Maine's inland fishing is managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which divides the state into North and South Zones to protect native coldwater fish [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits). South Zone lakes and ponds are open year-round, while North Zone lakes and ponds are open to open-water fishing from April 1 to September 30 [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits). Rivers, streams, and brooks statewide are generally open from April 1 to August 15, with restricted artificial-lure fishing through September 30 [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Buy a Fishing License
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Brook Trout
Season follows general water rules (North lakes open Apr 1-Sep 30, South lakes year-round, rivers Apr 1-Sep 30). The daily bag limit is 5 fish in the North Zone and 2 fish in the South Zone, with a 6-inch minimum length statewide [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Brown Trout
Season follows general water rules. The daily bag limit is 2 fish. Minimum length is 14 inches in lakes/ponds, and 6 inches minimum to 25 inches maximum in rivers, streams, and brooks [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Rainbow Trout
Season follows general water rules. The daily bag limit is 2 fish. Minimum length is 12 inches in lakes/ponds and 6 inches in rivers, streams, and brooks [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Landlocked Salmon
Season follows general water rules, though river limits drop to 1 fish from Aug 16-Sep 30. The standard daily bag limit is 2 fish. Minimum length is 14 inches in lakes/ponds, and 14 inches minimum to 25 inches maximum in rivers [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Togue (Lake Trout)
Season follows general water rules. The daily bag limit is 2 fish. There is an 18-inch minimum length limit across all inland waters [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Season follows general water rules. In the North Zone, there is an unlimited bag limit and no minimum length. In the South Zone, the limit is 2 fish with no minimum length, but only 1 fish may exceed 14 inches [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Whitefish
Season follows general water rules (North lakes open Apr 1-Sep 30, South lakes year-round). The daily bag limit is 3 fish with no minimum length requirement [General Fishing Seasons & Limits - Maine Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/general-fishing-seasons-limits).
Top Waters
Moosehead Lake
Maine's largest lake, famous for landlocked salmon, lake trout, and trophy brook trout.
Sebago Lake
A premier destination for landlocked salmon and high-quality lake trout fishing near the Portland area.
Kennebec River
Renowned for its massive striped bass runs in the tidal reaches and excellent trout and bass fishing further inland.
Penobscot River
The section below Milford Dam is a top-tier destination for smallmouth bass and seasonally for striped bass.
Rangeley Lakes
A historic fly-fishing region known for large native brook trout and landlocked salmon in a scenic mountain setting.
Grand Lake Stream
Famed for its highly accessible and productive landlocked salmon fishing, particularly during the spring and fall runs.
West Branch Penobscot River
Considered one of the best landlocked salmon rivers in the United States, offering technical fly fishing below Ripogenus Dam.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Maine's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Portland Maine Stripers
Charter/GuidePortland, ME
Specializes in light tackle and fly fishing for striped bass and bluefish in Casco Bay.
Maine Experience Guiding
Charter/GuideBath, ME
Offers year-round guided trips for striped bass, trout, and ice fishing excursions.
Super Fly Charters
Charter/GuideBath, ME
Focuses on fly and light tackle fishing for striped bass along the Kennebec River and Maine coast.
Libby Camps
Charter/GuideAshland, ME
A historic sporting camp providing guided fly fishing for trophy brook trout in the remote North Woods.
Kennebec River Ferry & Guide
Charter/GuideCaratunk, ME
Expert drift boat trips on the upper Kennebec and Dead Rivers for trout and salmon.
Saco Bay Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopSaco, ME
A major hub for saltwater surf and offshore anglers, offering a vast selection of lures and gear.
Dag's Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopAuburn, ME
A legendary central Maine shop specializing in ice fishing gear and live bait.
Indian Hill Trading Post
Bait & Tackle ShopGreenville, ME
The primary source for fishing supplies and local knowledge for the Moosehead Lake region.
Old Orchard Beach Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopOld Orchard Beach, ME
A local favorite for surf casters targeting striped bass along the southern Maine beaches.
Wiley's Sport Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopEllsworth, ME
A long-standing shop serving the Downeast region with fresh and saltwater tackle.
DiMillo's Old Port Marina
MarinaPortland, ME
A full-service marina located in the heart of Portland's historic Old Port district.
Hamlin's Marina
MarinaHampden, ME
A comprehensive marina facility on the Penobscot River offering service and docking.
Great Pond Marina
MarinaBelgrade Lakes, ME
Serves the Belgrade Lakes region with rentals, gas, and slips for freshwater anglers.
Robinhood Marine Center
MarinaGeorgetown, ME
Located in a protected cove, this marina provides easy access to prime coastal fishing grounds.
Eldredge Bros. Fly Shop
Fly ShopCape Neddick, ME
One of the premier fly shops in New England, offering an extensive selection of flies and schools.
Trident Fly Fishing
Fly ShopWindham, ME
A modern fly shop with a large online presence and a well-stocked physical showroom.
Rangeley Region Sport Shop
Fly ShopRangeley, ME
The destination for classic Maine fly patterns and gear tailored for the Rangeley Lakes region.
Maine Sport Outfitters
Fly ShopRockport, ME
A large outdoor retailer with a dedicated fly fishing department and expert local staff.
North Country Fly Shop
Fly ShopHampden, ME
Focuses on providing gear and advice for northern Maine's trout and salmon waters.
Port Harbor Marine
Boat DealerSouth Portland, ME
Maine's largest boat dealer with multiple locations and a wide variety of fishing vessels.
Clark Marine
Boat DealerManchester, ME
A prominent dealer specializing in fishing boats for Maine's interior lakes and ponds.
Moosehead Marine
Boat DealerGreenville, ME
Located on Moosehead Lake, providing boat sales and service to north country anglers.
Long Lake Marina
Boat DealerNaples, ME
Full-service dealership serving the Lakes Region with a focus on fishing and family boats.
Tight Lines Custom Rods
Rod BuilderSaco, ME
Hand-crafted custom fishing rods tailored for striped bass and freshwater species.
F.E. Thomas Heritage
Rod BuilderBrewer, ME
Dedicated to the restoration and creation of classic bamboo fly rods in the Maine tradition.
Maine Coast Custom Rods
Rod BuilderHarpswell, ME
Building performance-driven custom rods for both coastal and inland Maine angling.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.