Complete Guide to Fishing in Maine

Maine offers some of the finest fishing in the Northeast, with cold, clean waters supporting robust populations of both freshwater and saltwater species. Whether you’re fly fishing a remote stream for native brook trout, jigging for togue through the ice, or battling striped bass in the surf, Maine delivers experiences that draw anglers back year after year. This guide covers everything you need to know to fish Maine’s waters legally, safely, and successfully.

Types of Fishing in Maine

Freshwater Fishing

Maine’s lakes, rivers, and streams hold remarkable diversity. Cold-water species thrive in the state’s northern climate, with many waters maintaining temperatures that favor trout and salmon year-round. The variety of freshwater environments—from tiny mountain brooks to massive wilderness lakes—means you can find fishing suited to any skill level or preference.

Brook trout are Maine’s native jewel, found in streams and ponds throughout the state. Wild brookies typically run 6-12 inches, though larger fish inhabit remote ponds and the deeper sections of bigger lakes. Their striking colors—olive backs with vermiculated patterns, red spots with blue halos, orange fins with white leading edges—make them unmistakable.

Landlocked salmon were native to only four Maine watersheds but have been successfully introduced to many lakes. These fish average 14-18 inches with some reaching 20-plus inches. They fight harder than trout of similar size, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. Salmon prefer cold, deep water with high oxygen content.

Lake trout (locally called togue) inhabit Maine’s deepest, coldest lakes. These fish grow large—10 to 20 pounds isn’t uncommon, with some exceeding 30 pounds. Lakers stay deep most of the year, requiring specialized techniques with downriggers or lead core line.

Bass fishing for both smallmouth and largemouth is excellent in many Maine waters. Smallmouth prefer cooler, rockier habitats and fight aggressively. Largemouth inhabit warmer, weedy areas and can reach impressive sizes. Bass fishing peaks in spring and fall when fish are active in shallow water.

Other species include white and yellow perch, pickerel, northern pike, brown trout, and various panfish. Each offers different opportunities and challenges.

Saltwater Fishing

Maine’s 3,500 miles of coastline and countless islands create diverse saltwater fishing opportunities. The cold Atlantic waters host species that challenge anglers with their size, power, and wariness.

Striped bass are the premier coastal gamefish, available from June through October. Schools of stripers follow baitfish into estuaries, around rocky points, and along beaches. Fish range from schoolies (under 28 inches) to keepers (28-35 inches) to trophy fish exceeding 40 inches. Artificials and live eels both produce.

Mackerel and pollock provide fast action and good eating. Mackerel arrive in spring and can be caught from shore, wharfs, or boats using simple jigging techniques. Pollock inhabit deeper waters around ledges and islands, taking jigs and bait with aggressive strikes.

Bluefish, bonito, and false albacore appear in Maine waters during summer and early fall. All three species fight hard and test tackle. Albies in particular require specialized techniques and light tackle to hook consistently.

Bottom fishing for cod, haddock, cusk, and various flounders remains popular, though regulations have tightened due to stock concerns. Charter boats target these species around offshore ledges and wrecks.

Fly Fishing

Maine has deep fly fishing roots, with historic connections to figures like Carrie Stevens, creator of the Grey Ghost streamer. The state offers fly fishing for brook trout in tiny streams, landlocked salmon in big lakes, stripers in the surf, and everything between.

Stream fishing for wild brook trout epitomizes traditional Maine fly fishing. Small dry flies in summer, terrestrials in late summer, and streamers in spring all produce. These are often small streams requiring light rods, careful wading, and stealthy approaches.

Lake fishing for salmon and trout typically involves streamer fishing from boats or float tubes. Long casts, sinking lines, and steady retrieves mimic the smelts and other baitfish these predators hunt. Spring and fall offer the best action when fish move into shallow water.

Saltwater fly fishing for striped bass has grown in popularity. This fishing demands heavier tackle—8 to 10 weight rods—and larger flies. Tides, structure, and baitfish location all factor into success. The explosive strikes and powerful runs make this addictive fishing.

Ice Fishing

When lakes freeze solid, typically from late December through March, ice fishing becomes hugely popular. Ice shacks dot major lakes, ranging from simple shanties to elaborate heated structures with electronics and amenities.

Safety is paramount. Never venture onto ice without confidence in its thickness. Four inches of clear ice is the minimum for walking; 6-8 inches for snowmobiles; 12-plus inches for trucks. Local bait shops and fishing forums provide ice condition reports.

