Craig Brook
Orland, ME 04472
Plan Your Visit
Craig Brook NFH is just one of the many field stations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whose mission is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. It currently functions as a conservation hatchery for the last remaining natural populations of Atlantic salmon in the United States for seven river specific brood stocks. There are numerous visitor opportunities at Craig Brook, all free to the public, including:
- Boat launch and picnic area on Alamoosook Lake
- Boat launch and picnic area on Craig Pond
- Nature trail with interpretive signs
- Indoor Visitor Center with watershed, stewardship and historical themed displays (Open 9 AM - 2 PM daily, closed on Federal Holidays)
- Library and Archives (Access by request only)
- Public restrooms
- Atlantic Salmon Flyfishing Museum, operated by the Friends of Craig Brook
- Conference room and meeting facilities
Trails
Craig Brook NFH trails are all fairly level and smooth, winding through forested areas and along Craig Brook with very minimal elevation change. All trails are open year-round and can be accessed by parking at any of the designated parking areas at the hatchery. There is a total of about 2.5 miles of trails on hatchery property.
- Nature Trail Loop
- Mossy Rock Trail
- Brook Trail
- Alamoosook Beach Trail
- Tall Pines Trail
- Craig Pond Trail
Trails lead to both Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond, and offer visitors an opportunity to picnic, swim, or launch boats.
Coming from Ellsworth on US-1: Turn right off of US-1 between Ellsworth and Bucksport onto Hatchery Road. The Hatchery is 1.4 miles down this road and on the left. Visitors can park here or continue on down the road to cross the bridge of Craig Brook and keep left to go down to the boat ramp and Alamoosook Beach parking area. Alternatively, bear right onto Craig Pond Access Road about 500 feet before the hatchery and follow the road until reaching a parking area on the left or continue up the road to reach the Craig Pond boat launch.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
National fish hatcheries provide many opportunities for you to help your community, and fish and wildlife, by doing what you love. National fish hatcheries partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of both urban and rural communities to make a lasting difference.
Services
Craig Brook NFH manages Atlantic salmon brood populations that originate from the Penobscot, Machias, Narraguagus, Sheepscot, East Machias, Dennys, and Pleasant rivers. These populations are the safety net to prevent extinction and the genetic resources needed to produce the next generation of this critically endangered species. A total of over 3 million eggs are produced annually at Craig Brook NFH, 1 million of which are allocated every year to be transferred to nearby Green Lake NFH in Ellsworth, ME for smolt production. The other 2 million eggs are either egg planted, fry stocked, or reared to parr at partner hatcheries operated by the Downeast Salmon Federation.
About
Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery was established in 1889 to raise Atlantic salmon, making it the second oldest federal fish hatchery station still operating today. Founded by Charles Atkins, the site preserves the genetic integrity of seven river-specific brood stocks listed as endangered. Since 2000, the hatchery has focused exclusively on the recovery of the Atlantic salmon for future generations.