http://www.maine.gov/dacf/lmf/index.shtmlLand for Maine's Future http://mainetrailfinder.comMaine Trail Finder


ATV ridingATV riding Boating (motorized)Boating (motorized) CampingCamping CanoeingCanoeing FishingFishing HuntingHunting PicnickingPicnicking SnowmobilingSnowmobiling SwimmingSwimming Watchable wildlifeWatchable wildlife Hand-carry boat launchHand-carry boat launch Trailered boat launchTrailered boat launch

property guide photo

Description

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Lat 45.500694 / Lon -68.888595

Here you will find remote camping, fishing and boating with impressive views

Campers, boaters, fishermen and wildlife watchers at the 21,369-acre Seboeis Public Lands enjoy a large expanse of clear water studded by wooded islands and framed in the north by Mt. Katahdin. These Public Lands encompass 95 percent of the Seboeis Lake shoreline, all of Northwest Pond, the southwest shore of Endless Lake, and the entire shoreline of Turtle Pond.

Seboeis is a favorite destination for fishermen throughout the year, providing both cold water and warm water species. Landlocked salmon, splake, white and yellow perch, small mouth bass and chain pickerel are caught in Seboeis and Endless lakes. Brook trout are found in Turtle Pond and several tributary streams that enter Seboeis. In fall, hunters frequent Seboeis Public Lands in search of deer, moose, bear and waterfowl.

Seboeis has 15 campsites, including ones on wooded islands with sandy beaches. Six sites are accessible by vehicle (and one involves a short walk); the others require a boat. The surrounding hills are gently rolling, and the lake shoreline has an interesting mix of rocky, boulder-strewn stretches interspersed with sand beaches and secluded coves. Only a few camps (privately leased) can be seen along Seboeis Lake's 19 miles of shoreline.

Abundant wetlands (primarily at the southern end of Seboeis Lake) and productive fisheries support a diverse array of wildlife. Seboeis Lake has high numbers of nesting loons. Bald eagles, ospreys, belted kingfishers, mergansers and common terns all rely on the lake's abundant fish as a vital food source. Visitors may spot snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, coyote, fox, beaver and otter in the vicinity and may see moose feeding in coves.

Snowmobilers pass along the land's western boundary in winter, traveling on a major trail (ITS Connector 111) between Brownville and the Millinocket area. The Seboeis Lands include junctures with ITS 83 and 82 that lead off toward Medway and Lincoln respectively. ATV riders can enjoy 12 miles of designated trail on shared-use roads within the property.

Partners and Supporters

Work and funds to acquire the Seboeis Public Lands came from a great variety of sources including the Land for Maine's Future Program, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Trust for Public Land.

Land for Maine's Future This property was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine's Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.

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History

Paleo-Indians came to this area as the ice sheet retreated 13,000 years ago. Native Americans have lived in the region ever since in close relationship with its land, water and wildlife. European settlers first arrived in the early 1800s, and many were involved in lumbering. Timber harvesting at Seboeis dates back multiple generations, and the current mix of hardwoods and softwoods reflect that history. Mills were located at the outlets of both Endless and Seboeis lakes.

Since 2004, more than 3,000 acres of land have been added to the Seboeis Lands bringing 95 percent of the lake's shoreline into public ownership. These acquisitions helped prevent development and subdivisions that would have irrevocably changed the character of this beautiful setting.

If you are interested in learning about geology around the state, check out the Maine Geological Survey Searchable Database.

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Activities

  • ATV riding
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Snowmobiling
  • Swimming
  • Watchable wildlife

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Rules

  • No reservations or fees are required, but camping stays on Maine Public Lands are limited to 14 days in any 45-day period. Bureau of Parks and Lands staff may take custody of any personal property left unattended for more than 3 days (unless advance written permission is given).
  • All sites are available on a first-come first-served basis with no fire permits required.
  • Kindle fires only in authorized campsites with fire rings and cut no live vegetation.
  • Carry out all trash.
  • Use no chainsaws, generators or other power equipment around campsites.
  • Do not discharge weapons within 300 feet of any picnic area, camping area, parking area, posted trail or other developed area. Loaded firearms are not permitted at campsites or boat launches.
  • Any structures that you see on the property are private camps on leased lots. Please respect the privacy of leaseholders and keep away from these areas.