Ice fishing targets many of the same species caught in summer—brook trout, salmon, togue, perch, and pickerel. Jigging with small spoons or lures tipped with bait accounts for most catches. Tip-ups (devices that signal when a fish takes the bait) allow fishing multiple holes simultaneously.

Top Fishing Destinations

Rangeley Lakes Region

The Rangeley Lakes—Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic, Richardson, and Aziscoos—form one of North America’s premier brook trout and landlocked salmon fisheries. These cold, clear waters produce beautiful, hard-fighting fish in a wilderness setting.

Best times: Ice-out (late April to early May) for trophy fish in shallow water. September and October for fall fishing. Summer requires early morning fishing or deep trolling.

Techniques: Trolling streamer flies or lures produces salmon and trout. Fly fishing the river sections between lakes can be excellent. Shore fishing opportunities are limited.

Access: The town of Rangeley provides services, guides, lodging, and boat rentals. Public launches exist on all major lakes. Rangeley State Park offers camping and lake access.

Moosehead Lake

At 40 miles long and over 200 feet deep in places, Moosehead offers legitimate wilderness fishing. The lake holds brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and even some bass. Its size means you can fish for days without covering it all.

Best times: Ice-out for shallow-water salmon and trout. Summer requires downriggers or wire line to reach fish holding deep. Ice fishing is popular for those willing to brave the cold.

Techniques: Trolling is the primary method, with streamer flies, Mooselook Wobblers, and other traditional lures. Mount Kineo’s rocky shores offer casting opportunities. The Moose River inlet can provide excellent fishing.

Access: Greenville is the main hub, offering guides, boat rentals, launches, and lodging. This is remote country—plan accordingly.

Sebago Lake

Maine’s second-largest lake, just 25 miles from Portland, offers excellent fishing for landlocked salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and white perch. The lake’s designation as Portland’s drinking water source ensures exceptional water quality.

Best times: May and early June for salmon trolling. September and October for fall salmon action. Bass fishing is best May through June and again in fall.

Techniques: Trolling for salmon and lake trout. Bass fishing with artificials around rocky structure. Perch fishing with small jigs.

Access: Multiple public launches around the lake. Sebago Lake State Park provides beach access, camping, and launch. Numerous marinas offer services and rentals.

Belgrade Lakes Chain

Seven interconnected lakes north of Augusta provide excellent bass fishing—both smallmouth and largemouth. Brook trout, salmon, perch, and pickerel also inhabit these waters. The region retains a classic Maine lake fishing atmosphere.

Best times: Spring and fall for bass. Ice fishing for perch and salmon. Summer bass fishing can be good early and late in the day.

Techniques: Bass fishing with topwater, spinnerbaits, soft plastics. Trolling for salmon and trout. Ice fishing with tip-ups and jigging.

Access: Multiple public launches, though many shores are privately owned. Belgrade Lakes village provides services. Day Brook Fishery offers tackle, licenses, and local knowledge.

Coastal Fishing Hotspots

The entire Maine coast offers fishing opportunities, but certain areas stand out.

Casco Bay: Striped bass around the islands and in river mouths. Mackerel and pollock near ledges. Shore fishing at various access points in Portland and surrounding towns.

Kennebec River mouth (Popham Beach area): Excellent striper fishing in the river and nearby ocean. Strong currents and structure create ideal conditions.

Penobscot Bay: Vast area with numerous islands, ledges, and structure. Stripers, mackerel, pollock, and bottom fish all available. Rockland and Camden are major hubs.

Mount Desert Island/Frenchman Bay: Striped bass, mackerel, and pollock. Shore fishing opportunities in Acadia National Park. Protected waters offer good conditions for kayak fishing.

Downeast rivers: The Narraguagus, Machias, Pleasant, and others host excellent sea-run brook trout and Atlantic salmon (strictly catch-and-release for salmon). These require specialized skills and local knowledge.

Remote Waters

Maine’s vast North Woods contain thousands of ponds and lakes, many accessible only by logging roads, hike-in trails, or floatplane. These waters often hold populations of wild brook trout that see minimal fishing pressure.

Remote pond fishing requires planning—maps, GPS, proper gear, and knowledge of access routes. Some ponds require permits from landowners. The rewards include solitude and chances at wild fish in pristine settings.

Licensing and Regulations

Fishing Licenses

Anyone 16 or older must have a fishing license to fish Maine waters. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents, with various duration options.

