Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is empowered by Title 12 § 7035 to promulgate open water fishing and ice fishing rules. Section 7035 sub-§ 1 ¶ A says: "Fishing rules as set forth in the 1986 Open Water Fishing Regulations folder and the 1986 Ice Fishing Regulations folder, as printed and distributed to the public, are declared to be official consolidations of fishing rules. Each subsequent biennial revision of these publications shall, upon filing with the Secretary of State, constitute an official consolidation as printed."

The annually updated booklet in question is authoritative and widely available, provided to each fishing license holder. Electronic information is kept by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at the following site. However, the Department notes that the user should always refer to the paper publication.