Brook trout are a native species in Maine, and therefore can be stocked statewide. Customers are required to obtain a stocking permit from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife prior to stocking. You can download an application by using the link on this page. We recommend that you apply for the five year license, as this will expediate the stocking process in future years. Permits are a necessary process to keep non-native species and disease out of Maine. No exceptions will be made.

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Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions

1) How many fish should I stock in my pond?

This question is the most frequently asked, and there is more than one answer to this question. Determining how many fish to stock will depend on the size and depth of your pond, your ponds' history (if any), and how you plan to use it. Since there ae so many variables to this question, it would be inappropriate for us to give you a "One size fits all" answer. We would be more willing to take your call, and in most cases help you determine stocking rates by asking you questions about your pond, and how you plan to use your pond.

2) Should I feed my trout?

Feeding is matter of preference; most people so feed their fish. Feeding fish will accelerate growth, and depending on which brand of feed you use, will enhance flavor, and color.

3) Should I feed my fish in winter?

This is another pond specific question, what I can tell you is that a trout's metabolism slows down dramatically in the winter. Slowed metabolism means a decrease in appetite. I recommend keeping fish well fed in the fall, this helps the trout to build up some "reserve", and feeding not more than once every two weeks with sinking feed through the ice.

4) Why is there so much algae in my pond?

An algal bloom in your pond is an indication that there is too much "fertilizer" in your pond. In most cases, surface water runoff is the culprit. Other causes are overfeeding fish, wasted feed, and build-up of dead organic vegetation. Applying fertilizer to the lawn surrounding your pond is also a frequent cause of algal growth.

5) Are herbicides safe for use in ponds?

NO! Using chemicals should never be an option, unless administered by a licensed professional. There are many herbicidal chemicals for use in ponds that claim to be safe for fish. The fact is that the trout are very sensitive to chemicals, and the toxicity of the chemical depends on the water chemistry in your pond. Applying chemicals to your pond does not remove the primary cause of weed and algae growth, it only kills the secondary problem. Improvements to your pond, and good pond management are key to keeping your pond clear.

6) Will trout reproduce in my pond?

There are few ponds that are able to self-sustain. Mature trout will spawn in most ponds, but the survival rate of eggs and fry is extremely low. Fish that do survive will probably be eaten by larger fish, or birds during the two years will take for these fish to reach a catchable size.

7) Why do I need a stocking permit?

A stocking permit is the tool that Maine Fisheries & Wildlife uses to keep non-native species, and diseases out of Maine's waters.

8) How often and how much should I feed my fish?

I recommend feeding once a day. Try feeding at one place, at the same time every day. This will establish a routine, and the fish will probably be waiting for you once they get used to it. I recommend feeding less than the fish are willing to eat. Overfeeding is wasteful, can cause algal blooms, and overfed fish are more susceptible to succomb to environmental stresses.

9) There are a few large fish left in my pond, will they eat the smaller fish that I wish to stock?

They might, more so during the first day or two. I recommend keeping your large fish well fed prior to restocking, and stocking fish no less than six or seven inches.

10) What can I do to keep fish eating birds and animals out of my pond?

I ask myself that question every day! There are some birds scaring devices on the market today that are somewhat effective such as owls, balloons, floating alligators and more. I recommend using more than one type of device, and alternating their locations.