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DEPARTMENT INFORMATION |
State of Maine Open Water Fishing Laws and Rules
Regulations effective from
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Each revision of this publication is filed with the Secretary of State and, as a result, the rules herein have the force of law as printed.
The following are some of the more significant general rule changes for the open water fishing season. In addition there are numerous changes on individual waters. Please check the body of water you will be fishing.
“One of our most important responsibilties is to educate and inspire our youth with hands-on experiences that will aid them in a life long journey utilizing, conserving, and protecting Maine’s natural resources.”
- Emily Jones, Activities Coordinator, MDIF&W
Maine’s freshwater fishery resource consists of nearly 6,000 lakes and ponds greater than one acre in size and over 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. People of all ages may fish in any of these waters that are open to fishing. However, certain waters, which we have chosen to call “Kids Waters,” are governed by special regulations that give youngsters either exclusive or special access to the fishery. We have listed these waters below by county. To see what special regulations apply, go to the county listing and look for the body of water. They are listed alphabetically.
Aroostook County:
Aroostook River (portion of)
Hannington Pond, Reed Plantation
Mantle Lake, Presque Isle
Pearce Brook (portion of), Houlton
Raymond Pond, Caribou
Rock Crusher Pond, Island Falls
Cumberland County:
Alden's Pond, Gorham
Coffin Pond, Brunswick
Lower Hinckley Pond, South Portland
Stevens Brook (Cemetery Brook) (portion of), New Gloucester
Franklin County:
Carrabassett River (portion of), Kingfield, New Portland
Haley Pond Outlet, Rangeley
Pinnacle Pond, Kingfield
Wilson Stream (portion of), Wilton
Hancock County:
Pickerel Pond, T32 MD
Oxford County:
Abbot Brook, Mexico
Aunt Hannah Brook (portion of), Dixfield
Billy Brook, Brownfield
Norway Lake Outlet (portion of), Norway
Penobscot County:
Cold Stream (portion of), Enfield
Giles Pond, Patten
Johnny Mack Brook, Orono
Mattagodus Stream (portion of), Springfield
Mill Stream (portion of), Dexter
O'Roake Pond, Sherman
Rocky Brook, Lincoln
Sagadahoc County:
Swan Island (Stephen E. Powell Wildlife Management Area), Richmond
Somerset County:
Kennebec River, West Forks/Forks Plantation; Bingham/Concord; Norridgewock/Starks
Mill Stream (portion of), Embden
Tibbetts Pond, Concord Township
Washington County:
Meyers Pond, North, Columbia
Meyers Pond, South, Columbia
Middle River (portion of), Marshfield
Unnamed Pond (Foxhole Pond) on headwaters of Great Falls Branch Brook, Deblois
York County:
Leavitt Brook, Limerick
Round Pond, Lyman
Wilcox Pond, Biddeford
Remember to look these waters up under the appropriate county to see what special regulations apply for kids.
Maine is well known for its wealth of natural resources. Those of us who live and visit Maine recognize the value of Maine’s waterways. Where else but Maine can you fish in over 6,000 lakes and ponds and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams for gamefish such as brook trout, landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass.
Over 260,000 people fish in Maine each year, creating an economic impact of nearly $300 million annually. These anglers support over $100 million of wages and salaries, and generate nearly $200 million in retail sales. They also reel in nearly $20 million in tax revenue to the state.
Your fishing license dollars not only are a boon to the state’s economy, but it is your license dollars that fund the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. These dollars are used to enhance fishing opportunities, raise and stock fish, protect habitat and ensure and create access to our waters. Your license dollars are an investment in Maine.
Thank you for purchasing a Maine fishing license this year, and investing in Maine’s outdoor future.
John E. Baldacci
Governor
2009 Family Fishing Days will take place on May 30 and May 31, 2009. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All otherlaws and regulations apply on these days.
Now Your Logbook Can Help Maine's Fisheries!
After another successful season, the MDIF&W has again partnered with TripTracks, Inc. to bring you the TripTracks Fishing Logbook. This private web-based service is free for Maine's anglers to record information about their fishing trips, upload photos and review summaries from around the state. The information provided will help the MDIF&W to better manage Maine's fisheries, catch rates, angler use, and monitoring for introductions of illegal species. Visit www.triptracks.com [off-site] and start Tracking your Trips this Spring!
