maine fishing laws pdfmaine fishing laws pdf

Rivers, streams, and brooks are closed to ice fishing. The Mousam River from below the Number One Pond Dam to Outlet Dam on Estes Lake, including all of Estes Lake in Sanford, The Presumpscot River from Saccarappa Falls in Westbrook to Presumpscot Falls in Falmouth. Importation of Fish: It is unlawful to import any live freshwater fish or eggs into this State without written permission from the Commissioner (Title 12, 12509 & Title 12, 12556). Instead, all the benefits will be included in your package for free every year. Remember carrying a prohibited species is illegal, and you can be penalized for that. Heres a shortcut link to the FREE Downloadable Maine Fishing Regulations Maine Inland Fishing Laws. Note: Note: It is unlawful to troll a fly in waters restricted to fly fishing only (Title 12, 12658). On the other hand, the lifetime fishing license can last for your entire life, but its continually renewed yearly. A. For this license, you must be a resident of Maine. Maine Tackle-Busters . If a water has Special Fishing Laws that differ from the General Fishing Laws listed below, they will be listed in the Special Fishing Laws section. Most fishing supply stores that sell soft plastic lures also sell retention devices. If a water has Special Fishing Laws that differ from the General Fishing Laws listed below, they will be listed in the Special Fishing Laws section. The Superpack license permits you to fish and hunt in all the state-owned waters in Maine, but you have to stick to the rules and regulations of Maine when fishing. It is illegal to dump unused baitfish into any waterway. In the Maine, water- and species-specific regulations are common, as are slot length limits and length-based creel limits. For brook trout and landlocked salmon, the limit is one meal per week. h4=0EJG#|4 &&jCP ZKmmBV+NNCi}v\DP Generally, the ponds and lakes in the North Zone are open between April 1 and September 30, while in the South Zone, they are open all year round. PL 2009, c. 214, 10 (AMD). However, some lures end up in the water due to unintentional loss while fishing. Splake feed primarily on smelts, white perch, yellow perch, and minnows, rarely feeding on other coldwater gamefish. Bag Limit (All Fish): Any fish, except baitfish and smelts, taken from inland waters shall be immediately released alive into the water from which it was taken, or killed at once. 1-day non-resident fishing license: $11. Step 1: Cut a piece of heavy line (40 pound test for example) about 3 or 4 long. With a lifetime license, you can also hunt; therefore, you will enjoy more than one sport at a discounted price. Therefore, anyone over 16 years old, both non-residents and residents, need a fishing license to cast their line in the states waters. PDF Open Water and Ice Fishing Regulations - Maine Lake trout (also known throughout Maine as togue) are deep dwellers that prefer very cold water year-round. MDIFW does issue permits to allow for safe and appropriate private pond stocking. These fish favor areas with lots of cover such as woody debris, weed beds, and rocks. Note: An unlimited number of baited hooks may be used on your line while fishing for smelts. General rules and regulations apply to all their waters, especially those open from January to December every year. (source). Stocked brook trout Best fishing in spring and fall Extended fishing in October (catch and release) Many access sites along Route 16 Cupsuptic River, Lower and Upper Cupsuptic TWPs Native brook trout Fly fishing only Many walk-in access points Remote setting Kennebago River, Lower Cupsuptic and Stetstown TWPs Wild brook trout and landlocked salmon Only 1 may exceed 14 inches. New online tool will help anglers track Maine fishing regulations If you've fished in different locations around Maine, then you may have noticed that the fishing regulations can vary widely. Guiderecommended.com and River Traditions LLC participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and others, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other companies." The o-ring should be tight enough on the bait as to keep it firmly in place on the hook. Low bag limits usually coincide with restrictive regulations such as high minimum lengths. Laws & Rules: Fishing: Fishing & Boating: Maine Dept of Inland O-rings and hooks with built-in retention devices such as twist locks and bait keepers help keep lures where they belong. You can fish without a license if public waters border or pass through your property. The Carlton Pond at Detroit, Troy, is open to ice fishing in November, while its stretch at Readfield, Winthrop, is closed to fishing all year. The Pine Tree State is known for being one of the lushest states, thanks to the over 40,000 acres of wild blueberries, but did you know that its an exceptional anglers destination? Theyre open between April 1 and August 15, but you can only use artificial lures between August 16 and September 30. Open Water Fishing: Taking freshwater fish during the open water fishing season by means of hook and line in hand, or attached to a rod, or by casting or trolling artificial flies, lures, or baited hooks, provided that the person angling does not take fish through a man-made hole in the ice, from the ice or from any object supported by the ice (Title 12, 12601). To report information about an illegal introduction please