This was confirmed late last spring by IFW fisheries biologists who documented wild, naturally-reproducing Arctic charr at Big Reed Pond. Today charr exist and naturally reproduce in 14 lakes and ponds of Maine including two populations established through translocation (the live transfer of fish) by MDIFW. … They often make daily movements up in the water column to feed on zooplankton, insects, and small fish, but rarely will reach the warmest surface waters. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Arctic char or Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is a cold-water fish in the family Salmonidae, native to alpine lakes and arctic and subarctic coastal waters. Fishing Tips:  Arctic charr are coldwater fish that prefer water temperatures less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit but will tolerate warmer water for short periods to take advantage of abundant prey. Arctic charr are found in only 14 waters in Maine. Maine’s management philosophy is a conservative one toward the species; that is, maintaining and conserving each population is a high priority. “Arctic char is light, moist and firm in texture. Prey may be taken from the water surface, down through the water column, and at the bottom of lakes and ponds. It has a pink to white flesh, with a finer flake than salmon and trout. Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Cupsuptic Lake, Richardson Lake, and Rangeley Lake had such heavy spawning runs in certain tributaries that protection under law was deemed unnecessary. Most Arctic char brought to market is farmed inland in Iceland, United States, and Canada. September 19, 2016 Guaranteed ocean-fresh: We choose our fish every day. ARCTIC CHAR FISHING TRIP: Come along with Caleb and I on our fishing vacation trip fishing for arctic char in Maine. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: Depending on weather patterns, surface waters may have cooled enough to allow fish to move about the water column after a long summer period of dwelling in deep water. Some of the guiding principles are use of conservative fishery regulations, protecting quality habitat, and conserving the unique gene pool present in Maine. Sport fishery regulations that adequately protect the species from overharvest, excessive hooking mortality, and the accidental or unauthorized introductions of new fish species are in place on all Arctic charr waters in Maine. startxref Furthermore, recent genetic work shows that Maine’s populations are genetically isolated, representing unique gene pools, and that many of them have adapted specifically to the available food base. The Arctic Charr of Green Lake Bob Mallard, NFC National Vice Chair. Scientific Name: Salvelinus alpinus oquassa. Arctic charr in Maine are descendents of anadromous, or sea-run, arctic charr that populated coastal waters after several glaciation events during the Pleistocene era. It is common for Arctic charr populations to develop adaptations to feeding on a given prey item in a lake or pond. Additionally, it is sweet-tasting and somewhat milder in flavor than salmon. In recent years, word has spread. Once the fillet is fully cooked, transfer it to a separate plate for serving. trailer "Maine's Arctic Char are the rarest freshwater salmonid east of … It’s quite fatty, which makes it easy to cook, as it won’t go dry or tough unless you really overdo it. 1871 0 obj<>stream 0000002766 00000 n But the appearance and traits of Salvelinus alpinus oquassa show remarkable variability from lake to lake. %%EOF As spring progresses to early summer, charr will make feeding forays into shallow water or surface waters to feed on hatching insects or small fish. Trolling small fish patterns is a common fishing method for charr at this time and lures need only be fished a few feet from the surface. During breeding season, both sexes become highly colored. From July to mid-September, Arctic charr will be found in deeper water where temperature and oxygen are sufficient for survival. Trolling patterns in deep water is the most effective and some anglers elect to “plug fish” with lures, worms, or dead baitfish. 0000002688 00000 n Alert: Stay up to date on Maine's COVID-19 Response, Home → Fish & Wildlife → Fisheries → Species Information → Arctic Charr, Other Names: Arctic Charr, Blueback Trout, Sunapee Trout, Scientific Name: Salvelinus alpinus oquassa. 0000001033 00000 n 0000003981 00000 n Its distribution is Circumpolar North. Maine State Heritage Fish: Arctic Charr Arctic char or Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, is a cold-water fish in the family Salmonidae, native to Arctic, sub-Arctic and alpine lakes and coastal waters. Manual labor , pickle juice and acetone toughen up your hands What a blast lately! Fin colors can also become very intense during spawning. Adult Size: Arctic Charr in Maine can live up to 15 years and attain a size of about 20 inches and 3 pounds. Throughout their large geographic range, Arctic char occupy a wide variety of aquatic … xref 0000003749 00000 n The different types feed on different prey, reproduce in different habitats and at different times of the year, and often are of very different size. The so-called Laurentian lineage of charr occurs only in southeast Quebec and New Brunswick, Canada and Maine. By V. Paul Reynolds. Fly anglers will also find success at this time casting insect patterns on or just under the surface. Maine is the only state in the continental U.S. that has Arctic char, or blueback trout. They also have the … The Laurentian population of Arctic char (sometimes referred to as “charr”), to which Maine’s “blue back” Arctic char belong, are a pond-dwelling fish that spends much of its life living at depth. 