MAINE FISHING LAWS AND INFORMATION

FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

• License
• 2018 Open Water & Ice Fishing Laws, Regulations & Seasons
• Use of Lead Fishing Tackle (PDF)
• Licenses and Permits
• IF&W Laws – Title 12 – Part 12 Chapter 811 and Part 13 Chapters 901 to 941
  [off-site]
• IF&W Rules
  [off-site]

FISHING INFORMATION

• Buy a Fishing License
• Register a Boat
• Regulations
• Maine Boater’s Guide
• Lake Maps
• Stocking
• Species
• FAQ
• Brook Trout
• Seasons
• Derbies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Derbies and Tournaments
• Saltwater Fishing Information
• Bait Dealers/Use of Live Bait
• Fish Habitat
• Free Fishing Days
• Fishing Opportunities for Youth and Complimentary License Holders
• Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs
• Maine Sport Fishing: Good and Getting Better!
• Fishing Opportunities in Maine
• Maine Lake Survey Maps
• Maine Fishing Guide (PDF)

LEAD FISHING TACKLE INFO

Use of Lead Fishing Tackle (PDF) Fishing lead free is better for our lakes and our wildlife. Ingested lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of death for adult Common Loons of which there are around 4,500 adults across the state. Keeping lead sinkers out of Maine waters will increase the survival of these birds and will allow for continued population growth of this species across the northeast.

The sale and use of lead sinkers less than 2.5 inches in length and/or less than 1 ounce in weight is prohibited. If a lead sinker is over 2.5 inches in length or it weighs over 1 ounce or both it is legal to use and sell or offer for sale. If a sinker contains ANY amount of lead, it will be considered illegal if it doesn’t meet the length and weight requirements.

The definition of a lead sinker DOES NOT include artificial lures, weighted line, weighted flies or jig heads.

Bare Lead Jigs

As of September 2016 the sale of bare lead jigs not meeting the length (2.5 inches) and/or weight (1 ounce) requirements is prohibited. NOTE: Effective September 2017, the use of bare lead jigs not meeting the length (2.5 inches) and/or weight (1 ounce) requirements will be prohibited.