Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Maine (Complete Guide)

Maine offers some of the best fishing in the Northeast. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Maine are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in ME.

Month	Maine Fishing Location
January	Rapid River for landlocked salmon and brook trout
February	The Kennebec River Gorge for brown trout and rainbow trout
March	Grand Lake Stream for landlocked salmon and brook trout
April	The Androscoggin River for brown trout and rainbow trout
May	The Penobscot River for Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass
June	Rangeley Lake for landlocked salmon and brook trout
July	The West Branch of the Penobscot River for brook trout and landlocked salmon
August	The Roach River for brook trout and landlocked salmon
September	The Battenkill River for brook trout and brown trout
October	The Magalloway River for brook trout and landlocked salmon
November	The Kennebec River for brown trout and rainbow trout
December	The Aroostook River for brook trout and landlocked salmon.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Maine. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Maine

Kennebec River – Trout (April – October)

Rapid River – Brook Trout (May – September)

Moose River – Brook Trout, Landlocked Salmon (May – October)

Magalloway River – Brook Trout, Landlocked Salmon (May – October)

Penobscot River – Trout, Salmon (May – September)

Androscoggin River – Trout (April – October)

Mousam River – Trout (April – September)

Aroostook River – Brook Trout (May – September)

Saco River – Trout (April – October)

Sheepscot River – Brook Trout, Brown Trout (April – September)

Royal River – Brook Trout, Brown Trout (April – September)

West Branch Pleasant River – Brook Trout (May – October)

Dead River – Brook Trout, Landlocked Salmon (May – October)

Sandy River – Brook Trout (May – October)

Machias River – Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout (May – October)

Best Sections of Coast to Fish in Maine

Casco Bay (June-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel.

Kennebec River (May-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, Atlantic salmon.

Penobscot Bay (June-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, Atlantic cod.

Muscongus Bay (May-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, Atlantic cod.

Casco Passage (June-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, Atlantic cod.

Frenchman Bay (May-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, Atlantic cod.

Saco Bay (May-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel.

Mount Desert Island (May-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, Atlantic cod.

Penobscot River Estuary (May-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, Atlantic salmon.

Sheepscot River (May-October) – Striped bass, bluefish, Atlantic salmon.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Maine

These Maine-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Mainely Blue Charters	South Portland, ME
North East Salt Water Maine	Phippsburg, ME
Sea Time Fishing Charters	Kittery, ME
Fin-N-Juice Charters	Biddeford, ME
Seawalker Excursions	Freeport, ME
Super Fly Charters	Bath, ME
Eagle’s Rock Tackle & Charter	Biddeford, ME
Whiptail Adventures	South Portland, ME
Balding Eagle Enterprises	Freeport, ME

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass

If you’re looking to catch striped bass in Maine, the best time to fish is usually from May to October, with peak months being June and September. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to catch them, and some great spots to fish for striped bass include the Kennebec River, Casco Bay, and the Saco River.

Cod

The best time to fish for cod in Maine is from late April to early September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch them. Some of the best locations for cod fishing in Maine include Jeffrey’s Ledge, the Old Scantum Bar, and the deep waters off the coast of Portland.

Haddock

Haddock fishing is great in Maine during the spring and fall months, especially during April, May, and October. The best time to fish for haddock is early in the morning, and some of the best locations to catch them are near Jeffrey’s Ledge, Stellwagen Bank, and on the inshore grounds off Portland and Casco Bay.

Bluefish

The best time to do it is from July to September, early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Some of the best locations to try your luck are the mouth of the Kennebec River, the beaches of Saco Bay, and around Portland Harbor.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna can be found in Maine from June to October, with peak season from July to September. They can be caught at dawn or dusk and are best targeted around underwater structures or areas with high concentrations of baitfish such as Jeffreys Ledge, The Fippennies, and Mount Desert Rock.

Flounder

Flounder fishing in Maine is best during the summer months, particularly July and August, and during high tide. Casco Bay, Penobscot Bay, and the Saco River are some of Maine’s best spots to fish for flounder.

Maine Lobsters

The best time to fish for lobsters in Maine is from June to December, as this is when the lobsters are most active and plentiful. Lobsters are caught primarily using lobster traps, which are typically set in the late afternoon or evening and retrieved early in the morning. Some of the best locations to fish for lobsters in Maine include the towns of Stonington, Vinalhaven, and Boothbay Harbor, as well as the Penobscot Bay area.

