The charr family have the most northerly distribution of any freshwater fish. They are found in lakes and rivers throughout the northern hemisphere, including North America, Asia, Europe, Iceland and Greenland.

New England Distribution

They are also found in the northern waters of Russia.

In Canada, charr are found in Newfoundland, Labrador, eastern Quebec and across the northern Canadian coastline, including the various Arctic islands. The United States range of the Arctic Charr is restricted to Alaska. The Blueback Trout is native to northwestern Maine in three main areas:

1) in the headwaters of the St. John and Penobscot rivers, specifically in Black Lake, Deboullie Lake, Gardner Lake, Purshineer pond in Arrostook County

2) in Big Reed Pond, Rainbow Lake and Wadleigh Pond in Piscataquis County; Penobscot Lake in Somerset County; and,

3) Bald Mountain Pond, also in Somerset County. Formerly existed in the Rangeley Lakes but extirpated from there circa 1904.

Blueback Introduction

The Blueback Trout was introduced in to several lakes at the headwaters of the Salmon River in Idaho, including Alice Lake, Vernon Lake, Big Redfish Lake and Sawtooth lake.

The Blueback Trout was also stocked in Maine including the upper and lower South Branch Pond in Piscataquis County, Echo Lake in Hancock County and Coffee Pond in Cumberland County.

Only Five Char Species?

Bass Fishing Gurus and other reputable fishing sites and books claim that there are only five species of Charr. So then why do we have more than five fish species under the Charr heading. Are some of these fish actually trout?

These are good questions that we get asked a lot. First, it is true that there are only five species of Charr. The other fish species like the Aurora Trout ad Blueback Trout and Sunapee Trout are all subspecies. Despite the name trout, these fish are all Charr.

Aim to keep the baits presented within five feet of their current depth and manoeuvre the boat using an electric trolling motor as sound from a gas engine can scare the Blueback Trout away.

Casting is the next best method but requires a lot more effort and skill. You will need to know what depth they are located at, but this can be accomplished by using a duel beam sonar device and with the help of some popular live baits like fathead minnows and golden shinners.