0000001933 00000 n Y�N�\�~��g��]``� {��D� 0)�`2j�E� �4Ŗ��� ���0��h%cOP�D1�x@$���x�@�n���@��!Vb�a;pH��A��[y�3,�������$��%�xN�5\�ȄX�����Exj�t-�����g��l���@Z��!.� � Ho�H Other Names: Arctic Charr, Blueback Trout, Sunapee Trout. Garnish the seared fish with oil, vinegar, and orange peel. <]>> More often Arctic charr are much smaller; in some lakes the average size is closer to 6 inches and a few ounces in weight. 0000001705 00000 n Arctic Char is a delicious, mild fish that sits somewhere between Trout and Salmon, leaning toward Trout. x���A �4vфWT0��>��m{�d������C. Arctic Char is milder than salmon, more flavorful than trout--prepare it like trout: pan fried, grilled, baked, poached. Sustainably Raised Arctic Char. The latter part of September can be a great time to fish for Arctic charr. For those who enjoy seafood but not an overpowering taste, Arctic Char is easy to prepare and enjoy simply. Diet: Arctic charr are considered predators but have a broad-ranging diet. 0000001248 00000 n Icelandic Arctic Char From Maine Lobster Now Our fresh Arctic Char comes from Icelandic waters and is truly a one-of-a-kind, delicious fish. Arctic Char is milder than salmon, more flavorful than trout--prepare it like trout: pan fried, grilled, baked, poached. Char were always rare in New England, limited to about 20 lakes in Maine and a handful in New Hampshire and Vermont. %PDF-1.4 %���� For these reasons, MDIFW focuses on management that warrants protection for each individual population. Common Name: Landlocked Arctic Charr. A fillet is typically about 12 oz. The Arctic char is circumpolar in distribution, occurring around the globe from Maine and New Hampshire in the United States northward across northern Canada, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, and from northern Russia south to Lake Baikal and Kamchatka as well as in Iceland, Great Britain, Scandinavia, the Alps, and Spitsbergen, among other places. The icelandic arctic char is closely related to the trout and salmon species. Maine's Arctic char are the southernmost populations in the world and reported to be the oldest strain in North America." They prefer deep, cold lakes found at high elevation and that contain few competing species. -raised arctic char for Big Reed project-raising arctic char for Wadleigh project-private and public stocking of trout-tree farm. Nutritional information (per 100g serving): 0000000552 00000 n A fish larger than 2 pounds is of significant size. What Makes Mountain Springs Trout Farm Unique? An illegal introduction of rainbow smelt at Big Reed Pond upset that delicate balance and threatened the charr population. Located less than 20 miles from Acadia National Park and less than 15 miles from Bangor, the 3rd largest city in Maine behind Portland and Lewiston, Green Lake is a popular recreational fishing and boating destination. Maine’s native Arctic char waters can be found in clusters, in close proximity to each other, or all alone. Today’s management of Arctic charr in Maine is guided by goals and objectives formulated and developed by a periodic planning process. A milder, more delicate alternative to salmon, fresh farm-raised arctic char is great broiled in the oven, or on the grill. Invasive species and the cumulative impacts of watershed use remain a serious threat for these populations. Guaranteed ocean-fresh: We choose our fish every day. endstream endobj 1880 0 obj<>/W[1 1 1]/Type/XRef/Index[132 1737]>>stream Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 Outdoors in Maine: Maine’s Arctic char. TTY: Maine Relay 711 Arctic charr in Maine were found first in the Rangeley lakes and were called blueback trout at the time; in fact, the subspecies designation, oquassa, originated from the lake with the same name (Oquassoc Lake was later renamed Rangeley Lake). The Maine chapter of Native Fish Coalition (NFC) worked with Rippled Waters, University of Maine, Bangor Water District and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) to develop the first in a series of educational videos about Maine's rare Arctic charr.. Usually dark on the back, lighter on the belly, and having light spots on the sides. There are four waters in the Deboullie Region, two in the Allagash Region, two in the Baxter State Park area, two in Kennebec/Moose River Valley, and two in what is known as Downeast Maine. Of the four existing subspecies of Arctic char, Maine’s—which is also found in Quebec and New Brunswick—is the most limited in its geographic range. Coloration can then range from pink to orange bellies, blue to brown backs, and creamy to orange spots. Arctic charr sometimes are seen feeding on insects on the surface mostly in the evening hours up until dusk. 284 State Street Generations of sportsmen have made the trek toward the Canadian border in pursuit of fish and game. Physical Address: Delicious sautéed, baked, broiled or grilled, Arctic char … But outside of Alaska, Maine is the only state with a native population. Found in the deep and icy waters of glacial lakes and arctic coastal waters, Arctic Char is closely related to both salmon and trout — ranging from a light pink to deep red in color, with a mild, buttery taste and silky-smooth texture. 