This article will discuss Maine's fishing laws and talk about some of the hot fishing spots in the Pine Tree state.
This article will discuss Maine's fishing laws and talk about some of the hot fishing spots in the Pine Tree state.
Individuals from other states will find Maine's fishing laws very reasonable. There is a five fish limit per day on salmon, trout and togue; all waters are open to night fishing, and some areas are restricted to artificial lures. It is illegal to fish from two lines or use grapnel, spear, spear gun, trawl, weir, gaff, seine, gill net, trap or set lines, unless otherwise posted.
Fishing licenses for residents, 16 years and older, cost $19 while non-resident licenses cost $50, and both are available online. You do not need a license to fish the oceans in Maine, but you must buy a regular license if you intend to ice fish. Maine boasts a long fresh-fishing and ice-fishing season running from April to September.
Some of Maine's fly-fishing treasures, such as the Allagash Lake, are remote and primitive, but true sportsmen will find them worth the effort. Allagash Lake is located 80 miles north of Greenville in North / Central Maine. Allagash Stream is one of four entry points to the lake; follow the stream four or five miles into the lake, and take your time to enjoy the rugged scenery.
The Rangeley area offers several good fishing holes, including the Kennebago River. Fly-fish between the Kennebago Lake and the Mooselookmeguntic Lake in the fall for best results. The salmon in the Kennebago River are legendary, and while you're in Rangeley be sure to explore upper and lower portions of the Magalloway River.
In late fall, be sure to explore the West Branch of the Penobscot River. This area is reputed to be the best landlocked salmon water in the world. Located in Millinocket, not far from Mount Katadhin, fishing is good everywhere along the Penobscot River, from just below Ripogenus Dam to the Deadwater after Horserace Brook.
Also in late fall, be sure to check out the Seboeis River from the Grand Lake Road (also known as the Baxter access road) down to Whetstone Falls. Although remote in distant Northern Maine, Seboeis River is said to have a great run on smelts, and within the boundaries of Baxter State Park are other great fishing spots like Fowler Pond and Nesowadnehunk Stream.
Look for good-sized brookies and salmon at Pierce Pond in Somerset county in the early- and mid-summer. This large lake is well known for its ripogenous smelts, brook trout and landlocked salmon. The fish population swells every year and Pierce Pond is a relatively secret little gem.
Plan to explore the Kennebec River if you want to know what fishing is all about in Maine. The Kennebec River in the Upper Kennebec valley is home to one of the largest colony of wild trout in the Eastern United States. Look for healthy brook trout, landlocked salmon, and rainbow trout from Harris Station dam to the dam in Solon. Below the Wyman Dam expect more of the same. Legend has it that a 35-inch rainbow was caught at this spot some time ago, and there are even larger creatures waiting below the surface.
