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🎣 Maine’s 2025 Inland Fishing Laws: Seasons, Bag Limits & License Info for Every Angler

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 3 days ago
  • 5 min read

Maine fishing map identifying two general fishing law zones

Maine’s 2025 Inland Fishing Laws: Your Complete Guide

Planning a Maine fishing trip? Whether you're casting for Brook Trout in a quiet stream, jigging for Lake Trout (Togue) through the ice, or chasing trophy-sized Landlocked Salmon on one of Maine’s countless lakes, it’s important to know the rules.


Before you drop your line, make sure you’re following the Maine’s 2025 Inland Fishing Laws Statewide for Inland Waters — designed to help conserve Maine’s fisheries and ensure a great experience for all anglers.


Why Fish Maine? Discover World-Class Angling in the Heart of New England

Maine is a fishing paradise — and for good reason. Whether you're casting a fly in a crystal-clear mountain stream, trolling for landlocked salmon on one of the state's legendary lakes, or ice fishing in the heart of winter, Maine offers year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of every skill level.


Here’s why Maine is a must-fish destination:

✅ Diverse Species:

From native brook trout and wild landlocked salmon to trophy-sized lake trout (togue), bass, pike, and even ocean-run species like striped bass — Maine waters offer variety and challenge.

✅ Scenic Beauty:

Maine’s pristine wilderness, rugged coastlines, quiet rivers, and thousands of lakes and ponds offer unmatched natural beauty for every fishing adventure.

✅ Accessible Waters:

Maine has more than 6,000 lakes and ponds, 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, and public access points across the state — making it easy to launch a boat, cast from shore, or explore on foot.

✅ Four-Season Fishing:

Whether it’s early spring fly-fishing for trout, summer bass action, fall salmon runs, or winter ice fishing — Maine offers an angling experience in every season.

✅ Conservation-Minded Regulations:

Maine’s strict but fair fishing laws help preserve its world-class fish populations for future generations.


🪪 Fishing License Requirements in Maine

Before you fish any inland waters, a valid Maine fishing license is required for residents and non-residents.

🎫 View license types and current fees here:


🐟 Terminal Gear Regulations: What Can You Use?

The type of bait and lures allowed in Maine waters depends on your location. The state is divided into two fishing zones: North Zone and South Zone.

Zone

Regulations

North Zone

Use or possession of live fish as bait is PROHIBITED. Worms, dead baitfish/smelts, artificial lures, and artificial flies are PERMITTED.

South Zone

Use of all legal forms of bait (including live baitfish/smelts), artificial lures, and artificial flies is PERMITTED.

📍 Find the fishing zones map here


📅 Fishing Seasons Overview


Lakes & Ponds

  • North Zone:

    • 🐟 April 1 – September 30: Open to open water fishing.

    • ❄️ October 1 – March 31: Closed to all fishing.


  • South Zone:

    • 🎣 January 1 – December 31: Open year-round for ice fishing and open water fishing.


Rivers, Streams & Brooks

  • North and South Zones:

  • 🐟 April 1 – August 15: Open to open water fishing.

  • 🎣 August 16 – September 30: Open to open water fishing using artificial lures or flies only. (General law length and bag limits apply. Exception: Daily limit is one Landlocked Salmon and one Brook Trout.)

  • October 1 – March 31: Closed to all fishing.


🧾 General Law Daily Bag, Possession, and Length Limits

Here are the current regulations for popular Maine inland fish species:

Species

Daily Bag & Possession Limits

Minimum Length Limit

Brook Trout (incl. Splake & Arctic Charr)

North Zone: 5 fish / South Zone: 2 fish

6 inches minimum

Brown Trout

2 fish

Lakes/Ponds: 14” min.


Rivers/Streams: 6” min & 25” max

Rainbow Trout

2 fish

Lakes/Ponds: 12” min.


Rivers/Streams: 6” min

Landlocked Salmon

2 fish

14 inches minimum (25" max on rivers/streams)

Togue (Lake Trout)

2 fish

18 inches minimum

Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth)

North Zone: Unlimited


South Zone: 2 fish (only 1 may exceed 14”)

No minimum (1 over 14” allowed in South Zone)

Whitefish

3 fish

None

Smelts

2 quarts

None


⚠️ Endangered or Protected SpeciesNo fishing is allowed for:

  • Sea-run Atlantic Salmon

  • Redfin Pickerel

  • Swamp Darter

  • Sturgeon


For migratory species like Striped Bass, Shad, River Herring, American Eel, please refer to Maine’s Recreational Angling for Migratory Fish rules:


🐠 Additional Fishing Resources


✔️ Statewide Fishing Laws Handbook:

The Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Department provides an annual guidebook for rules, limits, and season updates.

🧾 Download the latest PDF here:


📍 Maine Fishing Contact Information


Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Address: 353 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04333

📞 Phone: (207) 287-8000


For license purchase, regulations, and conservation updates, visit:


💡 Plan Your Maine Fishing Adventure Responsibly

Whether you're exploring remote brooks, paddling iconic lakes like Moosehead Lake or Sebago Lake, or enjoying year-round fishing in the South Zone, understanding and following Maine’s inland fishing laws helps preserve the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity.


✅ Buy your license.

✅ Check zone-specific rules.

✅ Respect size and bag limits

.✅ Protect the future of Maine’s fisheries!


👉 Ready to plan your next fishing trip? Download the rules and regulations, explore the best lakes and rivers, and check stocking reports here:


What to Do in Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond

Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.

  • ATV/Snowmobile:: Explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness.

  • Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the lake's serene waters.

  • Camping/Swimming: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.

  • Fishing/Hunting: Discover prime fishing spots.

  • Hiking/Biking: Explore the wilderness.

  • Skiing/Sledding/Snowboarding/Snowshoeing: Miles of cross-country ski trails for those seeking a quieter adventure. Ski and snowboard rentals, plus lessons for beginners.

  • Local Attractions/Sightseeing: Learn about must-see sights in the region.


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit

Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River










Plan Your Next Fishing Trip Today!

Visit Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for licenses, regulations, and local fishing guides.

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