General Law applies unless otherwise specified by individual water or county restrictions. Please refer to individual waters for more detail. (See more General Laws below.)
Open Water Fishing Season: April 1 through September 30.
Important: Unless otherwise noted, lakes and ponds in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, and York counties remain open to open water fishing through December 31. From October 1 to December 31, all trout, landlocked salmon, and togue (lake trout), must be released alive at once.
Species/SeasonDates/Bag Limit Minimum/Length Limit/Special Regulations
Statewide daily bag limit for salmon, trout and togue: 5 fish in any combination not to include more than the individual species limits listed below. (Be sure to check the county listing for any special regulations.)
Minimum Legal Length, and Daily Bag and Possession Limits
Minimum Legal Length, and Daily Bag and Possession Limits |
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Species |
Minimum Length Limit for Rivers, Brooks, and Streams |
Minimum Length Limit for Lakes and Ponds |
Daily Bag and Possession Limits5 fish in the aggregate, not to include more than the following |
Togue (Lake Trout) |
18 inches |
18 inches |
2*(see note below) |
Landlocked Salmon |
14 inches |
14 inches |
2*(see note below) |
Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout |
6 inches |
Brown Trout: 14 inches
|
2*(see note below) |
Brook Trout (includes Splake & Artic Charr |
6 inches |
6 inches |
5* (see note below) |
Important: Lakes and ponds in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Waldo and York counties, have a daily bag limit on brook trout of 2 fish.From August 16 through September 30 - rivers, brooks, and streams are restricted to the use of artificial lures only and the total daily bag limit for landlocked salmon, trout, and togue (lake trout) is 1 fish. |
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Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth) |
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April 1 through June 30 |
Daily bag limit:1 fish.Artificial lures only.Minimum length limit: 10 inches |
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July 1 through September 30 |
Daily bag limit: 3 fish.Minimum length limit: 10 inches (only 1 may exceed 14 inches) |
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October 1 to March 31 |
Daily bag limit:1 fishMinimum length limit: 10 inches |
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Other Species |
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Pickerel |
Daily bag limit: 10 fishMinimum length limit: None |
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Whitefish |
Daily bag limit: 3 fishMinimum length limit: None |
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Smelts |
Daily bag limit: 2 quartsMinimum length limit: NoneSee Smelts for more information. |
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American Eel |
Daily bag limit: 50 fishMinimum length limit: 6 inches |
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Shad |
Daily bag limit: 2 fishMinimum length limit: None |
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Striped Bass |
Daily bag limit: 1 fishMinimum length limit: Between 20 and 26 inches in total length, or 40 inches or greater in total length. See Striped Bass Regulations. |
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Atlantic Salmon |
See Atlantic Salmon Regulations. |
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Advance Baiting. It is unlawful to deposit any meat, bones, dead fish, or other food material for the purpose of luring fish. However, it is lawful to place food particles in a baitfish trap for the purpose of luring baitfish. (12657)
Alewives. A licensed fisherman may take one bushel of alewives daily from inland waters by use of a dip net or single hook and line for consumption by himself or members of his family, except that alewives may not be taken from waters where a municipality or individual has been granted exclusive rights under laws regulating marine resources. (12506)
Artificial Lure. Any fishing lure constructed by humans as an imitation or substitute for natural bait or fish forage and includes, but is not limited to artificial flies, spinners, spoons, poppers, plugs, jigs and plastic, rubber or other artificial imitations of natural bait. An artificial lures only rule prohibits the use of any live, dead or chemically preserved natural or organic bait or food.
Bag Limit (All Fish). Any fish, except baitfish and smelts, legally taken from inland waters shall be immediately released alive into the water from which it was taken or shall be killed at once. Any fish killed becomes part of the daily bag limit. (12611)
Bait Containers. A person who sells bait may not provide or sell the bait in containers that are composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam plastic. This does not apply to baitfish. (12553-2)
Bass. The term “bass” includes largemouth and smallmouth.
Brook Trout. The term “brook trout” includes brook trout, splake, and Arctic charr (Sunapee trout and blueback trout).
County Lines. Whenever county lines divide a body of water, the more liberal county rule shall apply.
