Debsconeag Lakes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Debsconeag Lake |
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 First Debsconeag Lake
Location in Maine
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| Coordinates | 45°47′N 68°59′W / 45.783°N 68.983°W |
| Max. length | 2 mi (3.2 km) |
| Surface area | 361 acres (146 ha) |
| Max. depth | 140 feet (43 m) |
| Water volume | 19,744 acre⋅ft (24,354,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 502 ft (153 m) |
| Second Debsconeag Lake | |
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Second Debsconeag Lake
Location in Maine
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| Coordinates | 45°47′N 69°02′W / 45.783°N 69.033°W |
| Max. length | 1.7 mi (2.7 km) |
| Surface area | 172 acres (70 ha) |
| Max. depth | 28 feet (8.5 m) |
| Water volume | 2,733 acre⋅ft (3,371,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 531 ft (162 m) |
| Third Debsconeag Lake | |
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Third Debsconeag Lake
Location in Maine
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| Coordinates | 45°46′N 69°03′W / 45.767°N 69.050°W |
| Max. length | 2.5 mi (4.0 km) |
| Max. width | 1 mi (1.6 km) |
| Surface area | 970 acres (390 ha) |
| Max. depth | 162 feet (49 m) |
| Water volume | 57,736 acre⋅ft (71,216,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 568 ft (173 m) |
| Fourth Debsconeag Lake | |
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Fourth Debsconeag Lake
Location in Maine
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| Coordinates | 45°45′N 69°05′W / 45.750°N 69.083°W |
| Max. length | 1.2 mi (1.9 km) |
| Surface area | 223 acres (90 ha) |
| Max. depth | 150 feet (46 m) |
| Water volume | 12,793 acre⋅ft (15,780,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 630 ft (190 m) |
| Fifth Debsconeag Lake | |
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Fifth Debsconeag Lake
Location in Maine
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| Coordinates | 45°46′N 69°06′W / 45.767°N 69.100°W |
| Max. length | 0.7 mi (1.1 km) |
| Surface area | 87 acres (35 ha) |
| Max. depth | 42 feet (13 m) |
| Water volume | 988 acre⋅ft (1,219,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 810 ft (250 m) |
| Sixth Debsconeag Lake | |
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Sixth Debsconeag Lake
Location in Maine
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| Coordinates | 45°46′N 69°07′W / 45.767°N 69.117°W |
| Max. length | 0.3 mi (0.48 km) |
| Surface area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Max. depth | 26 feet (7.9 m) |
| Water volume | 316 acre⋅ft (390,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 971 ft (296 m) |
The Debsconeag Lakes are a chain of beautiful lakes located in the North Maine Woods. These lakes are like a series of steps, with water flowing from one to the next. They eventually lead into the West Branch Penobscot River. The water starts its journey from the Sixth Debsconeag Lake and flows all the way down to the First Lake. From there, it joins the Debsconeag Deadwater, which is part of the West Branch Penobscot River.
Contents
Exploring the Debsconeag Lakes Chain
The Debsconeag Lakes are a fascinating natural system. They are known for their clear waters and the different types of fish that live in them. Each lake has its own unique features and plays a role in the overall flow of water.
First Debsconeag Lake: The Big Outlet
The First Debsconeag Lake is the second-largest lake in the chain. It holds a lot of water, more than the four smaller lakes combined! Water from all the other Debsconeag Lakes flows into its western side. From its eastern side, the water then flows into the Debsconeag Deadwater. This lake is home to fish like lake trout and land-locked Atlantic salmon.
Second Debsconeag Lake: A Busy Hub
The Second Debsconeag Lake is the fourth-largest in the chain. It's twice as big as the Fifth Lake. Besides receiving water from the lakes upstream, it also gets water from several ponds. These include Big and Little Beaver Ponds, Big and Little Minister Ponds, and Moose Pond. The water from this lake flows about 900 yards (820 m) east into the First Lake. Sadly, native brook trout here struggle against fish like pumpkinseed and yellow perch.
Third Debsconeag Lake: The Largest and Clearest
The Third Debsconeag Lake is the biggest lake in the entire chain. It's larger than all the other lakes put together! Water from the Fourth Lake flows into its western arm. Then, water from its northwestern arm flows about 400 yards (370 m) north into the Second Lake. This lake is known for its incredibly clear water. It's a great place for native brook trout and lake trout to live.
Fourth Debsconeag Lake: A Clear Home for Trout
The Fourth Debsconeag Lake is the third-largest lake in the chain. It holds more water than the three smaller lakes combined. Water from the Fifth Lake enters its north side. From its east end, the water flows about 600 yards (550 m) into the Third Lake. This lake also has very clear water. While it has some brook trout, it's an even better home for lake trout.
Fifth Debsconeag Lake: Smaller but Important
The Fifth Debsconeag Lake is the second-smallest lake in the chain. It's still three times bigger than the tiny Sixth Lake. Water from ponds upstream flows into its west end. The water then flows about 900 yards (820 m) southeast into the Fourth Lake. This lake has native brook trout, but they compete with yellow perch that were introduced here. There are waterfalls below this lake, which means fish cannot swim upstream into it.
Sixth Debsconeag Lake: The Smallest Start
The Sixth Debsconeag Lake, sometimes called the Sixth Pond, is the smallest lake in the chain. It's where the water's journey through the Debsconeag Lakes officially begins. This small lake is a good home for native brook trout. The water from its east end flows into the Fifth Lake.
Debsconeag Ponds: Hidden Gems
Beyond the main six lakes, there are also the Debsconeag Ponds. The Eighth Debsconeag Pond (located at 45°47′N 69°08′W / 45.783°N 69.133°W) drains into the Seventh Debsconeag Pond (at 45°46′N 69°07′W / 45.767°N 69.117°W). These ponds are much smaller than the six main lakes. They add their water to the chain between the Sixth and Fifth Lakes.
