Cross Pond

Cross Lake supports a sport fishery of statewide significance for brook trout and landlocked salmon. Smelts provide the main forage for salmon and, also support a hook-and-line sport fishery that is variable in quality. The major inlet, Cross Lake Thoroughfare, provides excellent salmon spawning and nursery area. Dickey and Daigle Brooks also provide suitable salmon spawning area. In spite of these significant spawning and nursery areas, it remains necessary to supplement the salmon population with annual stockings. The various tributaries to the lake are utilized to sustain the wild brook trout population. Cross Lake is relatively shallow and has recently experienced water quality degradation. Development is largely confined to the north and east sides of the lake. The remaining shoreline is forested. Because of the recreational significance of the lake and sport fishery resource, this situation is being addressed through cooperative Maine Department of Environmental Protection and private group efforts. Water quality enhancement projects are being implemented throughout the entire drainage to help correct and control the problem. A public boat landing and picnic area is located on the southeast corner of Cross Lake. Vehicle access to this site is from Route 161 over an improved gravel road.