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Bristol Dam
Damariscotta, Maine
The low dam and historic alewife fish ladder at Damariscotta Mills; a spring wildlife spectacle, not a true swim hole.
At a glance
Overview
Bristol Dam is the low dam at Damariscotta Mills where the Damariscotta Lake watershed drops toward tidewater through the famous alewife fish ladder. Each May the run of river herring up the ladder is one of Maine's best-known wildlife spectacles, drawing eagles, osprey, and crowds to the village. The small pool below the dam sees informal wading on warm days, but the current, fish run, and rough bottom argue against real swimming.
- Also known as
- Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder, Damariscotta Mills Dam
- County
- Lincoln
- Region
- Midcoast & Islands
- Water type
- River pool
Know before you go
Conditions
Conditions snapshot
Check posted signs and official updates before entering.
Getting there
From Route 1 in Newcastle / Damariscotta, take Route 215 north into Damariscotta Mills and park near the fish ladder. Paths run along the ladder and down toward the lower pool at the dam; follow posted signage around the working structure.
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