ernie.atkinson@maine.gov
Old Stream is a highly productive cold water tributary to the Machias River located in Washington County, Maine. The Machias River is within the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment for endangered populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) listed under the US Endangered Species Act. Among these drainages, Old Stream is a bright point. Annual escapement to Old Stream has been high; around 30 adults annually. Juvenile densities are among the highest in the Downeast SHRU and there is strong evidence suggesting that juvenile production is positively related to natural escapement rather than through hatchery related strategies such as fry stocking.