Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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Maine
State, United States. Authority : Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
- Licence
- US$212Resident Super Pack
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 45.7 cmTogue (lake trout)
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearDigital Hanging Scale 50 kgTo check the minimum size: Brown trout 45.7 cm here.
€30.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Floating weight-forward fly line, 30 mFor : brown trout, rainbow trout, grayling · fly fishing (dry fly and nymph)
€27.90£13.90Not shipped to the United States
Assorted Wobbling Spoons in a BoxFor : brown trout, rainbow trout, european perch · spoon and spinner fishing
€32.90£17.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
Closed to all fishing Oct 1 - Mar 31 (general law; special laws may differ)
Open year-round to ice and open water fishing (general law)
Aug 16 - Sep 30 artificial lures or flies only, bag limit 1 landlocked salmon and 1 brook trout; closed Oct 1 - Mar 31
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–60 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Brook trout2 lakes/ponds and rivers | 15.2 cm | |
| Brown trout2 lakes/ponds; rivers 6 in min and 25 in max | 35.6 cm | |
| Rainbow trout2 lakes/ponds; rivers 6 in | 30.5 cm | |
| Landlocked salmon2 lakes/ponds; rivers 14 in min and 25 in max | 35.6 cm | |
| Togue (lake trout)2 all waters | 45.7 cm | |
| Bass (largemouth & smallmouth)2 No minimum length; South Zone only 1 may exceed 14 in; North Zone none | not published |
To check the minimum size: Brown trout 45.7 cm here. Digital Hanging Scale 50 kg €30.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Brook trout (incl. splake, Arctic charr)2 Only 2 from South Zone lakes & ponds | 5 per day |
| Brown trout2 | 2 per day |
| Rainbow trout2 | 2 per day |
| Landlocked salmon2 | 2 per day |
| Togue (lake trout)2 | 2 per day |
| Bass (largemouth & smallmouth), South Zone2 Only 1 may exceed 14 in | 2 per day |
| Bass (largemouth & smallmouth), North Zone2 Unlimited | not published |
| Inland species not listed (incl. northern pike)2 Unlimited, no length limit (general law) | not published |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Season Fishing License (16 and older)1 | season (calendar year) | US$30 |
| Resident Season Fishing (16+)1 | annual | US$30 |
| Resident 1-Day Fishing1 | 1-day | US$18 |
| Resident Combination Fishing and Hunting1 | annual | US$48 |
| Resident Super Pack1 | annual | US$212 |
| Nonresident Season Fishing (16+)1 | annual | US$83 |
| Nonresident 15-Day Fishing1 | 15-day | US$66 |
| Nonresident 7-Day Fishing1 | 7-day | US$62 |
| Nonresident 3-Day Fishing1 | 3-day | US$30 |
| Nonresident 1-Day Fishing1 | 1-day | US$18 |
| Nonresident Combination Fishing and Hunting1 | annual | US$169 |
| Resident Senior Lifetime License (age 70+, all privileges)1 | lifetime | US$8 |
Buy the licence on apps1.web.maine.gov
- Ages and exemptions1
- License required for anyone 16 years of age or older to fish inland waters (under 16 fish free). Residents 70+ can buy a one-time $8 senior lifetime license. Free fishing days 2026: Feb 14-15 and May 30-31. Fees exclude agent fee.
Good to know
Two general-law zones (North: wild/native coldwater, South: stocked/warmwater). Bass unlimited with no size limit in the North Zone; 2/day, only 1 over 14 in, in the South Zone. Northern pike falls under 'inland species not listed' (unlimited). Many waters have special laws (S-codes).
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- pas de licence résident 3 ou 7 jours (seulement 1 jour 18 $ et saison)
- frais d'agent non chiffrés (en sus des prix listés)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Sebago Lake lake, Raymond
Atlantic salmon View on the map - Rangeley Lake lake, Rangeley
Brook trout, Atlantic salmon View on the map - Moosehead Lake lake, Greenville, Lily Bay Twp
Atlantic salmon View on the map - Messalonskee Lake lake, Oakland, Sidney
Brook trout, Brown trout View on the map - Thompson Lake lake, Otisfield, Poland
Atlantic salmon View on the map - Cobbosseecontee Lake lake, Manchester, Monmouth
Brown trout View on the map - East Grand Lake lake, Danforth, Orient, Weston
Brook trout, Atlantic salmon View on the map - Big Wood Pond lake, Attean Twp
Brook trout, Atlantic salmon - Kennebec River river, Anson, Embden, Fairfield, Sapling Twp
Brook trout, Brown trout View on the map - Androscoggin River river, Bethel, Gilead, Hanover, Lisbon
Brook trout, Brown trout, Rainbow trout View on the map - Presumpscot River river, Westbrook, Windham
Brook trout, Brown trout, Atlantic salmon View on the map - Saco River river, Baldwin, Buxton, Dayton, Fryeburg
Brook trout, Brown trout View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Maine in 2026?
The “Resident Super Pack” licence costs US$212 (annual). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for brown trout in Maine?
Brown trout: 45.7 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- MDIFW - License Requirements and Fees (2026 License Fees) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- MDIFW - General Fishing Law Seasons and Bag Limits (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- MDIFW - Fishing Laws & Rules (link to 2026 law book) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/25-MDIFW-23-FISHING-LAWBOOK-2026.pdf
Last checked : 23 September 2026.