Fishing Rules and Regulations in Maine

Maine is one of the northernmost states in the continental U.S. It has the Atlantic ocean to its east, along with numerous estuaries, lakes and rivers inland. Maine is a fisherman's paradise. As with any other state, fishing is regulated. In order to fish Maine's waters legally, it is important to know some key rules and regulations.

  1. Inland Fishing Licensing

    • Any Maine resident over the age of 16 is required to obtain a valid fishing license prior to fishing in inland waters or for when transporting fish taken from inland waters. Each fisherman is required to keep a valid fishing license on his person at all times while fishing or transporting fish. Law enforcement personnel, fishing guides or landowners may ask to see a valid fishing license at any time. Individuals can obtain a fishing license directly from the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department, form bait and tackle shops or some local sporting goods stores. License pricing varies and can change from year to year. Both residents and non-residents of Maine are required to have a valid fishing license. Non-residents may fish without a license if under age 12.

    Saltwater Fishing Registration

    • Maine saltwater recreational fishing registration must be acquired for individuals 16 years of age or older prior to fishing Maine's coastal waters. Those who possess a valid Maine freshwater fishing license are not required to register separately with the Maine Department of Marine Resources. A freshwater license must be kept on your person at all times when saltwater fishing. As of September 2011, there is no cost for the registration, for residents or non-residents.

    Limit Restrictions

    • Due to the variety of fish available in Maine, daily bag limits vary widely throughout the state, from county to county. Limits can also change at anytime and from season to season depending on availability. For example: Under general law, unless otherwise specified, species such as American eel have a daily bag limit of 50. Daily bag limits for brook trout are five per day under general law, unless otherwise specified.

    Length Restrictions

    • Just as with Daily bag limits, length restrictions vary widely throughout the state and are dependent on many factors. Length limits are also subject to change at anytime. Minimal legal length regulations also vary depending upon where the fish are taken such as when caught in a river, brook or stream, ocean or estuary, or from a lake or pond. Under general law, unless otherwise specified, typical brook trout minimal legal length is 6 inches in all inland waters. Legal minimal lengths for other trout and landlocked salmon species vary depending on the area of the state, time of year and what type of body of water the fish are taken from. According to the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife department, species such as Northern pike and muskellunge do not have legal length or bag limits specified, as of September 2011.