Crabs

The best time to fish for crabs in Maine is generally from May to October, as this is when the waters are warmest and the crabs are most active. Some of the best locations to fish for crabs in Maine include the towns of Freeport, Boothbay Harbor, and Bar Harbor, as well as the Penobscot Bay and Casco Bay areas.

American Shad

American shad can be caught in Maine from May to early July in the spring and early summer months. The best time to fish for them is in the morning or evening. Some good locations to fish for American shad in Maine include the Penobscot River, Kennebec River, and Sheepscot River.

Maine Landlocked Salmon

The best times to go are spring and fall, especially from late April to early June and from September to October. The best time of day to fish is usually early morning or late afternoon. As for locations, some great spots to try include Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, and the Kennebec River.

Atlantic Salmon

If you’re lookin’ to catch some Atlantic salmon in Maine, the best time to do it is from late May to early June or from September to October. These fish are most active during the early morning or late evening. Some of the best spots are the Penobscot River, the Kennebec River, and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Brook Trout

Brook trout fishing is great in Maine from April to September, with the best months being May, June, and July. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to fish, and the best locations include the Rapid River, Kennebago River, and the Magalloway River.

Brown Trout

Brown trout can be caught all year round in Maine, but the best months for fishing are April and May. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for brown trout, and some of the best locations include the Androscoggin River, the Rapid River, and the Kennebec River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are generally stocked in Maine from April to October, with the best months to fish being May and June. The best time of day to fish is in the early morning or late afternoon. Some of Maine’s best locations to fish for rainbow trout include the Rapid River, Rangeley Lakes, and the Kennebec River.

American Eels

American eels are best fished in Maine during the spring and fall months, during the early morning or late evening hours. Popular locations for catching American eels include rivers and streams such as the Penobscot River, Kennebec River, and Androscoggin River, as well as the Casco Bay.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass can be caught in Maine during the summer months, particularly in June, July, and August. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for them. The best locations to fish for largemouth bass in Maine include Sabattus Pond, Pushaw Lake, and Cobbosseecontee Lake.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass can be caught in Maine from spring to fall. The best time to catch them is early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations to fish for smallmouth bass include Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, and the Androscoggin River.

Carp

Carp can be caught all year round, but the best time to fish for them is in the warmer months, from May to October. They are most active during dawn and dusk, so try fishing in the early morning or evening. Good locations to catch carp in Maine include the Androscoggin River, the Kennebec River, and the Presumpscot River.

Yellow Perch

The best time to catch yellow perch in Maine is from May to October, early morning or late afternoon. Great spots to fish for yellow perch in Maine include Sebago Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, and the Androscoggin River.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for pike in Maine is early spring or late fall. The best time of day to fish is early morning or late evening. Some good locations to catch pike in Maine include Sebago Lake, Rangeley Lake, and Moosehead Lake.

Walleye

If you’re looking to catch walleye in Maine, you should head out in the spring or fall, when the water is cooler. Early morning or late evening is the best time of day to fish for walleye. Some of the best locations to catch walleye in Maine include Moosehead Lake, the Penobscot River, and Sebago Lake.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Massachusetts. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Connecticut. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in New York. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Rhode Island. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in New Hampshire.

Best Fishing in Maine on Seasonal Basis

Winter

• Rangeley Lakes – brook trout, salmon, and togue (lake trout)
• Belgrade Lakes – smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel
• Moosehead Lake – lake trout and brook trout
• Kennebec River – brown trout and landlocked salmon

Spring

• Sebago Lake – landlocked salmon and lake trout
• Kennebec River – striped bass and Atlantic sturgeon
• Moosehead Lake – brook trout and lake trout
• Penobscot River – Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass

Summer

• Sebago Lake: Sebago Lake is a popular spot for fishing in the summer months and is known for its excellent smallmouth bass population.
• Rangeley Lake: Rangeley Lake is a great location for anglers in the summer, with various fish species, including landlocked salmon, brook trout, and lake trout.
• Moosehead Lake: Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake and offers great fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, lake trout, and landlocked salmon.
• Kennebec River: The Kennebec River is a great spot for anglers looking to catch striped bass and smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Fall

• Grand Lake Stream – Best for landlocked salmon
• Kennebec River – Best for striped bass
• Sebago Lake – Best for lake trout
• West Branch Penobscot River – Best for brook trout

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Nova Scotia. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Prince Edward Island.