Scopan Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scopan Lake |
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 Scopan Lake
Location in Maine
Scopan Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Aroostook County, Maine |
| Coordinates | 46°30′29″N 68°13′32″W / 46.5081159°N 68.2256423°W |
| Primary outflows | Scopan Stream |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Surface area | 4,986 acres (2,018 ha) |
| Max. depth | 58 feet (18 m) |
| Water volume | 110,286 acre⋅ft (136,036,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 600 ft (180 m) |
Scopan Lake is a large, V-shaped lake located in northern Maine. It's a beautiful spot for nature lovers!
The lake was once known by a different name, Squa Pan Lake. However, in 2011, its name was changed to Scopan Lake. This change happened because the old name was seen as hurtful by Native Americans in the United States.
Most of Scopan Lake is in a place called Scopan township. But parts of the lake also reach into nearby towns like Masardis and Ashland.
Water flows out of Scopan Lake into Scopan Stream. This stream then joins the Aroostook River, which eventually flows into the larger Saint John River. You can even see the old Bangor and Aroostook Railroad tracks crossing the northern ends of the lake's two arms.
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Exploring Scopan Lake
Scopan Lake is a great place for outdoor fun. It's a popular spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.
How the Lake Was Formed
A special dam helps shape Scopan Lake. This dam created the shallower western arm of the lake. It also made the eastern arm of the lake deeper than it used to be.
Hydroelectric Power and Water Levels
The dam at Scopan Lake is used to create hydroelectric power. This means it uses the force of moving water to make electricity. Because of this, the lake's water level is lowered every winter.
Fish and Wildlife
Even with the dam, many fish thrive in Scopan Lake. The dam stops fish from swimming upstream from other rivers. However, fish like brook trout and rainbow smelt lay their eggs in the smaller streams that flow into Scopan Lake. These streams include Nowland Brook, Bogan Brook, and Cold Spring Brook.
Boating and Public Access
If you want to go boating, there are places to launch your boat. You can find public boat launches at the dam. There's also another launch at the north end of the eastern arm of the lake. This spot is about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Maine State Route 163.
Public Land for Outdoor Adventures
The eastern side of the eastern arm of Scopan Lake is a huge area of public land. It's about 16,700-acre (6,800 ha) big! This land is open for everyone to enjoy activities like fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping. It's a perfect place to explore the natural beauty of Maine.