Dip Net. Except when taking smelts in a tributary or within 100 feet of the mouth of a tributary, a device consisting of a rigid frame filled with netting, firmly attached to a rigid handle and manually operated by a single person; and when used to take smelts in a tributary or within 100 feet of the mouth of a tributary, a device consisting of a rigid circular frame that is not more than 24 inches in diameter as measured at any point on the hoop, filled with netting, firmly attached to a rigid handle and manually operated by a single person. (10001)
Failure to Label Fish. It is unlawful to keep black bass, landlocked salmon, togue (lake trout) or trout at any sporting camp, hotel, or public lodging place without attaching to the fish the name and address of the person who caught them. (12608)
Fishway Dams. The area within 150 feet of any operational fishway is closed to fishing except:
At the following places, the fishway and the area within 75 feet of any part of the fishway are closed to fishing at all times:
At the following places, the area within 75 feet of the mouth of the fishway is closed to fishing at all times:
At the so-called ice control dam on the Narraguagus River in the Town of Cherryfield, the area within 100 feet of the dam shall be closed to fishing at all times.
At the East Outlet Dam in Sapling Township (T1 R7) in Somerset County and in Big Moose Township (T2 R6) in Piscataquis County at the outlet of Moosehead Lake; the fishway and the area within 50 feet of any part of the fishway shall be closed to fishing at all times.
There is no fishing in or from the fishway at the Sheepscot Lake Dam in the Town of Palermo in Waldo County.
(Note: These provisions do not restrict the taking of alewives and smelts in accordance with laws regulating marine resources). (§12457)
Fly. A single-pointed hook dressed with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or any similar material to which no additional hook, spinner, spoon or similar device is added.
Fly Fishing. Casting upon water and retrieving in a manner in which the weight of the fly line propels the fly. No more than 3 unbaited artificial flies individually attached to a line may be used. (NOTE: It is unlawful to troll a fly in waters restricted to fly fishing only).
Hook. A single fishhook constructed with 1, 2 or 3 points.
Illegal Implements, Use of. Except as otherwise provided, it is unlawful to fish with grapnel, spear, spear gun, trawl, weir, gaff, seine, gill net, trap, or set lines. (12656)
Illegal Fishing. Except as otherwise provided, it is unlawful to fish other than by the use of a single baited hook and line, artificial flies, artificial lures and spinners, except that this restriction does not apply to hook and line smelt fishing. All other rules and regulations governing the taking of smelt apply. Use of a gaff is unlawful. (12654)
Importation of Fish. It is unlawful to import any live freshwater fish or eggs into this State without written permission from the Commissioner. (12556)
Lead Sinkers. A person may not sell or offer for sale a lead sinker for fishing that contains any lead and weighs 1/2 ounce or less. (12663-A)
Mark Fish. It is unlawful to tag, fin clip, or otherwise mark any fish to be released alive into the inland waters of the State without the expressed written consent of the Commissioner.
Minimum Legal Length. The total length of a fish measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail with the lobes of the tail squeezed together.
Night Fishing. Except as otherwise provided by rule, all waters are open to fishing at night during the open water fishing season.
Open Water Fishing: Taking freshwater fish during the open water fishing season by means of hook and line in hand or attached to a rod, or by casting or trolling artificial
flies, lures, or baited hooks, provided that the person angling does not take fish through the ice, from the ice or from any object supported by the ice.
Possession Limit (All Fish). A person shall not possess at any time more fish than may lawfully be taken in one day.
Railroad Track Restrictions. Walking or standing on track or bridge. A person may not, without right, stand or walk on a railroad track or railroad bridge or pass over a railroad bridge except by railroad conveyance. For penalities see Title 23, Chapter 611, § 7007.
Removal of Bag Limits on Bass. In waters where the bag limit on bass has been removed by special rule, the season on bass and the method of fishing for them shall be the same as for trout and salmon.
Removal of Heads and Tails. It is unlawful to alter the length of salmon, trout, lake trout, lake whitefish, and black bass unless the fish are being prepared for immediate cooking. (Smoking does not constitute cooking).
Sale of Certain Fish Prohibited. It is unlawful to buy or sell, directly or indirectly, trout, togue, landlocked salmon, black bass, white perch, or pickerel (except fish which have been lawfully produced by commercial producers and skins of fish which have been preserved by taxidermy). (12609-A)
Salmon. The term “Salmon”, when used alone means the same as landlocked salmon.
