China Lake (Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids China Lake |
|
|---|---|
 China Lake
Location in Maine
China Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Kennebec County, Maine, United States |
| Coordinates | 44°25′59″N 69°32′49″W / 44.433°N 69.547°W |
| Lake type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 6.8 mi (10.9 km) |
| Surface area | 3,939 acres (1,594 ha) |
| Max. depth | 85 ft (26 m) |
| Water volume | 97,286 acre⋅ft (120,001,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 194 ft (59 m) |
| Settlements | |
China Lake is a beautiful pond located in Kennebec County, Maine. It's found northeast of Augusta, the state capital. This lake stretches across two towns: China and Vassalboro. China Lake is special because it has two main parts, like two big bowls, connected by a narrow section.
Discover China Lake
China Lake is a large body of water in central Maine. It's an important natural feature for the towns around it. The lake provides a place for fun activities and is also a source of drinking water for some communities.
Two Parts of the Lake
China Lake is divided into two distinct basins. These are like two separate sections of the lake.
- The eastern part is longer and not as deep. It's usually less than 30 feet (9.1 m) (about 9 meters) deep. This basin is entirely within the town of China. Many homes and summer cottages are built along its edges.
- The western part is more round and much deeper. It can reach depths of 85 feet (26 m) (about 26 meters). This section extends into East Vassalboro. Not many buildings are allowed near this part of the lake. This helps keep the water clean, as it's used for drinking water in towns like Waterville and Winslow.
The western basin's extra water flows out into a stream called Outlet Stream. This stream travels about 7 miles (11 km) (11 kilometers) north. It then joins the Sebasticook River in Winslow. From there, the water eventually reaches the Kennebec River.
Life in China Lake
The water temperature in China Lake changes with the seasons. In summer, the surface water can be around 72 °F (22 °C) (22°C). But if you go deeper, it gets much colder, sometimes as low as 48 °F (9 °C) (9°C) in the deepest spots.
Over the years, more homes around the lake have added nutrients to the water. This can cause tiny plants called algae to grow very quickly. When lots of algae grow, it can reduce the amount of oxygen in the water at night. This makes it harder for some fish, like the Atlantic salmon and lake trout, to live there.
However, other fish have adapted well! You can find brown trout in the lake. Brook trout are also stocked here, meaning young fish are added to the lake to help maintain their numbers for fishing.
Fishing and Fun
China Lake is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers often try to catch different types of fish, including:
- Trout (like brown and brook trout)
- Chain pickerel
- White perch
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
You might also catch other fish such as yellow perch, sunfish, creek chub, white sucker, hornpout, or American eel.
If you want to launch a boat, there are public places to do so. You can find boat launch facilities at the north end of the eastern basin. There's also one in Vassalboro, close to where the western basin's water flows out.