call: 1-800-ALERTUS (253-7887). Marking Fish: It is unlawful to tag, fin clip, or otherwise mark any fish to be released alive into the inland waters of the State without the written consent of the Commissioner (Title 12, 12601). River Herring (migratory sea-run): "River herring" means the same as Alewife or Blueback Herring (Title 12, SS 6001- 37-B.). If youre in Maine, you can get your license from some of their many agents, including turnpike service centers, town clerks, convenience stores, and sporting goods stores. Other unique fishing spots include Sebago Lake, the Grand Lake Stream, Megunticook Lake, and Cobbosseecontee Lake. Check if the water you want to fish is listed in the alphabetical Special Fishing Laws. During the summer months, you're more likely to find them in depths of 10 to 35 feet. Exception: This does not apply to hook and line smelt fishing (Title 12, 12654). In the Maine, water- and species-specific regulations are common, as are slot length limits and length-based creel limits. Therefore, learning these special fishing rules can help you plan your next fishing trip to Maine well and even manage to catch the correct species. In order to harvest live baitfish and smelts for sale, or to buy and resell them, you must possess a valid bait dealers license (Bait Retail License, Bait Wholesale License, or Smelt Wholesale License). Maine's 2022 fishing laws now available online Gulf of maine fishing regulations - Taunt On Water Ice Fishing: Taking freshwater fish during the ice fishing season through man-made openings in the ice by the use of ice fishing implements. 7-day non-resident fishing license: $43. Railroad Track Restrictions: A person may not, without right, stand or walk on a railroad track or railroad bridge or pass over a railroad bridge except by railroad conveyance. They thrive in clear, clean, well-oxygenated waters, and their populations are heavily influenced by their environment. Thats why securing your lure and checking your lure frequently is so important. This does not apply to baitfish (Title 12, 12553-2). How Much Is a Fishing License in Maine? (Regulations and More) In Maine, the general law is essentially the default regulation, and from there exceptions to the general law are applied to individual waters. Step 2: Chose zip tie in color that complements or matches color of bait. 1. Clean off plants, animals, and mud from gear and equipment including waders, footwear, ropes, anchors, bait traps, dip nets, downrigger cables, fishing lines, and field gear before leaving water access. Kittery to Cape Elizabeth; South Portland to Blue Hill; Ellsworth to Calais; Company & Header Boats for Hire; Winter Melts Camps; Maine Seawater Recreational Hob Opportunities to Participate. Ice Fishing Guide: Fishing: Fishing & Boating: Maine Dept of Inland Splake are easy to catch, particularly in the colder months. Conservation laws and regulations are framed to protect your rights and insure future fishing. Use of Fish (live or dead) as Bait: See Baitfish Information below. Fly Fishing or Artificial Lures Only: These "terminal tackle" regulations are applied to reduce mortalities in released fish, and are often an effective and necessary companion to restrictive bag and length limits. We look forward to hearing about your ice fishing adventures! Artificial Lure: Any fishing lure constructed by humans as an imitation or substitute for natural bait or fish forage and includes, but is not limited to artificial flies, spinners, spoons, poppers, plugs, jigs and plastic, rubber or other artificial imitations of natural bait (Title 12, 10001-4). Since soft plastic lures do not tend to decompose in water, they can accumulate. However, some waters experience elevated rates of ingestion influenced by water clarity, bottom type, type of fish, and availability of other prey. Convicted violators face fines up to $500 for the first offense and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses (Title 17, 2264-A). Fly Fishing or Artificial Lures Only: These "terminal tackle" regulations are applied to reduce mortalities in released fish, and are often an effective and necessary companion to restrictive bag and length limits. Heres a shortcut link to the Licensing Page on the Maine Inland Fisheriesand Wildlife Department Maine Fishing License. Sale of Certain Fish Prohibited: It is unlawful to buy or sell, directly or indirectly, trout, togue, landlocked salmon, bass, white perch, or pickerel (except fish which have been lawfully produced by commercial producers and skins of fish which have been preserved by taxidermy) (Title 12, 12609-A). Dip Net: A device consisting of a rigid frame filled with netting, firmly attached to a rigid handle and manually operated by a single person (Title 12, 10001-12-A). decreased immune response to vaccines in children. Troll: To fish by trailing a line rigged to catch fish behind or in front of a watercraft being propelled by mechanical, wind or manual power (Title 12, 10001-67). In North America, fishing regulations have been implemented for centuries, with season closures for some fisheries in place as early as the 1600s, and numerous fish harvest statutes enacted during the 1700s. Generally, fishing licenses in Walmart cost about the same as they would at the issuing offices. Slide the O-Ring to the middle of the bait. 353 Water Street Restricted to persons less than 16 years