The spawning run of salmon in one of Maine's larger lake chains 

 is composed primarily of fish of age 3, 4, 5, and 6. Most female salmon 

 in these waters mature to spawn first at age 4 or 5, while most male 

 salmon spawn first at age 3 or 4. A few females mature at age 3, and 

 many of the small precocious young male parr are ripe at ages 1 and 2. 

 Seventy percent of each spawning run is composed of salmon spawning 

 for the first time. Most fish over five years old have spawned at least 

 once previously. Some salmon spawn for several consecutive seasons 

 and some skip one or two years between reproductive cycles. Salmon 

 lose considerable body weight during the spawning and even by the fol- 

 lowing spring may appear long and thin. Such fish are called "racers" 

 by anglers. Many weeks are required before these fish regain their nor- 

 mal body condition. 



Landlocked salmon fry emerge from the gravel during the first two 

 weeks in June and begin feeding on small aquatic insects and other in- 

 vertebrates. These young salmon, called parr at this stage, remain in 

 the river or stream for one or two years before migrating to the lake. 



Diet gradually changes from insects to fish after migration to the 

 lake. Presence of adequate forage fishes may be a key to the success 

 of salmon. Principal forage species for salmon in Maine are smelts, 

 young alewives, sticklebacks, yellow perch, and minnows. Many other 

 fishes are utilized on occasion. 



Most of the landlocked salmon taken by Maine fishermen are ages 

 3, 4, 5, and 6. Few fish older than age 7 are taken. Maximum recorded 

 age in a Maine lake is 1 1 years. The legal length of 14 inches is attained 

 in most waters at age 3, although some populations may exhibit slower 

 growth and not become legal before reaching age 4 or 5. Exceptional 

 growth may bring them into the fishery at age 2. Average growth rate 

 of landlocked salmon in Maine is: 



Age 



1234 5 6789 



Total length 5.9 11.6 15.2 18.1 20.3 22.2 23.5 25.2 27.9 



(inches) 



32 