Salmon Eggs as Bait. Commercially prepared eggs from species that do not naturally occur in this State may be used for bait. (12553)
Season Dates. All dates are inclusive; however it is unlawful to fish in inland waters while positioned on ice; waters must be naturally free of ice.
Set Line. A line extending into the water and rigged to catch fish that has one end secured to the shore or to a fixed or buoyant object and that is not personally attended.
Single-Baited Hook. A single baited apparatus designed to catch only one fish at a time.
Smelts: A person who holds a valid Maine fishing license may take smelts for recreational purposes only from the inland waters or portions of inland waters that are naturally free of ice with a dip net in the usual and ordinary way from noon to 2:00 a.m. in accordance with bag limits established by rule. Bag limits established by rule under this paragraph are for a 24-hour period, beginning at noon on a given day and ending at 11:59 a.m. the following day. A person may not keep more than 5 dozen smelts alive as part of that person’s daily bag limit. A person may not take smelts with a dip net unless that dip net meets the requirements listed. See Dip Net.
Snagging. To fish by manipulating a hook or hooks in such a manner as to pierce or snag the fish in a part of the body other than the mouth. It is unlawful to fish for any fish, except suckers, by snagging. (12651)
Special Bag Limit. Whenever any waters have a special bag limit, no person shall possess more than one day’s bag limit taken from those waters.
Species Identification. It is unlawful to possess or transport fish dressed in such a manner that the species of the fish cannot be identified unless the fish are being prepared for immediate cooking. (Smoking does not constitute cooking).
Suckers. A person licensed or otherwise entitled to fish may take suckers for their own use between April 1st and June 30th from all rivers, brooks, and streams which are open to fishing by use of a hand spear, bow and arrow or by snagging. (Note: If suckers are taken by bow and arrow, the arrow must have a barbed or pronged point and must be attached to the bow with a line). (12506)
Ten Acre Ponds. All ponds of 10 acres or less formed on brooks, streams, or rivers are governed by the same fishing rule which apply to the brook, stream, or river on which the pond is situated, whether the pond is natural or artificial. (This does not apply to private ponds.)
Thoroughfares. The general fishing laws which govern lakes and ponds also apply to thoroughfares (includes seasons, bag limits, length limits, etc.)
To Fish. To catch, handle, take, or kill, or attempt to catch, handle, take, or kill any fish.
Tributary. A brook, stream, or river flowing directly or indirectly into a lake, pond, or another brook, stream, or river. A lake or great pond shall not be construed to mean tributary. The tributary to a great pond shall not be considered a tributary to the outlet of that great pond.
Troll. To fish by trailing a line rigged to catch fish behind a watercraft being propelled by mechanical, wind, or manual power. (Tandem flies are allowed when trolling.)
Trout. The term “trout” when used alone, includes brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, Arctic charr (Sunapee trout and blueback trout), and splake. The term “brook trout” includes brook trout, splake and Arctic charr (Sunapee trout and blueback trout).
Two Line Restriction. It is unlawful to fish with more than 2 lines at any one time during the open water season.
Use of Explosive, Poisonous or Stupefying Substance. It is unlawful to take or destroy any fish by use of an explosive, poisonous or stupefying substance. (12653)
Use of Live Fish as Bait. See bait dealers laws.
Violation of Limits. It is unlawful to fish for or possess fish in violation of the number, amount, or size limits of any rule adopted by the commissioner. (12602)
The following regulations apply on the waters listed above:
Open Water Fishing Season:
Gear Restrictions: April 1 to June 20, bass may be taken only with artificial lures and flies.
Daily Bag Limits:
Minimum Length Limits:
Exceptions to the Border Rules:
Licensing Requirements on Border Waters
Fishing licenses issued to any person by either this State or New Hampshire shall be recognized when used on any lake or pond which is partly in both States of Maine and New Hampshire.
The following regulations apply on above waters.
Open Water Fishing Season: April 15 through September 30.
Daily Bag Limits: Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: Five (5) fish, not to include more than 2 salmon and 2 togue, all 5 may be trout. Total weight of these fish not to exceed 7-1/2 pounds (3.5 kg.). Daily bag limit on black bass: April 15 to June 30: 1 fish; July 1 to September 30: 3 fish. Daily limit on smelts: 200; whitefish: 8 fish. All other species (except Atlantic salmon): No limits.
