximum depth of about 54 feet in its northeastern section. Its shoreline measures around 8.9 miles, and water flows from the lake’s southern end through the Tenny River into nearby Panther Pond. The surrounding watershed remains largely natural and undeveloped—over 80 % of the 500-m shore buffer is in natural cover or forested land.
Ecologically, Crescent Lake supports a mix of warm-water and limited cold-water fish species. It has sustained populations of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white perch and chain pickerel, among others. The lake’s oxygen levels below the thermocline can be limiting for strictly cold-water species, but its good water clarity and structure make it well-suited for recreational fishing and general aquatic enjoyment.
Key Features
Quick facts (at-a-glance)
- Location: Raymond & Casco, Cumberland County, Maine (~30 miles northwest of Portland).
- Surface Area: Approximately 703–716 acres.
- Maximum Depth: Around 54 feet at its deepest point.
- Shoreline Length: Approximately 8.9 miles.
- Elevation: About 278 feet above sea level.
- Type: Natural freshwater lake connected to Panther Pond via the Tenny River.
- Fish Species: Smallmouth & largemouth bass, white perch, chain pickerel, landlocked salmon, rainbow smelt.
- Average Summer Water Temp: Around 70°F (surface level).
- Public Access: Boat launch & swimming area on Webbs Mills Road (Route 85).
- Nearby Attractions: Panther Pond, Sebago Lake, and Raymond Beach.
Crescent Lake Vacation Homes For Rent
What you can do there
Swimming: Enjoy refreshing summer swims at the sandy town beaches of Crescent Beach and Raymond Beach, perfect for families with shallow areas and picnic spots.
Boating: The public boat launch on Webbs Mills Road provides easy access for motorboats, pontoons, and fishing boats. Calm mornings are ideal for cruising or tubing.
Paddling: Paddle the peaceful Tenny River to Panther Pond for a scenic, easy flat-water route filled with wildlife and forest views.
Fishing: Anglers can catch landlocked salmon, bass, white perch, and pickerel. Ice fishing is popular in winter when conditions permit.
Hiking: Explore Raymond Community Forest’s 4 miles of trails, offering panoramic views of Crescent Lake from Pismire Bluff.
Picnicking: Public beaches and forest clearings provide shaded picnic tables and open spaces to relax with a lakeside meal.
Wildlife Watching: Spot loons, eagles, and ospreys around quiet coves; early mornings are best for birdwatching.
Photography: Capture brilliant sunsets and fall foliage reflections on Crescent Lake’s glassy surface—an ideal Maine landscape scene.
Access, marinas & ramps
Public Boat Launch: Located at 584 Webbs Mills Road, Raymond. The paved ramp accommodates trailers and features parking nearby.
Town Beaches: Crescent Beach and Raymond Beach are open dawn to dusk, with restroom facilities, picnic areas, and shallow swimming zones.
Paddler Access: Kayaks and canoes can launch directly from the public ramp or beaches, allowing access to the Tenny River corridor.
Parking: Designated parking areas for vehicles and trailers are available at both beaches and the boat launch.
Nearby Services: Boat fuel, rentals, and supplies can be found at marinas on Sebago Lake, just minutes away in Raymond.
Navigation: The lake’s shape offers multiple sheltered coves, ideal for safe boating even on breezy days.
Seasonal Access: Facilities remain open from spring through fall, with limited access during ice cover in winter.
Safety & regulations
- All boats must display current Maine registration numbers.
- Avoid transporting invasive aquatic plants; use boat wash stations where available.
- Observe posted no-wake zones near shorelines and the Tenny River.
- Fishing licenses are required for all anglers aged 16 and above.
- Swimming areas are unsupervised; use caution and follow town safety signs.
- Ice thickness should be checked carefully before ice fishing or snowmobiling.
- Dispose of trash properly and follow carry-in/carry-out rules.
- Pets must be leashed at public access points and beaches.
- Follow Maine IFW boating laws and local enforcement guidelines.
Gallery
Nearby highlights & suggested day trips
- Raymond Community Forest & Pismire Bluff Trail
- Panther Pond via Tenny River paddle route
- Sebago Lake State Park (8 miles south)
- Casco Village & Pleasant Lake
- Hacker’s Hill Preserve – Casco
- Rattlesnake Mountain Trail – Raymond
- Naples Causeway dining and boat rentals
- Shaw Park & Presumpscot River trails
- Portland’s Old Port district (45 minutes south)
- Bridgton’s Main Street shops and galleries
Events & community
The Crescent Lake Watershed Association (CLWA) actively monitors water quality and promotes shoreline stewardship through educational programs and community cleanups. Its efforts maintain the clarity and ecological balance of this cherished Maine lake.
Throughout the summer, residents enjoy local events like the Raymond town picnic, fishing derbies, and seasonal lake association gatherings. The nearby Lakes Region also hosts craft fairs, outdoor concerts, and recreational events centered around Maine’s lake lifestyle.
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