March Ice Fishing Updates





Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife





*mefishwildlife.com*






Start your adventure on the ice!

Father and son jigging for fish [ [link removed] ]

The ice won't last, but your ice fishing memories will. Remember that safety is essential [ [link removed] ]?as you gear up for some thrilling catches this March. A top tip from our fisheries biologists [ [link removed] ]?is to venture onto the ice with extreme caution. With the warm temperatures and rain Maine experienced this week, safe ice conditions may be compromised. It is crucial to be cautious of these variable ice conditions, and remember to always check the ice conditions [ [link removed] ] for yourself.??

With safety in mind, largemouth or smallmouth bass are great to target this month, as both species are actively feeding to prepare for spawning. If you haven't tried jigging yet, now is a great time. It?s a ton of fun to catch fish through the ice on a jig rod, and it increases your chances of catching a fish!

March is also an ideal time to catch cusk, which is an excellent choice if your intention is to harvest a delicious fish. Nighttime is a great time to fish for them, though they can also be found during the day, and lines must be tended at least once every hour from sunset to sunrise. They can be found near bottom with dead or live bait. And if you're looking for salmon, Eagle Lake is the place to go. Anglers are encouraged to harvest their salmon from Eagle Lake to help reduce the population. Be sure to review the stocking report [ [link removed] ]and visit our species information page [ [link removed] ] for more information on selecting a fish to target.

For more fishing insights from Maine's fisheries biologists, including locations, tips, and safety reminders, check out the March Fishing Report at mefishwildlife.com/fishingreport [ [link removed] ].?

*View Fishing Report* [ [link removed] ]


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person drilling an ice fishing hole with an auger
*Enjoy your day on the ice, and remember these tips*

There is no question, ice fishing is a large part of Maine's outdoor heritage. Enjoy your ice fishing trip, and remember:??


* *Leave no trace ??*Carry out all that you carry in.?
* *Park in public or designated areas*?- Don't block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy, soft road conditions.
* *Respect private property ??*Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
* *Be prepared ??*Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
* *Take care of your catch?*???**If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly.?If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you. [ [link removed] ]


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man setting ice fishing trap
Beginner?s guide to ice fishing in Maine

Starting a new hobby can be both exciting and intimidating. Luckily ice fishing is a winter hobby that can be enjoyed with a few pieces of equipment and there are endless opportunities throughout the state. Learn what gear you need to get started and more in our beginner's guide [ [link removed] ].?



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ice fishing hole
Ice safety tips

Winter is one of the greatest seasons to enjoy the Maine outdoors but to do so safely, you must keep in mind that ice conditions are always changing. There are many factors to consider when determining whether the ice conditions are safe, and they can vary from day-to-day and from one water body to the next. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep in mind when judging ice conditions. [ [link removed] ]







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More information

Buy a fishing license [ [link removed] ]
Monthly fishing report [ [link removed] ]
Beginner?s guide to ice fishing in Maine [ [link removed] ]
Ice safety tips [ [link removed] ]
Search Maine fishing laws [ [link removed] ]
Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT) [ [link removed] ]
Protect our Waters from Invasive Species [ [link removed] ]
Fishing resources [ [link removed] ]
Current stocking report [ [link removed] ]
Maine Fishing Guide [ [link removed] ]
Fishing with soft plastic lures [ [link removed] ]
Learn how to be a good land user [ [link removed] ]
Hire a registered Maine guide [ [link removed] ]








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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ?41 State House Station ? Augusta, ME 04333-0041 ? (207) 287-8000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]