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Freshwater Fishing in Maine
Maine Fishing at a Glance
If you’re looking for a freshwater fishing destination, look no further than Maine. Once dubbed “The Nation’s Playground”, the state has thousands of miles of rivers and streams and some 6000 freshwater lakes and ponds offering some of the best fishing for trout, salmon and largemouth bass in the country.
Add to this the stunning scenery and you have the ingredients for the perfect weekend away.
Here’s everything you need to know about freshwater fishing in Maine.
The first thing you need to know is the regulations. In Maine, you need a license to fish in freshwater, and there are different licenses for residents and non-residents. You can purchase a license online or at any Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife office.
When it comes to what kind of fish you can catch in Maine, there are many options. Some of the most popular freshwater fish include bass, trout, and Maine’s famous leaping land-locked salmon. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can even try your hand at ice fishing..
When it comes to the best place to fish in Maine, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to catch trout, for example, some of the best spots include the Kennebec River, the Androscoggin River, and Rangeley Lake. If you’re looking for bass, on the other hand, some of the best spots include Moosehead Lake and Sebago Lake. No matter what kind of fish you’re looking to catch, Maine has a spot that’s perfect for you.
Key Insights
- Maine offers excellent freshwater fishing for trout, salmon, and bass in its numerous rivers, streams, and lakes
- Regulations require a license to fish in freshwater, available for purchase online or at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offices
- Popular fish include bass, trout, and land-locked salmon, with ice fishing also an option
- Top spots for trout include Kennebec River, Androscoggin River, and Rangeley Lake, while Moosehead Lake and Sebago Lake are good for bass
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 1,362,359 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 335,960 |
| Fishing License % | 24.66% |
| Hunters Rank | 8 |
The state of Maine is mostly private land with just 5.36% of acres considered public land -ranking #37 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 19,753,600 | ||
| Public | 1,059,460 | 5.36% | 37 |
| Private | 18,530,540 | 93.81% | 17 |
| Tribal | 163,600 | 0.83% | 15 |
Maine Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Maine DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Maine DNR
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0041
- (207) 287-8000
Helpful Links
What are the most popular freshwater fish to catch in Maine?
There are a variety of popular fish to target in Maine depending on the type of river or stream you’re fishing in. Salmon are often found in larger rivers and are prized for their fighting ability and tasty flesh. Bass are another popular choice, and can be found in a variety of habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds. For anglers seeking a trophy fish, trout are a good option and can be found in both cold-water streams and lakes. Finally, walleye are a favorite among those fishing for table fare, and these delicious fish can be found in many of the state’s rivers and lakes.
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Fishing private land in Maine
Fishing on private land in Maine has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Maine or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Sebago Lake
2. Rangeley Lake
3. Kennebec River
4. Penobscot River
5. Androscoggin River
Fishing private land in Maine
Fishing on private land in Maine has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Maine or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.