Non-resident licenses:

• 1-day: $11
• 3-day: $23
• 7-day: $43
• Season: $64

Where to buy: Licenses are available online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, at town offices, and at many sporting goods stores, bait shops, and general stores statewide.

What’s included: A fishing license covers most freshwater fishing. Separate stamps or permits may be required for salmon fishing in certain waters, Atlantic salmon (catch-and-release only), or specific special regulation areas.

Important Regulations

Maine fishing regulations are detailed and vary by water body. Always consult the current Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations or Ice Fishing Regulations booklet (free where licenses are sold or online).

General rules:

• Bag and possession limits vary by species and water body
• Size limits protect both small and sometimes large fish
• Some waters are fly-fishing only
• Some waters are catch-and-release only
• Fishing near fish hatcheries and dams is often restricted or prohibited

Special regulations: Many waters have specific rules different from statewide regulations. Always check regulations for the specific water you plan to fish. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse.

Invasive species: You must remove all plant material from boats, trailers, and gear when leaving a body of water. Some waters have boat washing stations or check stations. This is about protecting Maine’s fisheries for future generations.

Saltwater Regulations

Saltwater fishing for most species doesn’t require a license, but regulations on sizes, seasons, and bag limits apply. Striped bass regulations have become increasingly restrictive to protect the population. Currently, one fish per person per day, 28-35 inches (slot limit) is typical, but verify current regulations.

Best Times to Fish

Spring (Ice-Out to June)

Ice-out—when lakes shed their ice cover—marks the start of prime fishing. This varies by latitude and lake size, from late March in southern Maine to mid-May in the north. Fish are hungry after winter, active in shallow water, and susceptible to lures and flies.

Targets: Brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout in shallows. Bass as water warms. Sea-run brook trout in coastal streams.

Challenges: Cold water requires warm clothing. Black flies emerge in May and can be brutal. Access to remote waters may be limited by mud and snow.

Summer (Late June to August)

Warm surface temperatures drive cold-water fish deep in many lakes. Fishing success often requires early morning, evening, or deep-water techniques. Bass fishing picks up as water warms. Saltwater fishing is at its peak.

Targets: Bass, perch, pickerel. Deep-water lake trout. Striped bass, mackerel, pollock, and other saltwater species.

Techniques: Early morning and evening fishing on lakes. Deep trolling for trout and salmon. Saltwater fishing throughout the day, with attention to tidal movements.

Fall (September to November)

Many anglers consider fall the best season. Cooling water brings fish back to the shallows. Fish feed aggressively to prepare for winter. Crowds disappear. Fall colors add beauty to the experience.

Targets: Salmon and trout in shallows. Aggressive bass feeding. Late-season striped bass. Lake trout moving up from the depths.

Techniques: Trolling and casting for salmon. Bass fishing with aggressive retrieves. Striper fishing in estuaries and along beaches.

Winter (December to March)

Ice fishing provides access to waters unfishable from shore and allows reaching deep areas without boats. The camaraderie of ice fishing—neighbors in nearby shacks, shared information, and hot toddies—creates a unique fishing culture.

Targets: Brook trout, salmon, togue, perch, pickerel, cusk. Ice fishing often produces larger fish than summer fishing in the same waters.

Safety: Never take chances with ice. Four inches of clear ice minimum. Check conditions locally. Ice thickness varies dramatically across a single lake. Avoid areas near inflows, outflows, and pressure ridges.

Guided Fishing vs. DIY

Hiring a Guide

A good guide dramatically increases your chances of success, especially when fishing unfamiliar waters or targeting specific species. Guides provide boats, tackle, local knowledge, and instruction. For visitors with limited time, a guide is often money well spent.

Guide costs: Expect $300-500 for a full day, $200-300 for a half day. This typically includes boat, tackle, and instruction. Some include lunch. Tipping 15-20% for good service is customary.

Finding guides: Maine has many licensed guides. The Maine Professional Guides Association maintains a directory. Local tackle shops can recommend guides. Online reviews help sort quality operators from marginal ones.

What to ask: Target species, techniques used, what’s included, cancellation policy, license requirements, and what you need to bring. Good guides will honestly assess your skill level and tailor the trip accordingly.

DIY Fishing

Independent fishing offers flexibility and the satisfaction of figuring things out yourself. Success requires research, proper equipment, and willingness to learn from failures.

Research: Study regulations for your target waters. Read fishing reports online. Local tackle shops often share information freely with customers. Fishing forums can provide specific details.