Minimum Length Limits:
Equipment: Not more than 1 line per person.
Legal Hours: From two hours before sunrise to two hours after sunset. Legal fishing hours and open season herein do not apply to the taking of smelts from waters or portions thereof naturally free of ice.
Bait: Use or possession of spiny-finned fish for bait is prohibited.
Exceptions to the Boundary Rules:
Licensing Requirements on Boundary Waters
Either a Maine or New Brunswick license will be honored while fishing on the main body of the above waters or on boundary river waters, including the main stem of the St. Croix River. Fishing on these waters in any area or cove where jurisdiction can be determined by a straight line drawn between two points of land or fishing while positioned on shore or tied up to shore will require the appropriate agency license.
Fishing while positioned on shore or tied up to shore requires the appropriate agency license.
As a result of the Maine Indian Claim Settlement Act of 1980, the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission has exclusive jurisdiction over fishing on any pond of greater than 10 acres with 50% or more of shoreline within Indian (Passamaquoddy or Penobscot) territory and any section of a river, brook or stream both sides of which are in Indian territory or one side of which is in Indian territory for a continuous length of 1/2 mile or more. The Commission has adopted rules which affect the following waters within Indian Territory. Waters subject to special provisions are so indicated. Any season, method, bag or size limits not modified in this section fall under General Law provisions.
Waters in Passamaquoddy Territory
Franklin County:
Hancock County:
Penobscot County:
Somerset County:
Washington County:
Waters in Penobscot Territory
Franklin County:
Penobscot County:
Piscataquis County:
Waters Regulated by Tribe
Any pond of 10 acres or less is regulated by the Tribe in whose territory the pond is located. Contact appropriate Tribal Headquarters for further regulations on such waters. The Tribes also regulate sustenance fishing by tribal members on inland waters within their reservations.
Anyone wishing to fish in Indian Territory should contact one of the following:
Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission
PO Box 186
Hudson, ME 04449
(207) 394-2045
Penobscot Nation
Department of Natural Resources
12 Wabanaki Way
Indian Island, ME 04468
(207) 827-7776
Passamaquoddy Warden Service
Indian Township
PO Box 446,
Princeton, ME 04668
(207) 796-2677 or 1-800-894-2677
or
Pleasant Point
PO Box 343
Perry, ME 04667
(207) 853-2551
Railroad Property. It is illegal to walk or stand on railroad tracks or bridge or enter track with team or vehicle. (Title 23, Chapter 611, Section 7007)
For more information, visit Maine Operation Lifesaver [off-site]. |
Fishing enthusiasts, recreationalists and others seeking water release information for selected dams on the upper Androscoggin and Kennebec river basins can now receive it via a toll-free number 24-hours a day.
FPL Energy Maine Hydro L.L.C. presents, as a public service, “The H20 Flow Hotline”, which provides daily information on water releases from 11 dams on the Kennebec and Androscoggin watersheds. Interested parties can call 1-800-557FLOW from any touch-tone phone and follow the pre-recorded prompts. Information on releases from the following dams is available:
The recording is updated each evening at 6:00 PM with information for the following day and at 9:00 a.m. for the current day, however, the flows provided are considered estimates and can change at any time. F.P.L.E. urges people who fish and paddle below dams to exercise extreme caution, as water levels can rise or fall rapidly without notice.
The Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission (ASC) is the lead agency charged with the management of Anadromous (sea run) Atlantic salmon. Its mission is to:
“Protect, preserve, enhance, restore, and manage the Atlantic salmon and its habitat; to secure a sustainable recreational fishery in the State; and to conduct and coordinate all projects involving research, planning, management, restoration, or propagation of the Atlantic salmon”.
It is unlawful to angle for, take, or possess anadromous Atlantic salmon from all Maine waters (including all coastal waters). If an Atlantic salmon is incidentally hooked it should not be removed from the water, and it should be released immediately.
Under special circumstances, the ASC may conduct experimental catch and release fishing seasons for Atlantic salmon at specific locations. For information pertaining to experimental fishing seasons, or for more information on the Atlantic Salmon Commission, please visit Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission [off-site], or call the ASC Augusta office at (207) 287-9972.
