Organized stocking has been a feature of fisheries in Maine for well over 100 years, managed primarily by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). Today, MDIFW stocks over 600 lakes and streams throughout the state. Most stocking is of coldwater species such as trout and salmon, the stocking of warmwater species stopped in the 1970's. Species currently stocked by MDIFW include: Landlocked salmon, Brook trout, Brown trout, Lake trout, Splake, Rainbow trout, and Lake Whitefish.

Stocking helps to maintain populations of fish species not only for the benefit of anglers, but also to assure their role in the ecosystem, and preserve their historical/cultural value.

Stocking of Atlantic Salmon in a Downeast river.
Picture courtsey of the Atlantic Salmon Commission.