Consider lending a hand. Contact us if you would like to help with stewardship or maintenance work.

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Trails

This property has no formal hiking trails at present. Shared-use trails/roads (ATVing, horseback riding, mountain biking) are noted on the map. Trail users should be prepared to encounter both pedestrians and vehicles.

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Services and Facilities

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Special Considerations

Water levels in Seboeis Lake can fluctuate several feet due to dam operations. Please exercise caution when boating as the lake bottom is strewn with large boulders and stumps that may not be visible at the surface. Low water levels may diminish boating opportunities in dry seasons.

Lake water is cold and winds can arise suddenly and create dangerous conditions for small boats. Be sure to wear a PFD at all times; notify someone of your intended route and time of return; and monitor conditions carefully. Small craft should not attempt lake crossings in windy conditions.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) Warden Service does search-and-rescue operations and enforces state fish and game laws, boating laws (on inland waters), and ATV and snowmobile laws. To learn more about applicable laws and to purchase appropriate licenses, visit Fish & Game Laws, Boating, ATV, & Snowmobile Laws

Buy only local firewood and thoroughly clean boats and motors to avoid importing invasive plant and animal species. Visit: Burn It Where You Buy It and Invasive Aquatic Plants in Maine

Don't count on your cell phone in an emergency as coverage is spotty to non-existent.

The region's abundant moose, bear and other large animals can create hazards when in close contact with people (or their vehicles). Drive slowly on area roads (particularly at times of low light) and observe wildlife from a safe distance. Keep food items securely stowed when camping and make sure that tents and their contents are free of food and food odors.

Be prepared for black flies and mosquitoes, particularly in May and June. While the area is not heavily infested with deer ticks, it is still advisable to check yourself daily to prevent Lyme disease.

Roads on the Seboeis Lands are not plowed in winter unless harvesting operations are occurring. Winter access is typically via snowmobile or by ski/snowshoe (ungroomed).

Common Loons

One of the great delights of visiting Seboeis Lake is watching common loons and hearing their remarkable tremolos, hoots, wails and yodels. While it is tempting to get close to loons, keep in mind that human disturbance is one of the greatest threats to loons' breeding success. You can help loons thrive by taking the following actions:

    Enjoy loons from a distance using binoculars.

    Travel slowly in boats (particularly in shallow coves) and avoid known nesting areas. By Maine law, all boats must keep at or under headway speed within 200 feet of shore.

    Give loons extra distance if you note any of the following behaviors: a yodeling call or quavering laugh, a penguin dance ("standing" in place), or lying flat near the shoreline with head down.

    Keep pets on leash when walking along lakeshores.

    Secure garbage so as not to attract skunks and raccoons (which prey on loons).

    Use lead-free sinkers and jigs: lead poisoning is the leading cause of death for adult loons in Maine. Properly dispose of spent fishing line (which can entangle loons) and carry out any loose monofilament line you find.

    Common loons are protected from pursuit, harassment and capture by federal law. Report any concerns to the local Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife warden (207-695-3756 or 1-800-452-4664).

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When to Visit

Open All Year

Boaters and campers enjoy the Seboeis Public Lands through the warm weather months, followed by hunters in October and November and ice fishermen and snowmobilers in mid-winter. Surface fishing for salmon and trout is usually best in the weeks following ice out (typically early to mid-May) or when the waters cool in September.

The lake gets relatively heavy use by fishermen and campers on summer weekends. Arrive early to secure a campsite and trailer spot in the parking area.

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