Principal Photography Dates
On Golden Pond was filmed primarily in the fall of 1980 and early 1981. The production took place in Maine, with shooting at locations on and around Bear Island in Sebago Lake and surrounding towns.
Release and Production Timeline
The film was completed in late 1981 and premiered in December of that year. It was released theatrically in the United States in December 1981, giving it a late-year awards-qualifying run.
Key Filming Locations
Director Mark Rydell chose Maine to match the story’s New England setting. Many exterior scenes were shot on the shorelines and islands of Sebago Lake, while interior work was handled on soundstages to control weather and lighting.
Why Filming Dates Matter for the Film
The on-location shoot in Maine shaped the movie’s naturalistic look and tone. The timing of the production allowed the cast, including Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, to work with authentic lakeside environments that became central to the film’s atmosphere.
