Maine is one of the premier freshwater fishing destinations in the eastern United States. With over 6,000 lakes and ponds, thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and a commitment to wild fish management that sets Maine apart from most states, the fishing here is as good as it gets east of the Mississippi.
Maine Fishing License
A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing in inland waters. Licenses are available online at maine.gov/ifw, at sporting goods stores throughout the state, and at many town offices. Non-resident licenses are available for the season, 15-day, or 3-day periods. Always carry your license while fishing.
Brook Trout
Maine is the last stronghold of wild brook trout in the eastern US. The remote ponds of the Allagash region, western Maine mountains, and Downeast lakes hold wild brookies that have been reproducing naturally for centuries. The Rapid River between Richardson Lake and Umbagog Lake is arguably the finest wild brook trout stream in the East — a remote, roadless river accessible only by boat or floatplane. Chase Stream in Somerset County and the upper Kennebec tributaries are also exceptional brook trout waters.
Landlocked Salmon
Maine’s landlocked Atlantic salmon fishing is world-class. Sebago Lake near Portland is the most famous destination — fish over 10 pounds are caught regularly in the spring and fall. Moosehead Lake, the Rangeley Lakes chain, and Grand Lake Stream in Washington County are the other premier salmon destinations. Grand Lake Stream in particular has a legendary tradition of salmon fishing and fly fishing camps dating back over a century.
Smallmouth Bass
Maine’s bass fishing is underappreciated nationally but exceptional. The Belgrade Lakes chain in Kennebec County, Messalonskee Lake, and the Penobscot River system offer outstanding smallmouth fishing. Moosehead Lake’s extensive shoal areas hold large populations of smallmouth that few visiting anglers target. Late June through August is prime bass season.
Lake Trout (Togue)
Maine calls lake trout “togue” — a reminder of the state’s distinct fishing culture. Moosehead Lake, Chesuncook Lake, and the large waters of the Allagash watershed hold excellent togue populations. Ice fishing for togue in February on Moosehead Lake is a local tradition — fish up to 20 pounds are not uncommon in deep water.
Ice Fishing in Maine
Maine’s ice fishing season runs from January 1 through March 31 on most waters. The ice fishing culture here is unique — elaborate heated ice shacks called “bobhouses” are towed onto frozen lakes, and entire communities spring up on the ice each winter. Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake, and the Belgrade Lakes are the most popular ice fishing destinations. Smelt fishing through the ice on Messalonskee Lake and other central Maine lakes is a winter tradition — the fishing is fast, the smelt are delicious fried whole, and it’s an experience found nowhere else.
Fly Fishing
The Kennebec River below Harris Dam in The Forks is one of Maine’s most productive fly fishing rivers — a tailwater fishery with consistent flows and excellent hatches of caddis and mayflies. The Magalloway River in the Rangeley region, the upper Androscoggin, and Rapid River are the other fly fishing destinations that draw serious anglers from across the country. Maine has a strong tradition of registered Maine guides specializing in fly fishing — hiring a guide on unfamiliar water dramatically improves both success and appreciation for these special places.