China Lake in China and Vassalboro Maine was ranked 13th in best bass fishing in the Northeast by Bassmaster (https://www.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes/slideshow/25-best-bass-lakes-northeastern) Webber Pond, about 5 minutes away from China Lake, was ranked 15th. And Great Pond, which is also very near there (here), was 18th.
I grew up on these lakes and I never knew how lucky I was! I swam and fished off the dam on Webber Pond throughout the summers. The water is not what I call beautiful, but merky, brown, weedy, and kinda slimy. I can see what the bass like...places to hide, food, and shelter.