In search of the Alewife

Woolwich, Maine

Nequasset Brook is a 20 mile plus watershed that empties out into the Gulf of Maine. The brook is part of the Kennebec Estuary, a rare and nationally significant natural resource.

The local spawning fish, Alewife (herring) is part of an anadromous species that migrate from saltwater to fresh and are dependent upon waterways to complete their lifecycle.

 

A dam or mill structure has occupied the Naquasset site since the early 1600’s and the local town of Woolwich has wisely required fish passage over the dam for hundred of years. The upper Nequasset Lake continues to be used as a public drinking water supply.

 

The Nequasset “fish ladder” system is one of a small number of alewife runs still open to commercial harvest. It is an important part of the local culture and a seasonal income for town of Woolwich. The fish are prized as lobster bait, and are also smoked and served with steamed fiddlehead ferns as a spring delicacy.  (Above text excerpted from a sign posted by the town of Woolwich).

 

 

The upper dam on the Nequasset Brook.

 

 

 

The fish 'ladder' allows the alewives access above and below the dam.

 

 

Steve Bodge is one of a few remaining commercial harvesters of the alewife. During spawning season, Steve lives on site, catching, smoking and selling the fish to lobster men as bait, and to the public as a smoked delicacy.

 

 

Inside the fish house where Steve resides - and nearby, outside smokes his fish.

 

 

 

 

Alwives schooled just above the dam.