Fishing Regulations in Maine
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Maine fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Maine requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years and older for inland waters. No license is required for saltwater fishing. Residents and non-residents can purchase licenses online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Short-term licenses are available for visitors. A special permit is required for Atlantic salmon waters.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | June 1 - November 30 (harvest); catch and release April 1 - May 31 | Catch and release only before June 1 to protect spawning fish. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | June 1 - November 30 (harvest); catch and release April 1 - May 31 | Combined limit with largemouth bass. |
| brook-trout | 5 per day | 6 inches minimum (varies by water) | April 1 - September 30 (general) | Many waters have special regulations. Wild brook trout are highly managed. |
| brown-trout | 2 per day | 12 inches minimum | April 1 - September 30 | More restrictive than brook trout limits. |
| northern-pike | 2 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Considered invasive in some waters. Removal encouraged. |
| striped-bass | 1 per day | 28 inches minimum | Year-round (peak June-October) | Slot limit may apply. Check current regulations. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: June 1 - November 30 (harvest); catch and release April 1 - May 31
Notes: Catch and release only before June 1 to protect spawning fish.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: June 1 - November 30 (harvest); catch and release April 1 - May 31
Notes: Combined limit with largemouth bass.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 6 inches minimum (varies by water)
Season: April 1 - September 30 (general)
Notes: Many waters have special regulations. Wild brook trout are highly managed.
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: April 1 - September 30
Notes: More restrictive than brook trout limits.
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Considered invasive in some waters. Removal encouraged.
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 28 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (peak June-October)
Notes: Slot limit may apply. Check current regulations.
Top Fishing Waters
Moosehead Lake
lakeSpecies: brook-trout, smallmouth-bass, largemouth-bass, yellow-perch
Sebago Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, brown-trout, rainbow-trout
Kennebec River
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, brook-trout, striped-bass, brown-trout
Penobscot River
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, brook-trout, striped-bass
Grand Lake Stream
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, brook-trout
Rangeley Lake
lakeSpecies: brook-trout, brown-trout, rainbow-trout
Belgrade Lakes
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch, northern-pike
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 11 lbs 10 oz | 1968 | Moose Pond |
| Smallmouth Bass | 8 lbs | 1970 | Thompson Lake |
| Brook Trout | 8 lbs 8 oz | 1955 | Chase Pond |
| Brown Trout | 23 lbs 4 oz | 1958 | Sebago Lake |
| Rainbow Trout | 10 lbs | 2007 | Kennebago River |
| Northern Pike | 30 lbs 8 oz | 2010 | Pushaw Lake |
| Yellow Perch | 2 lbs 14 oz | 1954 | Mousam Lake |
| Striped Bass | 67 lbs 8 oz | 1994 | Kennebec River |