See the alewives return to central Maine

CENTRAL MAINE • May 12, 2026

May marks the start of the annual return of alewives, a species of sea-run herring, to lakes and ponds to spawn. They gather in schools offshore, and as the weather warms, the silvery fish with the dark backs make their way to historic breeding grounds, many of them in central Maine or just a short drive away. On Saturday, Benton is set to host its annual Alewife Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverside Park at the town office, located at 1279 Clinton Ave. On May 23, during Memorial Day weekend, the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration organization in Nobleboro plans to host the Run with the Alewives 5K race. Maine Rivers has put together a map of locations where alewives can be seen.