3 pounds. It’s high in healthy oils (making it a great candidate for smoking), and is a “best choice” candidate on most (if not all) seafood sustainability lists. Several populations of charr have been extirpated in New England over the last 115 years, perhaps most notably in Maine’s Rangeley lakes region. Origin: Native . Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 With its subtle flavor and versatility, it serves as an excellent salmon or trout substitute in seafood dishes for beginner palates, kid-friendly meals, or for at-home chefs who simply prefer a less intensely flavored fish. Two skin-on fillets, approx. “Maine is the only state in the U.S. that still supports relic populations of Salvelinus alpinus oquassa, a distinct subspecies of arctic charr. x�b```b``�b`e``Na�g@ ~�+�!���$x�-/���t��� � U,ʶw���>�:"��`�#�#�c�㐣�g�g���^� ���D�F?��bͼD��w�i�82� ��[K��ᠸ���{�̹D��N��3��-L";N���s��Yd1��t���6T�NW��)L�Ѿˍ��yK�2Tx6�ᙠ��e�g$s�hu� The meat has a fine-flaking quality and a medium-firm consistency with coloring varying from light pink to deep red. Arctic char is a tasty, cold-water fish traditionally caught in waters near the Arctic circle. 1869 12 After ice out in the spring, Arctic charr may be found anywhere in the water column due to uniformly cold water. 0000001563 00000 n The Arctic char page on both the Seafood Choices Alliance and the New England Aquarium sites explain how Arctic char live in the wild and how they are farmed. Tail is moderately forked. Fishing Maine's Arctic Char If you tell any native Mariner you are headed "up country," they will immediately know where you are going: Aroostok County, the northernmost and one of the largest counties in the Pine Tree State. Leave the arctic char to sear for another 2½ minutes, until the rest of the fish starts to look opaque in the middle. It’s found in only 14 waters in the state. For those who enjoy seafood but not an overpowering taste, Arctic Char is easy to prepare and enjoy simply. Paired fins are orange to red with a bright white leading edge. Identification: The Arctic charr is a slender member of the salmon and trout family. Maine is the only state in the lower 48 that has native populations of artic char and, even in Maine, they can only be found in 14 remote waters in the western, eastern, and northern sections of the state. Charr commonly display polymorphism, meaning that 2 or more morphs, or distinct types, occur in the same lake. Average sizes and colorings can vary widely, as they do among sea-run Arctic char, but they are the same fish with the same common ancestors, according to Frost. By 1899 (when the first law was passed banning any take) the population had already collapsed. ARCTIC CHAR IS A SALMONID widely found throughout the North Atlantic and as far north as Newfoundland and Iceland. 0000000016 00000 n The icy Pacific waters near Alaska (where char is a popular sportfish) are also rich with this fish, which happens to be a close relative of the sea-going brook trout or Dolly Varden. Arctic Charr. Fish are also consumed. At this time of year, charr will be found at the thermocline (the water zone of rapidly decreasing water temperature) and deeper; this zone varies from water to water but is generally 20-30 feet. 0 Arctic charr became perilously close to disappearing from one of the last remaining ponds in Maine, but actions by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife restored the charr population. Char also has a very delicate skin that crisps up beautifully. 0000002461 00000 n Arctic charr in Maine were found first in the Rangeley lakes and were called blueback trout at the time; in fact, the subspecies designation, oquassa, originated from the lake with the same name (Oquassoc Lake was later renamed Rangeley Lake). In terms of nutrition and flavor, it has a few distinct differences from its relatives. 1869 0 obj<> endobj Arctic char are widely distributed throughout the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Email us, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Opportunities for People with Disabilities, Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment, Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Reptiles and Amphibians, Rare, Threatened, & Endangered Invertebrates, Arctic charr are the northern-most fish in the world, sometimes living in lakes and ponds with no other fish, and where the ice doesn’t break from the lake every year, Arctic charr across much of their range are found higher up in elevation and in deeper water than any other fish; in one Norway lake a charr was recently found living at 1,475 feet. It breeds in fresh water, and populations can be either landlocked or anadromous, migrating to the sea. Management and Conservation: Arctic charr in Maine represent a unique resource represented by the only intact native populations in the lower forty-eight states. 5. The successful angler at this time of year may be awarded with an adult fish in spawning colors. 41 State House Station The story begins with arctic char, also known as blueback trout. Overfishing on these spawning runs and invasive species eventually took their toll on the population.