Anglers do your part to know an Atlantic salmon parr from a brook trout.
Recreational Anglers
Is that a brook trout? Look again!
Brook trout fishermen mistakenly take many Atlantic salmon parr each year. Please do your part to protect Maine’s endangered Atlantic salmon by taking the time to understand the difference between each fish.
Atlantic Salmon Parr
Color is variable, depending on habitat. Parr have 8 to 11 pigmented bars, or “parr marks,” along each side of their body, alternating with a single row of red spots along the lateral line.
Eastern Brook Trout
Color is variable, depending on habitat. Brook trout can be distinguished from other members of the trout family by the dark, wavy, worm-like line on their back and the white leading edges of their fins, including the tail.
Learn more about fish identification
The following information is applicable to all the waters of the State within the rise and fall of the tide and within the marine limits of the State, but not including areas above any fishway or dam when the fishway or dam is the dividing line between tidewater and freshwater.
The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is the State agency that is established to conserve and develop marine and estuarine resources. The Bureau of Resource Management promotes and develops recreational and commercial saltwater fisheries through research, technical assistance, and the collection of statistics. The Bureau of Marine Patrol enforces laws and regulations pertaining to saltwater recreational and commercial fishing activities as well as Maine’s boat laws, including operation, registration and safety requirements. For information, contact the DMR at: 21 SHS, Augusta, Maine 04333-0021; telephone: (207) 624-6550.
Anyone wanting further information concerning fish consumption advisories should contact DHHS, Bureau of Public Health directly at (866) 292-3474 or at (207) 287-8141.
Sturgeon: It is unlawful to take, catch, possess, or destroy any shortnose or Atlantic sturgeon from the coastal waters of Maine.
Maine’s striped bass regulations cover all Maine coastal waters up to the head of tide in all rivers. In addition, there are special regulations in effect on some rivers. Contact the Department of Marine Resources for current size restrictions, season dates, and bag limits. Gear restrictions: Gear is restricted to hook and line only. Use of a gaff to land a striped bass is illegal.
First, do not clean, gut or cut fish anywhere; next, plug anal vent with paper towel or tissue to keep digestive juice in the fish. After that, place fish carefully in a quality plastic bag (ziploc freezer bag or vacuum plastic bag as such), carefully protecting fins and tail, and cool fish as soon as possible until you can freeze it.
The last step is freezing the fish - you must remove all air from bag, either by filling bag with water or pushing all the air out by hand and then sealing it. Air causes freezer burn to fins and scales. Next, place the fish show side up (it’s best side) and lay flat in freezer until frozen and call a taxidermist.
Plan ahead! Keep a soft tape measure and camera in your fishing gear. Take a few pictures of the fish to help record distinguishing characteristics and color. Measure the fish’s length (from the center of the tail to the snout) all while handling the fish out of water as little as possible. Then follow the Tips for Catching and Releasing Fish.
The information is all that a carver needs to make a replica of the catch you made and the fish is available to be caught by another lucky angler.
The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife works to assure that you will always have a legal and safe way to access and use the water and fishery resources of Maine. If you know of an access need or a solution to one, please contact the Regional Fishery Biologist located in your area.
The Department’s Boat Access Program is all about supporting fishery management initiatives and providing opportunities for all citizens to enjoy Maine’s waters and fisheries. The continuation of fishery stocking programs and the permanent preservation of citizens rights of access can only be accomplished by acquiring property and developing access facilities, such as launching and parking areas.
The Fisheries Division staff evaluate and prioritize water access needs based upon the fishery management goals for waters within each administrative region. Waters without public access are not stocked. Whenever the lack of public access to a great pond prevents the investment of public money and the implementation of a desired fish management (stocking) program, or whenever the loss (or restriction) of public access to a public water threatens the termination of a fishery management (or stocking) program, continuing public access is a high priority. The Department’s boat access program is focused on addressing these priority access needs.
We will fail in our stewardship responsibilities if we do not pass along both the natural resources AND the opportunities for our citizens to use these resources.
The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, commonly known as the Dingell- Johnson (DJ) Act established a “User Pay/User Benefit” philosophy for funding State sport fish restoration and conservation efforts. These funds have played a vital role in the management of Maine’s sport fish resources since they were first used in 1950 to enhance the Department’s sport fish management capabilities. Revenues are collected by the federal government from excise taxes on fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, pleasure boats and yachts, and from motorboat fuel taxes.
