You know how each state has a unique nickname? Well, there isn’t a better way to celebrate Maine, but to call it the “Pine Tree State.” Maine is 90% greenery, so it goes without saying that this northeastern state is breathtaking. Add unmatched angling opportunities on top of it, and we know you already see yourself fishing aboard one of the top-notch Maine fishing charters.
With rich freshwater and saltwater fisheries, Maine has a truly enviable fishing scene. The inland waters are teeming with Brook Trout, and the coastal region guarantees an adventure in the Atlantic Ocean. You can easily put your skills to the test against Bluefin Tuna. And there’s no doubt that eating a delicious Lobster is on everyone’s radar!
If this sounds exciting, just wait to hear what else Maine has to offer! Keep reading this guide to find out what prominent species inhabit these waters and where you can find them. We’ll also share the latest information on fishing seasons and regulations. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Bes Fish to Catch in Maine
With miles of flowing rivers, thousands of lakes, and ocean access, Maine will reward you with a trophy catch wherever you cast your line. Not even harsh winters can stop avid fishermen from going after Landlocked Salmon, Brown Trout, Togue, Perch, and Pike.
But the fun doesn’t end with freshwater species! Saltwater enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice as well. From Bluefin Tuna and Sharks to Haddock and Atlantic Mackerel, Maine has something for everyone. Let’s see who the headliners are.
Landlocked Salmon
There’s a good reason Landlocked Salmon is the official state fish. They’re native to the area and Maine is home to their largest sport fishery in the world. West Grand Lake is just one of the spots globally famous for its supply stock. Maine also has impressive wild Landlocked Salmon fisheries.
Acrobatic and feisty, these magnificent beasts will put on a wonderful show while you’re out on the water. They thrive in temperatures below 65°F, but this doesn’t mean they disappear with warm fronts. It just means you’ll have to practice different techniques depending on the season and weather conditions.
Casting and fly fishing will be your go-to methods in spring and fall. Trolling is reserved for summer when Landlocked Salmon are hiding in deeper waters, while jigging can be successful for ice fishing in the winter months. Whatever approach you choose, you’re in for a treat!
Brook Trout
Does crystal clear water sound good to you? Brook Trout would certainly agree. They love transparent streams and lakes. These lovely natives are sensitive to the changes in their environment, and the most resilient species can be found in the remote northern region of the state. Moosehead Lake’s shoreline nurtures the largest specimens during the spawning season.
Similar to their fellow Mainers – Landlocked Salmon – Brook Trout are fun to reel in, too. They’re ready biters and a variety of lures will work depending on the time of the year. They prefer colder temperatures, so look for them in depths of up to 35 feet during summer. Spring and fall are your Brookie allies, but winter has its charms, too. Hit East Grand Lake for excellent ice fishing.
Bluefin Tuna
Maine might not be the first Bluefin Tuna destination you have in mind, but avid deep sea fishermen know how good the pursuit can be here. These Atlantic giants can be spotted off Maine’s coast as early as April. They’ll be around for a couple of months, but the best time to target them is when the temperatures are high. So, for your next summer vacation book the Gulf of Maine!
The main advantage of the Gulf of Maine is deep water. But how does this affect you and your Tuna aspirations? Well, instead of spending precious time heading offshore, you’ll be able to reach the right depth pretty quickly and focus on reeling in these majestic beasts. Portland is the perfect starting point for your Maine Tuna fishing experience.
And if this is your first time going after Bluefin Tuna, local expertise comes in handy. Maine fishing charters will hook you up with a boat, equipment, licenses, and tips on how to land your dream catch. Don’t shy away from reaching out to them and having the time of your life!
Sharks
The great news for adrenaline seekers is that Maine’s offshore waters are brimming with Shark species. If you’re setting your sights on an action-packed angling trip, then Shark fishing is the right choice. Visit the Gulf of Maine anywhere between July and October for a prime Shark fishing experience.
If you’re after fast swimmers, then Porbeagle and Thresher Sharks will make your day. However, the true headliners you’ll want to try your luck with are Mako Sharks. They’re impressive in size and in their ability to fight. Their acrobatic jumps can take them up to 20 feet out of the water! And if you manage to defeat these worthy opponents, they’ll reward you with excellent table fare.
… And the List Goes On!
By now, you should feel confident that Maine’s waters are abundant in fish species. Without overthinking it, you can cast your line anywhere and end up with at least a good dinner. The truth is that you’ll be able to tap into both Maine’s freshwater and saltwater fisheries and end up with a bragging story. Let’s see what else you can expect when fishing in Maine.
Apart from the stars of the show – Landlocked Salmon and Brook Trout – you’ll be in for a treat with species like Lake Trout (Togue), Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and Perch in freshwater. The saltwater scene will bless you with American Pollock, Haddock, and Atlantic Mackerel trophies. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Pack your things and experience all this first-hand!
How to Go Fishing in Maine
Charter Fishing
The easiest way to move between different bodies of water and target a variety of species is by boat. Hiring a charter operator is arguably the best approach to fishing in Maine. These guys have spent their entire lives exploring Maine’s waters. They’re native to the area, and there’s no one better than Maine fishing charters to show you around.
Knowing all the nooks and crannies of Maine’s fishing world isn’t the only advantage of teaming up with charter operators. They’ll also equip you with rods, reels, and all the tips necessary for a smooth angling experience. And once you get hold of your fish, charter operators will clean your catch for you. Be it inland or deep sea fishing, Maine charter operators are your go-to guys!
Ice Fishing
Maine is known for its bone-chilling winters and cold fronts. But, interestingly enough, this hasn’t stopped winter fishing enthusiasts from angling in Maine. What’s more, thousands of people flock to Maine’s frozen lakes every year to fish. There’s something about going on an adventure with your friends and family on the ice-covered Moosehead, Sebago, or East Grand Lakes.
