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The access point is located at the southern end of Bickford Pond

Bickford Pond is a 237-acre body of water nestled in southern Oxford County next to the New Hampshire border in Porter, Maine (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 4 C1). A sandy boat launch is located at the southern tip of the pond, next to the dam by the outlet. This rough launch can accommodate small trailered boats. It is accessible via Dam Road, which connects Bickford Pond Road with Colcord Pond Road. Both of these roads run along the western and eastern shores Bickford Pond, respectively. Several cars can be parked in the boat launch area. Note that the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer does not identify this access point using its iconic boat symbol.

Good largemouth bass habitat is found among the shallows, the aquatic vegetation and the islands

I’m focusing all my fishing efforts this afternoon on the southern part of Bickford Pond, specifically the half-mile narrow zone stretching between the outlet at the dam and the point where the pond opens up into the main body of the lake. This entire area is shallow, with a maximum and average depth of 13 ft and around 4 ft, respectively. The section contains extensive lily pad beds, plus a rich collection of other submerged and emergent aquatic plant species. The whole set-up creates desirable largemouth bass habitat. The area is also visually enhanced by the presence of a dozen or so small islands, some of which are guarded by tall white pines. The sandy substrate is covered by a layer of organic muck, but becomes firmer and more bouldery in the thoroughfare leading to the main body of the lake. A few houses dot the shoreline in the vicinity of the dam and also at the other end by the thoroughfare. But in between, one experiences a wonderful sense of isolation and remoteness, unencumbered by boat traffic or other human distractions. The surrounding region is fully forested, with several mountain peaks visible in the distance.

We’re having a hard time finding the bass, but they must be hiding in there somewhere!

Largemouth bass are the principal fishery in this area of Bickford Pond. The bass fishing rules fall under the General Law provisions. The State also stocks this pond each fall with brook trout and brown trout. Beware that these two salmonid species fall under a different set of fishing rules than the largemouth bass. Click here for more details on the bass and trout regulations. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information.

A gorgeous view of Bickford Pond at the end of the thoroughfare

I reach the access point by the dam with Christian, my 11-year old nephew and fishing buddy, at around 12:30 pm. The sky is mostly overcast; a vague threat of an afternoon thunderstorm hangs in the air. We launch my canoe and start paddling, eager to explore the enticing bass habitat stretched out in front of us. I like the peaceful setting; I tell Christian to put a moment aside and engage with his surroundings: the quietness, the islands, the forest, and the mountains beyond. But my entreaties are for naught because he’s already too engrossed in trying to outfish uncle Stan! I get a real sense of satisfaction seeing him grow in our sport. He’s come a long way from when he started bobber fishing in the spring of 2012. My life would be a whole lot easier though if only I could get him more excited about paddling the canoe! Unfortunately, the largemouth bass fishing on Bickford Pond is somewhat of a disappointment this afternoon: we land a total of five bass over the next hour and a half, but none exceed 12”. I hook a 15 incher with my buzzbait, but he gets away right next to the canoe. Regardless, I’m happy to have checked out this nice habitat and I’m sure that others will catch the big ones that are hiding in it.

The results: We fished for 1.5 hours; Christian caught 3 largemouth bass ranging between 9” and 12”, and I caught 2 largemouth bass of the same size range.

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