Flagstaff Lake (Maine)

Infobox lake
lake_name = Flagstaff Lake
image_lake = Flagstaff Lake DSCN0421.jpg
caption_lake = Flagstaff Lake seen from Mount Bigelow
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Somerset County and Franklin County, Maine
coords = coord|45|11|38.9|N|70|18|52.4|W|region:US-ME_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = eutrophic, reservoir, natural lake
inflow = North Branch Dead River; South Branch Dead River
outflow = Dead River
catchment = convert|516|sqmi
basin_countries = United States
length =
width =
area = convert|20300|acre
depth = convert|18|ft
max-depth = convert|48|ft
volume = convert|261365|acre.ft|abbr=on|lk=on
residence_time = 6 months
shore = convert|147.2|mi
elevation = convert|1146|ft
islands =
cities =

Flagstaff Lake is located in Somerset County and Franklin County, Maine in the United States. The North Branch Dead River and South Branch Dead River join in the lake, forming the Dead River.

Flagstaff Lake used to be smaller until the Long Falls Dam was built on the Dead River in 1956, enlarging the lake and turning it into a reservoir used for hydropower electricity production by regulating the flow of the Dead River into the Kennebec River. At the time, the river drive was still a primary means of delivering timber to the pulp mills downstream. Although improved highways and the trucking industry have replaced the river drive, water releases continue to serve hydroelectric power-generating plants downstream.

Flagstaff Lake occupies parts of the abandoned and now submerged townships of Flagstaff, Bigelow, Dead River and Carrying Place.

The lake's surface area is convert|20300|acre|km2. It is extremely shallow (more so during drought years). Its deepest point is convert|48|ft|m. [cite book |title= Maine Fishing Depth Maps: Lakes & Ponds by County |year= 2007 |publisher= DeLorme |isbn= 978-0-89933-350-2] Landlocked salmon and brook trout can be caught. Some points on the lake are very marshy and have to be negotiated with a canoe or kayak; even then, wading may be necessary in the marshy areas to get through to the rest of the lake.

The majestic Bigelow Mountain Range looks down from the lake's southern shore, making the Flagstaff Lake region a scenic favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

References