One moment
A local guide to Lake Auburn, Maine — fishing, scenery, and the one rule visitors don't expect (it's the region's drinking water). Where to swim instead, and where to stay.
Lake Auburn is one of the prettiest spots in the area — a big, clean, cold lake about ten minutes north of Saffron Inn. But there's one thing worth knowing before you load up the car with towels: Lake Auburn is the region's drinking-water supply, so it's a place for fishing and scenery, not swimming. Here's how to enjoy it the right way — and where to go if a swim is what you're after.
Lake Auburn supplies the drinking water for both Auburn and Lewiston. To protect that water quality, swimming, wading, and other body-contact recreation are not permitted on the lake. It's not a beach lake — it's the reason your tap water here is so good.
That sounds restrictive, but it's also why the lake stays so clean and quiet. There are no crowds of swimmers, no jet-ski chaos. What you get instead is a calm, scenic, working New England lake.
Fishing. Lake Auburn is a genuinely good cold-water fishery, known for lake trout (locals call them togue), landlocked salmon, and brook trout. In winter, ice fishing is popular. If you fish, follow Maine fishing regulations and check current rules for the lake — as a protected water supply, access and boating are regulated, so confirm what's allowed before you launch.
Scenery and quiet. The roads around the lake make for a pretty, low-traffic drive, and the shoreline views are lovely in every season — especially in October, when the surrounding hills turn. It's a good spot to bring a coffee and watch the light change.
A study break with a view. Central Maine Community College sits right on the lake; if you're visiting CMCC, the setting is part of the appeal. (See our guide to visiting CMCC.)
If your trip calls for a real swim and a sand beach, head to Range Pond State Park in Poland — about 15 minutes from Auburn. It has a beach, swimming, picnic areas, and easy trails, and it's the area's go-to for a warm-weather lake day with kids.
Lake Auburn pairs well with a relaxed morning: drive up from the inn, take in the lake, fish or just walk and look, then loop back through Auburn for lunch. In fall, combine it with apple picking and foliage for one of the best easy days central Maine offers.
Saffron Inn is about four miles from Lake Auburn — close enough for an early fishing start, quiet enough to sleep well after. Free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a fridge to keep your catch (or your drinks) cold.
Direct booking gets our best rate, every time. Or call the front desk at +1 (207) 784-1331 — open 24 hours.