The elongated eastern basin with an average depth of less than 30 feet (9.1 m) is entirely within the town of China, and has an irregular shoreline with residences and seasonal cottages.

[2] Summer water temperatures in China Lake range from 72 °F (22 °C) near the surface to 48 °F (9 °C) in the deepest pools.

Nutrient loading from shoreline development causes annual algal blooms with nocturnal depression of dissolved oxygen concentrations.

China Lake is also known locally for producing some of the most productive Largemouth Bass fishing in Maine, with several large tournaments held each summer.

Other fish found in the lake include smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, sunfish, creek chub, white sucker, hornpout, and American eel.