And ice fishing is exactly that – an adventure! The anticipation builds up with even the smallest of movements! Is it Salmon, Trout, Pike, or Perch? You’ll never know until you go ice fishing in Maine. Proper clothing, license, gear, and company are all you need for guaranteed fun! And remember – safety should be your number one priority. If you aren’t 100% certain how to go about ice fishing, hiring a guide is the safest way to have fun on the ice!
Fly Fishing
The ice melting down is your signal that it’s time to gather the fly fishing equipment and hit the rivers, streams, lakes – and even the seacoast of Maine – in search of Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Togue, Striped Bass, and much more. Fly fishing for Landlocked Salmon is an integral part of the Maine fishing scene. And fearless fishermen will even try their luck at fly fishing for Bluefin Tuna!
While fly fishing is considered to be the trade of seasoned anglers, it’s an insanely fun activity for novices alike. This is especially true if you have someone to help you navigate those lines. Whether you’re fishing alone or with a guide, you don’t want to miss out on the Rapid and Kennebec Rivers. And some spots, like Haley Pond Outlet, are solely reserved for eager youngsters who want to practice fly fishing. How cool is that?
Surf Fishing
When you look up surf fishing in Maine, you’ll notice just how popular this form of fishing is here. Add the fact that almost any corner of this state supports angling from shore, and it’s no wonder Mainers love surfcasting so much. Plus, if you knew you could easily catch a variety of species from the comfort of the gorgeous beaches, you’d beachcast too, right?
Maine is the proud home of divine national parks, lakes, and coastal beaches from which you can catch Salmon, Trout, Striped Bass, and Bluefish. Ferry Beach State Park, Crescent Beach State Park, and Acadia National Park are among the most beautiful areas you can surf fish from. And if you’d like to avoid the crowds, early mornings and late evenings are your best friends.
Top Fishing Spots in Maine
The “Pine Tree State” is blessed with fishable waters throughout its entire land. Be it an ocean, river, stream, or lake fishing spot – Maine has it all! With excellent fisheries in every area, it’s challenging to single out only a few destinations. So, to be fair, we’ll cover the best fishing spots in Maine from the most prolific regions.
- Moosehead Lake: This remote northwestern jewel is stocked with native Brookies, Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon. As the largest lake in Maine, it offers endless boat, shore, and ice fishing spots. And the nature is just spectacular here!
- Belgrade Lakes: This chain of seven lakes, covering the central and southern areas of the state, is a must-visit fishing attraction. With fishing camps, perfect surfcasting conditions, and top-notch charter operators, you’ll easily land Maine’s freshwater headliners.
- Kennebec River: Proudly running through the central and northern regions, the Kennebec River is one of the longest rivers in Maine where you can fly fish for both freshwater and saltwater species. Its estuaries are spawning havens of Striped Bass and Sturgeon.
- Sebago Lake: Sebago Lake is the deepest body of water in Maine. As such, it offers year-round Landlocked Salmon angling opportunities. This southwest lake is also home to Splake, Brown, and Rainbow Trout.
- Grand Lake: Situated in the eastern part of the state, on the border with Canada, Grand Lake is ideal for Brookie and Smallie pursuits. And magical winter scenery opens the ice fishing season for Rainbow, Lake, and Brown Trout.
- Portland: Fishing in Portland, Maine is always a good idea! Nearby lakes have incredible freshwater fisheries, and the Gulf of Maine is a deep sea fishing heaven. Sure, beach fishing is excellent, but what about hopping on a boat and going offshore after that Bluefin Tuna?
When to Go Fishing in Maine
When a place offers ice fishing, you know that the angling action is red-hot year-round. But alongside hitting the ice in winter, you can also try fishing inshore for Burbot, Haddock, and Pollock. When spring hits, freshwater fishing takes center stage in the coldwater streams. Rainbow Trout and Salmon are on fire in the early part of the season, with Brook and Brown Trout joining them by June, along with Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
In summer, attention shifts offshore, as Bluefish, Striped Bass, and a number of Sharks hit their peak seasons. Haddock, Cod, Mackerel, and Tuna fishing also hit their strides, while there’s also no let up in the freshwater action for Black Bass. By the time fall comes along, you’ll want to make the most of the last chance to head out deep sea fishing before shifting your attention back to the streams for incredible Trout fishing, as these prized creatures make their second run of the year.
Maine Fishing Regulations
The state of Maine pays a lot of attention to its fish population. For this reason, freshwater and saltwater angling are carefully regulated. Inland fishing has daily bag, possession, and size limits. Offshore fishing can be easier with a charter operator because they have all the permits. But if you decide to go deep sea fishing on your own, make sure you have a saltwater fishing registration before heading out.
The general rule of thumb is that every angler aged 16 and older needs to buy a fishing license. However, depending on whether you’re a visitor or resident of the state, you’ll have different options to choose from. Luckily, we’ve made your life easier by outlining everything you need to know about Maine fishing licenses in this guide. Also, you can check the official website of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for more information.
Maine: The Ultimate Vacationland
You know that each state has a special nickname – but, did you know that it’s rarely just one? It’s not a secret that Maine has superb natural resources and vibrant wildlife. Add mouth-watering Lobster, picture-perfect lighthouses, and small-town cordiality on top of all that and it becomes clear why one of Maine’s nicknames is “Vacationland.“
What’s that? You’re already thinking about fishing in Maine this year? We feel you! There isn’t a better way to eat traditional food, enjoy outdoor recreational activities, and meet the locals, than by fishing.
Have you ever been fishing in Maine? Did you catch Landlocked Salmon? Tell us all about your favorite fishing spots in Vacationland in the comments below!
