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Alewife

Alewife

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) are anadromous members of the herring family that spend most of their adult lives at sea but return to Maine's freshwater rivers, streams, ponds and lakes to spawn.

Scientific Name: Alosa pseudoharengus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These silvery fish typically grow 10-11 inches in length and weigh about half a pound, with repeat spawners reaching up to 14 inches and over a pound.
  • They have grayish-green backs, silvery sides and bellies, a distinctive black spot behind the head, and forked tails.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Spend most of their adult lives at sea but return to Maine's freshwater rivers, streams, ponds and lakes to spawn.

Key Locations

  • Major alewife waters include the Penobscot, Kennebec, Saco, Union, Orland, Damariscotta, and St.
  • Croix river systems, along with their associated lakes and ponds.
  • Productive locations include the Damariscotta Mills fish ladder, Penobscot River system, Kennebec River, Presumpscot River, and various coastal streams.
  • The Saco River and smaller coastal brooks offer good fly fishing opportunities.

Specific Spots

  • Target alewives in rivers and streams near dams, fish ladders, natural pools, and areas where they congregate during upstream migration.
  • Target deeper pools where alewives stage during their runs.

Alewife FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Alewife in Maine?

Prime season runs April through June, with the best action typically occurring during the spawning runs in May. They migrate from the ocean into Maine's rivers and streams from April through June to spawn.

How do you catch Alewife in Maine?

For fly fishing, target areas with eddies and current seams where fish rest before continuing upstream.

What do Alewife eat?

Adult alewives are primarily planktivorous, feeding on zooplankton, copepods, small crustaceans, and insect larvae. Juveniles remain in freshwater lakes and ponds feeding on zooplankton before migrating to the ocean.

Where do Alewife live in Maine?

Spend most of their adult lives at sea but return to Maine's freshwater rivers, streams, ponds and lakes to spawn.

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