These revenues are apportioned back to the States annually and support a wide array of projects in Maine which include: fishery population assessments, long-range species management planning, development of management recommendations, implementation of management programs, acquisition and development and management of water access sites.
Maine Boating Law Highlights (for more information see Boating Laws and Rules).
For a copy of the Federally approved Maine Boating Law, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., 41 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0041. Telephone (207) 287-8000.
Water Safety Zone and Headway Speed: Watercraft may not be operated at greater than headway speed (speed necessary to maintain steerage and control) within the water safety zone (that area within 200 feet of the shoreline, whether the shoreline of the mainland or of an island) or within a marina or an approved anchorage in coastal or inland waters, except while actively fishing.
Maine has a tough OUI (operating under the influence) provision in its boating law.
Access Rights to Public Waters
Although there are public rights of access to great ponds (natural lakes of 10 acres or more), most great ponds are encircled by private lands. People generally have the right to cross undeveloped land to get to a great pond, but do not have the right to fish from the shore. Similarly, the public does not have legal rights to use river banks for fishing, except from the custom of permissive access.
Since private landowners own approximately 94% of Maine’s land area, the future of much of Maine’s public recreation depends on our relationship with private landowners now. The Landowner Relations Program within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife works on increasing and enhancing access to private property. Without that access, outdoor recreational opportunities would be quite limited.
Even though permission to access unposted land is not required by law, “Asking First” is the right thing to do. We are finding through conversations with hundreds of landowners across the State, that all landowners want is to be asked for access to their land and thanked for its use. Access to private land can be lost because of the abuse and disrespect shown by a few towards the landowner and their land. The sporting public needs to help landowners in any way possible. Pick up trash left behind by someone else; correct the person that is doing something wrong; and most importantly, convey to the landowner how much you appreciate being able to use “their” land.
The Landowner Relations Program is funded by the proceeds of the Supersport License sales. Become a supporter of preserving access for now and future generations. Any license may be upgraded to a supersport at any time.
Illegal Fish Stockings Threaten Maine Lakes and Rivers.
For more information on Invasive Aquatic Plants, visit Bureau of Land and Water Quality [off-site].
Waters that have exceptions to the general law are listed by county. In most cases, the exception will be one of the codes listed below and may affect only a portion of the regulations that govern that particular body of water, i.e. only the bag limit on salmon is different from the general law in which case it would read as follows: Smith Pond, Anytown. S-22. All other provisions of general law would apply.
S-1: Closed to the taking of smelts.
S-2: Closed to the taking of smelts, except by hook and line.
S-3: Tributaries closed to the taking of smelts.
S-4: Use or possession of live fish as bait is prohibited. (The use of dead fish, salmon eggs, worms are permitted.
S-7: Boundary waters with New Brunswick.
S-8: All trout less than 6 inches and longer than 12 inches must be released alive at once.
S-9: Border waters with New Hampshire.
S-10: Daily bag limit on togue: 1 fish.
S-11: Fishing restricted to persons under 16years of age; daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish.
S-12: No longer used.
S-13: No size or bag limit on bass.
S-14: No bag limit on pickerel. From July 1-September 30, artificial lures only and minimum length limit on trout: 8 inches.
S-15: Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish; minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches, only one may exceed 18 inches.
S-16: Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 14 inches.
S-17: Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish; minimum length limit: 10 inches, only 1 may exceed 12 inches.
S-18: Daily bag limit on trout: 1 fish, minimum length limit 18 inches.
S-19: Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish.
S-20: Daily bag limit on white perch: 25 fish.
S-21: Daily bag limit on trout: 1 fish, minimum length limit 14 inches.
S-22: Daily bag limit on salmon: 1 fish.
S-23: No longer used.
S-24: Extended Season - Remains open to fishing from October 1 - December 31; artificial lures only; all trout, salmon, and togue must be released alive at once.
S-25: Daily bag limit on bass: 2 fish; all bass between 13 and 18 inches must be released alive at once.
S-26: Indian Territory Regulations.
S-27: All fish caught must be released alive at once.
S-28: Togue do not count towards the 5 trout and salmon, in combination, daily aggregate bag limit.
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