Bonny Eagle Dam (ME 35) - Saco, Maine, Diamond Park - 19 1/2 miles

More than half of this section consists of deadwaters behind a succession of dams. The first portage at West Buxton Dam brings right up neck and neck to the line crossing the dam to prevent a canoeist from going over. There is a small outlet on the left that allows entry onto the main street. Portage is approximately 75 yards, with entry at the bottom of the dam (CAUTION! In medium to high water, there are Class II rapids here!). In low water, entry is very easy.

There is deadwater for 6 3/4 miles until you reach the Bar Mills Dam. Portage here is on the Right before the Power house. You have to cross a street and continue down a path for entry to the river again. This portage is approximately 150 yards.

Near the ME 4A/117 bridge (8 mi) at Salmon Falls (flooded out), you enter the third deadwater. As the river opens into the wide lake behind Skelton Dam at Union Falls (10 mi), head southeast.

Skelton Dam's portage is to the right and you will find a large rubber line that will prevent you from getting in harms way. The actual "out" is very easy, however, the portage is very long (approximately 1/3 mile). You will have to carry your canoe and gear around the dam, where you will find a dirt road that winds down along the lower portion of the river. Water level here will vary depending on the time of year and the water level.

The beginning of the waterway once you put in at the base of Skelton Dam is mostly quickwater, and in medium to low waters, very shallow. It's reminiscent of "prehistoric" times. One can see rocks beneath the surface, reeds loaded with fish and turtles. Definitely not a place for swimming. This area goes on for approximately 1/4 mile.

A couple of miles after the ME 5 bridge (14 1/2 mi), the flatwater is broken by a short rapid. Again, the water level will affect these rapids. In high water, it is very rough and quick, in medium water, it can be deadwater, and in low water, Class I rapids. No matter what the water level, it's best to go through the middle of the river (between to rocks in the center), veer to the left, yet not to near the side. There are rows of rocks to the right and your entry way through the rapids is on the left hand side. Once through the rapids, be prepared for a "whirlpool" effect. Staying more towards the left center, going through this is a cinch.

Below the Maine Turnpike (18 1/2 mi) there is a convenient take-out on the right at Rotary park (19 mi). Approximately 1/2 mile after Rotary, Diamond Park in Saco is on the left, where there is a nice picnic area and another convenient take-out.

There are dams in Biddeford and Saco, below which the river is tidal. Some of the best Striper fishing in the state can be found where the Saco River meets the Ocean at Camp Ellis.

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