Adams Pond in South Bridgton is a quiet pond that provides an enjoyable paddling experience and the possibility of spotting loon, deer, moose, many birds and other wildlife. There is carry-in access and no one is allowed to operate a motorboat having more than 10 hp.
The principal fisheries are brook trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and white perch. Adams Pond was chemically reclaimed in September, 1955 to remove competing species and permit intensive management for brook trout. Illegal introductions of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and white perch have occurred, resulting in intensive competition for the brook trout. Due to the lack of spawning habitat, Adams Pond is stocked annually with brook trout. A few trout in the two-pound range are taken every year.
The average Secchi disk reading for 2020 was 8.03 meters, fell into the high clarity range, and was deeper than the long-term average of 7.23 meters. The average total phosphorus reading of 5.63 ppb fell into the moderate range and was less than the long-term average of 6.75 ppb. The average deep water phosphorus value was not significantly above surface water phosphorus values, which suggests phosphors recycling is not problematic. The chlorophyll-a average of 1.80 ppb fell into the low range and was less than the long-term average of 2.78 ppb. Long-term trend analysis indicates chlorophyll–a concentrations in Adams Pond are stable, total phosphorus concentrations are stable, and clarity readings are increasing. The average color reading for 2020 was 12.1 SPU, indicating that water in Adams Pond is moderately colored. Suitable coldwater fish habitat was present through mid-August and became marginal for the duration of the season. Low oxygen conditions were present in deep water from June through September.
Adams Pond’s 2020 Quick Stats
Adams Pond surface water chlorophyll, phosphorus, and Secchi depth data summary Colored boxes represent the long-term range of values, from minimum to maximum, obtained on Adams Pond. The line represents the long-term average value obtained and the dot represents 2020’s average value. The small red dots represent individual readings taken in 2020.
2 percent of soils in the watershed are type B soils. B soils have moderate infiltration rates and fine to moderate texture and soil size. They are usually made up silts and loams. Although not as well drained as A soils, they can also be good places to site leach fields and infiltrate stormwater.
75 percent of soils in the watershed are type C soils. C soils have low infiltration rates and typically have a layer that impedes the movement of water. These soils are made of sands, clays and loams and are one of the most common soil types in western Maine.
5 percent of soils in the watershed are type C/D soils. C/D soils are a mix of these two soil types. They have fairly high runoff potential and low infiltration rates and often pool water.
The remaining 18 percent of the watershed is taken up by the pond.