of age under general law regulations, except that no live fish as bait is allowed, and it is closed to the taking of smelts. On the other hand, Maines brooks, streams, and rivers are closed to fishing from October 1 to March 31. Latest Info from Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife This law helps keep Maines waters healthy by limiting the introduction of foreign fish diseases and parasites, exotic fish species, invasive plants, and other undesirable aquatic life that can irreversibly damage Maines natural resources. In fact, anyone, including the residents, can get their licenses online and pay using their credit cards. A person may not leave a structure on another persons land without permission of the landowner (Title 17, 2263-A). Fishing Family Point of View: regulations and policies across the Fish tested in several locations found levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above Maine CDC's recommended levels for regular consumption. togue caught must be released alive . OK . PDF MAINE MARINE RECREATIONAL SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS - Cranberry Isles, Maine In Maine, fishing regulations are implemented for many reasons, including: To protect native resources To enhance fishing quality To maintain healthy ecosystems To control exotic species in certain waters For public safety reasons (e.g. Motor vehicles shall be removed within 30 days (same day if public water supply). What do I do when I arrive? In 2019, Maine started recognizing folks outside the United States as non-residents and giving them the non-resident license instead of the alien one. ?n_4\%IC0De >n? River Herring: A licensed fisherman may harvest up to 25 river herring (for consumption by that person or members of their family) by use of hook and line or dip net (Title 12, 12506 -5-A). Thoroughfares: Waterways connecting lakes and/or ponds. That's partially because, when implementing or altering fishing regulations and policies, our Fisheries Division uses both biological and social data. Ive got a FREE video workshop teaching how to dry fly fish at this link How 2 Fly Fish. Remember, the other regulations and laws still apply on the free fishing days. These regions have different general fishing dates, bag limits, brook trout bag limits, and terminal gear restrictions. Plus, non-resident students between 18-24 years old enrolled in Maine colleges can apply for a resident fishing license. Do your part by only using locally caught legal baitfish species when fishing in Maine. 41 State House Station (source) You can find the fishing laws here. 323 Contents . Since the 1960s, though, regulations have increased, with a broad trend toward restricting both the number and the length of fish that can be harvested. (source), The general fishing laws apply to many Abbott Brook in Lincoln Plt in the northern zone. Step 2: Slide the bait stop onto the hook against the soft plastic. Maine has some of the countrys most pristine and healthy waters, which support high-quality habitat for fish and wildlife as well as endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 Home Fishing & Boating Fishing Maine Fishing Guide How to Catch a Specific Fish. Step 3: Firmly holding bait in the applicator tube, slide the O-Ring down the tube and onto the bait. Night Fishing: Except as otherwise provided by rule, all waters open to fishing are open to fishing 24 hours a day. For more information on license requirements or how to obtain a license, contact MDIFW at (207) 287-8000. (source) For details on the penalty for breaking a fishing law in Maine, click the following link. Baitfish trap: The term "baitfish trap" means a device used to take baitfish fitted with rigid entrance or exit holes and having a volume no greater than 50 cubic feet. Chapter 323: FISHING REGULATIONS. )~E;~)|rV:yc!l[($>ITZJp@iwzVJFik*7$6r%zt^@mFo>!f-ORhA{Rjyre6. Obey them; report violations Any fish killed becomes part of the daily bag limit (Title 12, 12611). M.R.S.A SS6207(3) The Maine Tribal-State Commission has adopted rules which affect any waters meeting the above criteria. increased risk of kidney cancer and possibly testicular cancer. Fishing license required You must have a valid Maine fishing license to harvest baitfish for personal use. New ways to find the special fishing laws Want to check to see if a waterbody has special fishing laws? Starting on Jan. 1 there is a new definition of the Special Season Code "A": Open to ice fishing and open water fishing from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. During the spring and fall, you might find them feeding near the surface and close to shore, and can catch them by flyfishing, casting, or trolling with lures or bait. MDIFWs goal is to significantly reduce the number of soft plastic lures ending up in Maines waters and land while keeping this popular fishing lure available to anglers. On our inland waters, anglers can fish for native brook trout, Arctic charr, landlocked salmon, and lake trout, just to name a few. Soft plastic lures can wear out and get brittle, stretch, or rip, increasing the likelihood that they could fall off your hook. Fish caught in some Maine waters have high levels of PCBs, Dioxins or DDT in them. In the spring and fall, brook trout can be caught near shore or on the surface using small dry flies, streamers, copper lures, and worms. The best thing you can do