MDIFW's first female biologist measuring moose antlers

Celebrating Women's History Month

MDIFW is remembering and honoring two remarkable biologists who helped pave the way for women working in Maine’s wildlife and fisheries professions.

A close up of a fly angler's vest

There are more early season fishing opportunities than you think…

There is no longer a need to pass emergency rules to open the fishing season with an early onset of spring in Maine. Here's why...

zebra mussels

First Year of New Program Shows No Sign of Invasive Zebra Mussels

The use of eDNA sampling allows for detection of organisms without the need to trap, locate, or otherwise physically observe or handle them which can make it possible to detect new populations of invasive species, like zebra mussels, early on.

charr

Restoration of Big Wadleigh Pond

The chemical restoration of Big Wadleigh Pond was a tremendous success, reclaiming space for native Arctic charr.

landlocked Atlantic salmon

Landlocked Salmon and Brown Trout – Tips for Identifying Your Catch

When you picture a landlocked salmon and then a brown trout, I’m sure the two species are clearly distinguishable. In certain Maine water bodies both species are present and on occasion the two species can be tough to quickly identify. Which, to be fair, is not that much of a surprise. Landlocked salmon and brown trout are closely related (both falling under the genus; Salmo) which lends the two species to look similar in some circumstances.

salmon

Chesuncook Lake Salmon Fishery Update

We’ve invested a lot of time since implementing a new management strategy on Chesuncook Lake back in 2018. We are getting close to our harvest goal, and the fish are starting to respond.

electrofishing

While You Were Sleeping, We Were Electrofishing!

Electrofishing is a highly effective way to non-lethally sample a population and is very efficient for studying bass during their May-June spawning season.

Large numbers of Chilodonella on largemouth bass gills

MDIFW Fish Health Lab Case Study: Webber Pond Largemouth Bass Fish Kill, May of 2022

The recent fish kill of adult largemouth bass seen in Webber Pond is an example of a fish kill with natural causes exacerbated by stressors of seasonally low dissolved oxygen, excessive levels of common protozoan parasites and a pathogen specifically harmful to just one species of fish. 

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The Great (Splake) Debate

For many anglers, fish identification is almost like second nature and usually Maine’s fish species are relatively easy to identify, but of course there are a few exceptions. Lately I’ve seen some debate on social media, with folks trying to ID splake and brook trout.

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Winter Ice Fishing Tips for Targeting Specific Species

Maine is such a beautiful state with so many opportunities to get outdoors! One of the most anticipated seasons of the year is winter ice fishing. No matter if you’ve never been, you’re just getting started, or have been ice fishing your whole life, here are some tips and tricks for fishing specific species in the Maine winter.