Access point to Crystal Pond
Crystal Pond (also known as Beal Pond) is a 47-acre body of water located in Turner, Maine (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 11 C4). Drive north on Route 4 for about 2.5 miles past Turner. The pond, and its launch, will appear on the right, about 150 ft past Crystal Lane. Beware that the launch does not have a boat ramp. Hence, only small, hand-carried craft can be used. The fishing rules also stipulate that motorboats over 10 horsepower are prohibited. Otherwise, general fishing law applies.
General view of Crystal Pond
Crystal Pond is a pretty body of water. It is relatively undeveloped given its easy access and proximity to the Lewiston/Auburn area. Most of the housing is found west along Route 4 and south next to Crystal Lane. The remainder of the shoreline is mostly wooded. The only negative observation about this pond pertains to the traffic that buzzes up and down busy Route 4. The constant din of cars and trucks diminishes the “nature” experience a bit. On the other hand, a cornucopia of gamefish is waiting to be caught, including brook trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The State spices up this pond every year by stocking brook trout (spring and fall) and brown trout (fall only).
View along the eastern shoreline of Crystal Pond
The surface water of Crystal Pond is clean and very lightly stained. The substrate appears firm and sandy. The largemouth bass habitat consists of relatively sparse submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation in the shallows along the shoreline, plus some woody structure. The maximum depth is 39 ft, with a mean depth of 16 ft, which makes the pond relatively deep. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information.
A fine largemouth bass caught in Crystal Pond
I arrive at Crystal Pond at around 9 am. It’s a beautiful Maine summer morning: bright sunshine with temps in the high 70’s tempered by a light, refreshing breeze. Somewhat to my surprise, given the location, day, and time, I’m the only one on the water. You got to love this!! I launch my canoe and paddle towards the shoreline to the right of the access point. I cast out a big, noisy buzzbait and retrieve it through aquatic vegetation. The lure hasn’t been in the water for more than 7 seconds when it gets hit, and then hooks, a hungry 15” largemouth bass. That’s an auspicious start! I cast and paddle for another 35 minutes without eliciting another bite. By now, I’m fishing along the wooded eastern bank of the pond and am casting a soft 5” stickbait close to the shoreline next to a submerged branch. I feel the line tighten up and swim sideways (it’s just such a great feeling!), and quickly set the hook on a 16” largemouth. I’ve got to move on to the next pond on my list. However, Crystal Pond is a definite keeper!
The results: I caught two largemouth bass (biggest = 16”) in less than an hour.
Was the information in this blog useful? I invite you to share your thoughts and opinions. Also, feel free to discuss your fishing experiences at this location.
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