to prevent that is inspect your soft plastic lure frequently. When salmon are deep, the best method to catch them is trolling with lead core line or with a downrigger, using copper, gold, or silver lures. An examination of 18,000 stomachs from fish by MDIFW revealed on average only 2% of the fish had soft plastic lures in their stomachs. If summer fishing is your thing, you should visit Pine Tree State in June for exceptional summer fishing experiences. Step 1: Choose your soft plastic lure to attach as a trailer. Maine Fishing Laws - CGIS Solutions Lead Sinkers: is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or use a lead sinker that weighs 1 ounce or less or measures 2.5 inches or less. Notice of Submerged Vehicle: The owner of any motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile that becomes submerged, or partially submerged, in the waters of the State shall immediately notify the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife of the event and the location of the vehicle. Snowmobiles and ATVs shall be removed within 24 hours (Title 17, 2267-A). 41 State House Station All other fish must be immediately released alive into the water from which they were taken. Tributary: A river, stream, or brook flowing directly or indirectly into a lake, pond, or another river, stream, or brook. This ongoing process of developing, maintaining, and adjusting fishing regulations statewide is no easy task; but it's essential to the effective management of our fisheries no two of which are exactly alike. There are several species of migratory fish (such as shad, river herring/alewives, and striped bass) that are managed by the Maine Department of Marine Resources and may be found in the inland waters of Maine. If the water is frozen, you can use a maximum of 5 rods, but youre legally allowed to use only 2 rods when its not frozen. In Maine, fishing regulations are implemented for many reasons, including: We're scientists, so we don't mind questions! So, you know what you want to fish for, and you've found a water body where they livehere's a little extra information to help you reel one in: A coldwater fish, salmon prefer water temperatures below 65 degrees and rely on smelt to thrive. After catching a fish, make sure your lure is still intact. These efforts are costly, often risky, and not always successful and introductions have the potential to change our natural places and the way we enjoy them forever. TTY: Maine Relay 711 If the water you are fishing is listed below, check the mercury guideline above and follow the most limiting guidelines. However, it is lawful to place food particles in a baitfish trap for the purpose of luring baitfish (Title 12, 12657). 2021-22 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING QUESTIONS? Remember to check the mercury guidelines. Shall identify on the outside of the shack or structure in 2-inch letters, the owners name and address when the shack or structure is on the ice of any inland wa-ters (Title 12, 12661). For more details on fishing in Maine, please read on. Trout: The term "trout" when used alone, includes brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, Arctic charr (Sunapee trout and blueback trout), and splake. Maine Open Water Fishing Laws 1957 - 58 Summary ROLAND H. COBB COMMISSIONER Department of Inland Fisheries and Game Augusta, Maine. Unfortunately, Maine waters, as well as the fish, wildlife, and recreation they support, are threatened each year by introductions of fish, plants, diseases, and other aquatic hitchhikers that compete with and displace native natural communities. You can include the weekend in your scheduled short-term fishing days by purchasing your license after the weekend. If needed contact info - HERE, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. Catch and Release: This regulation is intended to return fish to the water alive, giving them the chance to grow larger and be caught again. The following are the only fish species that may be used as bait (dead or alive) for fishing in inland waters of Maine: Thats what the illegal introduction of exotic species brings to Maines waters. No more than 4 fish meals per year of any fish species. Baitfish may not be sold or harvested with the intent to sell without a bait dealers license. But you will have to get permission from the owner; remember, trespassing is illegal in the United States. This pond is open to water fishing between October 1 and the end of November. In this case, you'll want to use minnows, or silver, white, or copper jigs. The youth under 16 years can fish for free in Maine. During the free fishing weekends, every angler, except the ones whose licenses have been revoked, can fish without a license. Possession Limit (All Fish): A person shall not possess at any time more fish than may lawfully be taken in one day (Title 12, 12602-2). Step 1: Screw the head of the plastic bait onto the device. It's easy, just touch or click 2021 Maine Inland Fishing Laws to download the booklet. Check out this article The Best Places to Fly Fish in Maine (with Maps). Step 2: Insert bait into applicator tube. S-9: Open to fishing only for persons . The general fishing laws governing lakes and ponds also apply to thoroughfares (includes seasons, bag limits, length limits, etc.). These are the northern and southern regions, with some waters having special rules and regulations.