Could Arctic char be restocked in Rangeley Lake? Officials say it’s a long way off.

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • September 13, 2026

Arctic char, also known as blueback trout, were once a dominant species in Rangeley Lake and its surrounding tributaries. Known for their vibrant red and blue shading during the fall spawning season, the fish became synonymous with Rangeley in the 1800s, helping to solidify the town as a popular sporting destination. Overfishing and the introduction of competing species like the landlocked salmon and rainbow smelt ultimately caused the population to collapse. But, while currently unrealistic, officials are hopeful that, through conservation and restoration efforts, the species will one day make a comeback in the Rangeley region.