Equipment: A basic rod and reel combo, appropriate line, a selection of lures or flies, tackle box, and tools (pliers, line clippers, knife) get you started. Don’t go overboard initially—buy quality basics and add as you learn what you need.

Boat or shore: Much excellent fishing is accessible from shore or by kayak. Boat fishing opens more options but requires significant investment. Kayak fishing has grown popular—it provides mobility at lower cost than a boat while maintaining quiet approaches to fish.

Where to Get Gear

Tackle Shops

Local tackle shops offer far more than just gear—they provide knowledge, current fishing reports, and often sell bait and rent equipment. Building relationships with shop owners pays dividends in useful information.

Notable shops:

• Rangeley Region Sports Shop (Rangeley): Specializes in fly fishing, complete fly selection, guided trips
• Kittery Trading Post (Kittery): Massive selection of fishing gear for all types
• Maine Outdoors (Westbrook): Good selection, helpful staff, convenient to Portland
• Day Brook Fishery (Belgrade): Focus on Belgrade Lakes fishing, local knowledge
• L.L.Bean (Freeport): Extensive fishing department, fly fishing school, gear for all types

Online vs. Local

Ordering gear online can save money on major purchases, but buy locally when possible. The expertise and information available at good tackle shops are worth paying slightly higher prices. Plus, you need somewhere to go at 5 AM when you realize you’re out of leaders.

Rentals

Many marinas, state parks, and lodges rent fishing boats by the day or week. Expect $50-150 per day for a basic boat with motor. Some guides rent tackle if you’re flying in without gear.

Eating Your Catch

Which Fish to Keep

Not all fish make good eating, and some should be released for conservation. Here’s a guide:

Excellent eating: Brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, yellow perch, striped bass (within slot), mackerel, pollock, haddock, cod.

Fair eating: White perch, pickerel (lots of bones), largemouth bass.

Usually released: Smallmouth bass (not as good as people think), very large old fish of any species (let breeding stock live), fish from warm, weedy waters in summer (can taste muddy).

Cleaning and Preparation

Clean fish promptly, keeping them on ice if you can’t clean immediately. Trout and salmon are typically gutted, with heads left on or removed. Larger fish can be filleted. YouTube has countless tutorials on fish cleaning techniques.

Many fish camps and lodges will clean your catch for a small fee—worth it if you’re not experienced or don’t want to deal with the mess.

Catch Limits and Possession

Regulations specify daily bag limits (how many you can catch and keep in one day) and possession limits (how many you can have, including frozen fish at home). These limits exist for a reason—take only what you’ll eat.

Catch and Release

Practice good catch-and-release techniques when releasing fish. Keep fish in water as much as possible, use barbless hooks or crimp barbs down, handle fish with wet hands, support fish properly when lifting, revive fish by holding gently in current until they swim away strongly.

Essential Tips for Success

For Beginners

Start simple—don’t get overwhelmed by techniques and gear. Fish easily accessible waters like state park lakes. Go with someone experienced if possible. Hire a guide for one trip to learn basics. Focus on catching any fish before worrying about catching specific species.

Weather Watching

Fish behavior changes with weather. Overcast days often fish better than bright sun. Stable weather periods are typically better than rapidly changing conditions. Wind can concentrate baitfish and position predators—learn to use wind to your advantage rather than seeing it as an obstacle.

Understanding Seasons

Fish locations and behavior shift seasonally as water temperatures change. Spring fish are shallow and aggressive. Summer fish go deep or become active only at dawn/dusk. Fall fish are feeding heavily. Winter fish are lethargic and require finesse. These patterns hold true across species.

Respecting the Resource

Maine’s fishing is a treasure that requires stewardship. Follow regulations even when no one’s watching. Release fish carefully. Don’t litter. Respect private property. Share knowledge with newcomers. Clean your gear between waters. Contribute to conservation organizations.

Local Knowledge

Tap into local expertise whenever possible. Tackle shop conversations, fishing forum posts, observing successful anglers—all provide valuable information. Most Maine anglers will share general knowledge freely, though specific honey holes remain secrets.

Maine fishing offers lifetime learning opportunities. Species diversity, water variety, seasonal changes, and regional differences mean you can fish Maine for decades and still discover new waters and techniques. Whether you’re content catching small brook trout in a mountain stream or obsessed with landing a 40-inch striper, Maine’s waters can fulfill your fishing dreams.