The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
China Lake
Kennebec County, Maine · 3,940 acres (6.2 sq mi)
41°F water, calm this morning.
About China Lake
In Kennebec County, Maine, China Lake covers 3,940 acres; it is a natural lake. It sits on the Outlet Stream (to the Sebasticook River). China Lake is one of Maine's most productive largemouth bass fisheries and supplies drinking water to Waterville and Winslow.
It stretches about 5.9 miles end to end with roughly 25 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 200 ft above sea level. It reaches about 85 ft at its deepest. China is right by the lake.
- Size
- 3,940 acres (6.2 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 85 ft
- Shoreline
- About 25 miles
- End to end
- About 5.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 200 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- River
- Outlet Stream (to the Sebasticook River)
- County
- Kennebec County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 2:30 pm – 4:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 2:45 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in China Lake
China Lake holds lake trout, trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. At 41°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:32 am · sunset 4:12 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near China Lake
- Chinaon the shore
- Palermoabout 3.6 mi southeast
- Vassalboroabout 3.9 mi west
- Albionabout 5 mi northeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about China Lake
What fish are in China Lake?
China Lake holds lake trout, trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is China Lake?
About 85 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is China Lake?
3,940 acres, with about 25 miles of shoreline.
What town is near China Lake?
China is on the shore; Palermo is about 3.6 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at China Lake today?
The surface was about 41°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
China Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
