Voluntary Angler Books: Citizen science to help fisheries biologists in Maine

By Tim Obrey, Fisheries Resource Supervisor, Moosehead Lake Region

Every Fall Nature Calls

By Fisheries Biologist Liz Thorndike

Every fall, MDIFW fisheries biologists make their way to the banks of the Kennebago River, specifically to a place called Steep Bank Pool. The pool is known by many as a great place to fish or simply eat lunch and watch fish rise. So, why do biologists go? It’s an annual sampling event to collect landlocked salmon as they stage in the river’s natural pool, preparing to swim further upstream and spawn.

30 Ways to help conserve Maine's fisheries - MDIFW Bicentennial Celebration

By Fisheries Section Supervisor Joe Overlock

Our beautiful state is turning 200 this year! But Maine wouldn’t be "Maine" without our fish, wildlife, and recreation opportunities... Celebrate with us by learning 200 ways YOU can help conserve Maine for generations to come. Here are 30 ways you can help conserve Maine’s fisheries:

1.Introduce someone new to fishing and teach them how to be an ethical, responsible angler.

New Year’s Resolution: Eat more Lake Trout

By Fisheries Biologist Jacob Scoville

How Anglers Harvested Their Way to Bigger Salmon at Lake Saint George

By Regional Fisheries Biologist Jason Seiders

Fisheries Biologists Involved with Hydropower Renewal Projects in Maine

By Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist Nick Kalejs

Maine’s Threatened and Endangered Freshwater Fishes

By Native Fish Conservation Biologist Merry Gallagher

Maine is home to two freshwater fish species that are listed under Maine’s Endangered Species Act. 

The Swamp Darter (Etheostoma fusiforme) is listed as Threatened and received that designation in 1997. Darters are known to occur in seven locations within two river drainages in Southern Maine. It is very unlikely that you will ever encounter one! 

Whitefish Research Project: Factors Influencing Early Whitefish Survival

By Research Technician Dylan Whitaker

Years ago, lake whitefish were considered a popular sport fish in Maine and were readily caught in many waters across the state. Whitefish even supported a commercial fishery in northern Maine for a short time at the turn of the 20th century. However, many of Maine’s whitefish populations have experienced significant declines. Since then, whitefish lost much of its notoriety.

Multi-party Cooperation Restores Rainbow Smelt Habitat

By Fisheries Biologist Kevin Dunham

If You Build It, They Will Come

By Regional Fisheries Biologist Tim Obrey

The Moosehead Lake Region is blessed with fishing opportunities for wild fish. In this neck of the woods, there are hundreds of ponds, lakes, and countless miles of streams and rivers with thriving populations of wild brook trout.