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Maine Inland Fishing Laws 2026: Seasons, Limits, Zones & Legal Bait Explained

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 1 day ago
  • 5 min read


Maine Inland Fishing Laws 2026: Seasons, Limits, Zones & Legal Bait Explained

Maine Inland Fishing Laws (2026 Guide): Everything Anglers Need to Know

Maine is one of the premier freshwater fishing destinations in the Northeast, offering everything from remote brook trout ponds in the North Woods to bass-filled lakes and salmon rivers in the south. But before you cast a line, it’s critical to understand Maine’s inland fishing laws, which vary by zone, season, species, and waterbody.

This 2026 Maine Inland Fishing Laws Guide breaks down the rules in plain English—covering fishing seasons, bait regulations, bag and length limits, and special law codes—so you can fish legally, ethically, and confidently anywhere in the state.

Updated for the 2026 fishing season using Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) regulations.

🎣 Do You Need a Fishing License in Maine?

Yes. A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone fishing inland waters unless specifically exempt.

Licenses are available as:

  • Resident & non-resident licenses

  • Short-term (1-day, 3-day, 7-day)

  • Youth, senior, and complimentary licenses



🗺️ Maine Fishing Zones Explained

Maine is divided into North Zone and South Zone, and fishing seasons and bait rules differ significantly between them.


NORTH ZONE

Lakes & Ponds

  • Apr 1 – Sep 30: Open to open water fishing

  • Oct 1 – Mar 31: Closed to all fishing


Rivers, Streams & Brooks (North & South Zones)

  • Apr 1 – Aug 15: Open to open water fishing

  • Aug 16 – Sep 30: Artificial lures or flies only

    • Daily bag limit: 1 landlocked salmon & 1 brook trout

  • Oct 1 – Mar 31: Closed to all fishing


SOUTH ZONE

Lakes & Ponds

  • Jan 1 – Dec 31: Open to ice fishing and open water fishing


🪱 Bait & Terminal Gear Rules

Understanding bait laws is one of the most common areas anglers get wrong.


NORTH ZONE BAIT RULES

  • ❌ Live fish as bait: PROHIBITED

  • ✅ Worms, dead baitfish/smelts, artificial lures & flies allowed


SOUTH ZONE BAIT RULES

  • ✅ Live baitfish/smelts, worms, artificial lures & flies permitted


⚠️ Special Season Codes (What Anglers Must Know)

Some waters follow special season codes, which override general laws.

  • A: Open to ice & open water fishing Jan 1 – Dec 31

  • B: Open Jan 1 – Apr 30

  • CI: Closed to ice fishing

  • CO: Closed to open water fishing Oct 1 – Mar 31


Always check the specific waterbody listing before fishing.


📜 Special Law Codes Explained

These codes protect sensitive fisheries and native species:

  • ALO: Artificial lures only

  • FFO: Fly fishing only

  • S-4: Live fish bait prohibited (dead bait, salmon eggs, worms allowed)

  • S-7: All trout, landlocked salmon & togue must be released alive

  • S-8: Two lines per person

  • S-9: Youth (under 16) or complimentary license holders only

  • S-10: Closed Dec 1 – Mar 31

  • S-11: Live baitfish/smelts permitted


Popular Species Protection Codes

  • S-16 / S-17 / S-18 / S-21: Brook trout size & bag restrictions

  • S-22: Landlocked salmon – 1 fish daily

  • S-25 / S-26: Togue (lake trout) bag & size limits

  • S-33: Max length 25" for salmon & brown trout


🐟 Daily Bag & Length Limits (General Law)


Trout & Salmon

  • Brook Trout (incl. splake & Arctic charr):

    • 5 fish daily (only 2 from South Zone lakes & ponds)

    • Minimum length: 6 inches

  • Brown Trout: 2 fish | 14" min (rivers: 6"–25")

  • Rainbow Trout: 2 fish | 12" min

  • Landlocked Salmon: 2 fish | 14"–25"

  • Togue (Lake Trout): 2 fish | 18" min


Bass

  • North Zone: Unlimited

  • South Zone: 2 fish daily (only 1 over 14")


Other Species

  • Whitefish: 3 fish

  • Smelts: 2 quarts

  • Unlisted inland species: Unlimited


🚫 Endangered or protected species (no fishing allowed):

  • Sea-run Atlantic salmon

  • Redfin pickerel

  • Swamp darter


❄️ Ice Fishing in Maine (Know Before You Go)

Ice fishing seasons vary by zone and waterbody. Always:

  • Check ice thickness

  • Review special season codes

  • Confirm live baitfish legality



❓ Maine Inland Fishing Laws FAQ


Do fishing laws change by lake or river?

Yes. Many waters have special laws that override general regulations.

Can I fish year-round in Maine?

Only in designated South Zone waters or those with special season codes.

Are kids required to follow bag limits?

Yes. All anglers must follow size and bag limits regardless of age.


🧭 Final Tips for Fishing Legally in Maine

  • Always carry your fishing license

  • Check MDIFW updates before each trip

  • Respect conservation laws—they protect Maine’s fisheries

For the most current updates, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife:


Fish smart. Fish legal. And enjoy one of the best freshwater fisheries in the country.


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.


Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • 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.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure


Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Cabin Rentals

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

  • Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching


Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


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 a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


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








This 2026 Maine Inland Fishing Laws Guide breaks down the rules, which vary by zone, season, species, and waterbody. Enjoy and Catch your Trophy Fish!!



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