Fisheries Internship/Enhancement program

This program was created in 2006 in an effort to expand our educational opportunities beyond the high school level and as a means to assist in the enhancement of recreational fishing which is so important to the Statewide and local economy of the Moosehead Lake Region. 

The program began with a donation from Maine Trout, a small group of anglers interested in the conservation of wild brook trout in Maine.  Donations continued from other sources and in 2008 proceeds from the Moosehead Lake Togue Derby were added to the fund.  Not only do anglers have a chance to win some fabulous cash and prizes, their entry fee goes right back into enhancing and conserving the fishery resources.

In 2008, a major brook trout and landlocked salmon research project was initiated by the Maine Department of Inland  Fisheries and Wildlife.  The study involved designing and operating a large fish weir on tributaries to Moosehead Lake to evaluate the spawning runs of these coldwater gamefish.  NREC, Florida Power and Light, Plum Creek, and the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, were also partners in this multi-year project. The project was a huge success and has led to an expansion of the study to other waters in the area.

Each spring, college interns have been hired for a two week trapnetting project.  The students work under the direct supervision of the Fisheries Biologists in the Moosehead Lake Region.  They net and remove competing species from several local brook trout ponds in an effort to improve growth and survival for the important gamefish. The students also gain valuable field experience while helping to improve the fishery.

 

 

Take a dip into our weir with the wild brook trout and salmon on their spawning run up the Roach River.