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Welcome to historic Damariscotta Mills, Maine – home to one of Maine’s oldest and most productive alewife fisheries. The stone fish ladder that is the centerpiece of Damariscotta Mills was constructed in 1807 by the Towns of Nobleboro and Newcastle because, for nearly a century, mills blocked access for fish to the freshwater falls. In 2007, after two centuries of use, the fish ladder was in poor condition so a restoration project was initiated by a strong community group working with the Towns of Nobleboro and Newcastle and the Nobleboro Historical Society.

 

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Help Us "Bridge the Gap!"
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FIsh Goods & Gear
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Fish Facts

Restoration of the fish ladder has had a signficant positive impact on the health of the Damariscotta River alewife stocks. Alewives are an important part of the food chain and they contribute to the health of the marine environment and to the lakes and streams where the fish spawn. In the spring, a few harvested alewives are smoked as “people food” but most serve as a source of fresh bait for local lobstermen. The Towns of Newcastle and Nobleboro have harvested alewives since the 1700s and, by balancing conservation and economic goals, they have carefully tended the Damariscotta River alewife stocks. Today, all funds received for harvested alewives are spent to maintain and restore the fish ladder and harvesting area.

Upper pool from the alewives’ point of view. May, 2020

Fish Happenings

Will the Fish Ladder open this spring?

We’ve had a number of inquiries about if and when the Fish Ladder will open. That decision hasn’t been formally made yet. It’s likely that the Fish Ladder will be open, but please check back on this site about May 1. We’ll post an answer by then.

Alewives, birds and festival

We are not optimistic about holding a festival at the usual time this year, but a road race combined with a small Fall festival are a possibility.  BUT, the fish do not care about Covid and you can make plans to see them return! The alewives run  during May 1-June 15, but most reliably from […]

Check out this special webinar that includes the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder!

Not to be missed – on Thursday, June 11 at noon, the Natural Resource Council of Maine will host a webinar called Maine’s Sea-Run Fish – Stories of Success. Deb Wilson will present slides showing the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration and Nick Bennett of NRCM will look at other river herring runs in Maine, […]

Help Us “Bridge the Gap!”

The viewing spot over the Fish Ladder never gets old, but the bridge has seen better days.  Engineering studies are underway and we are asking you to partner with us to raise the funds needed to build a replacement.  Click here for details.




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