Maine fishing seasons
10 species profiles in our database list Maine waters among their fisheries — including Bluefin Tuna, Atlantic Halibut, Atlantic Mackerel, American Smelt. Below: what's in season month by month, where to fish, and the licence source you need. Seasons shift year to year; the official agency has the final word.
Maine fishing calendar, month by month
Each month links to the species in season then, from our season windows. A month is charted when at least 3 species are in season.
Freshwater species in Maine
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
 American Smelt | Varies by watershed and local regulation |
Saltwater & brackish species in Maine
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
 Atlantic Halibut | Often year-round; weather windows and depth matter |
 Atlantic Mackerel | Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug |
 Bluefin Tuna | Late Spring–Fall in many regions; varies by current/temperature |
 Ocean Pout | Varies by region and regulation |
| Red Hake | Depth and open seasons vary; check current regional rules |
 Sea Raven | Varies by region and regulation |
 Silver Hake | Depth and open seasons vary; check current regional rules |
 White Hake | Depth and open seasons vary; check current regional rules |
 Witch Flounder | Depth and open seasons vary; check current regional rules |
Where to fish in Maine
Fishing in the Northeast
New Hampshire · Vermont · Massachusetts · Rhode Island · Connecticut · New York · New Jersey · Pennsylvania · Maryland · Delaware · District of Columbia
Licences & regulations — Maine (IFW)
Rules, seasons and size limits change: check the official agency before you fish.
Official: maine.gov/ifw
Catch something you can't name?
Upload a photo for an AI-assisted identification, then confirm it against the Maine species list above.
Identify my fish