The Crooked River originates at the southern end of Songo Pond in Bethel and meanders southward for approximately 38 miles to its junction with the Songo River near the State Park in Naples, Maine. The two rivers then wind two more miles to their outlet in the northernmost part of Sebago Lake.
The Crooked River provides approximately 38% of the water to Sebago Lake and the majority of the spawning habitat for Landlocked Salmon in Sebago Lake. It is a renowned coldwater fishery that is limited to fly fishing only. If you are interested in learning more about the Crooked River fishery, check out this report by James Pellerin of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Portland Water District does regular bio-monitoring of the Crooked River using benthic macro-invertebrates to assess water quality and LEA has partnered with Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District in the past to address erosion sites in the watershed.
Because the Crooked River provides a significant portion of the water to Sebago Lake, keeping this river clean helps protect downstream Sebago Lake, which provides drinking water to over 200,000 Mainers. We also know that forested watersheds and free-flowing streams are essential to clean water, so LEA has partnered with Sebago Clean Waters and local land trusts to improve stream habitat and help ensure that large portions of the watershed continue to remain forested.
