September Fishing Tips
 September marks a significant transition, as summer fades into fall. Water temperatures at the start of the month will be ideal for bass, perch, pickerel, and many panfish. As the water temperature begins to cool towards the end of the month, the bite will heat up for trout and salmon. Check out the September Fishing Report to learn more about adjusting your strategy for the changing season. No matter where you live or are visiting in Maine, there is a place to fish close by.
Please remember that each year on August 16 general law fishing regulations change for river, stream, and brook fishing. Under general law, from August 16 to September 30, rivers, streams, and brooks remain open to open water fishing using artificial lures or flies only. Bait fish, smelt, and worms cannot be used under general law during this time. General law length and bag limits apply, except daily bag limit one landlocked salmon and one brook trout. This annual law change helps protect Maine's salmonids as they prepare to spawn in the fall.
Always check the special fishing laws to see if the water you are fishing has special exceptions to the General Law. You can view special fishing laws on our website, using the map-based display of fishing laws called FLOAT, or download the fishing law book PDF.
Protect Maine's loons and check your tackle box to make sure you are using legal jigs and sinkers. Fishing lead-free is better for our wildlife and the health of our lakes.
The USE of Lead Sinkers and Lead Jigs: Currently, the USE of lead sinkers and unpainted lead jigs less than 2.5 inches long or weighing less than 1 ounce is prohibited. Beginning September 1, 2026, the USE of painted lead jigs within this size range will also be prohibited.
The SALE of Lead Sinkers and Lead Jigs: Effective September 1, 2024, the SALE of painted lead jigs less than 2.5 inches long or weighing less than 1 ounce is prohibited. This is in addition to the lead sinkers and unpainted lead jigs within this small size range that were already illegal to sell.
The prohibited USE of lead sinkers and jigs is interpreted to apply to all inland waters and not to tidal waters.
"Lead sinker" means a device that contains lead that is designed to be attached to a fishing line and intended to sink the line.
"Lead sinker" and "lead jigs" do not include artificial lures, weighted line, or weighted flies.
The measurement of the lead sinker or lead jig includes all components that are permanently manufactured to the lead itself. This does not include any additional items that have been added to the original manufactured device.
There are many alternatives to non-toxic, lead-free tackle that are environmentally safe and have more sound-producing qualities to call in fish and up your catch. Make the switch today!
Thanks for doing your part to help keep Maine's loons and other wildlife healthy and thriving.
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Maine has some of the country’s most pristine and healthy waters, which support high-quality habitat for fish and wildlife as well as endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Unfortunately, Maine waters, as well as the fish, wildlife, and recreation they support, are threatened each year by introductions of fish, plants, diseases, and other aquatic invasive species that compete with and displace native natural communities.
Prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters are required to remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example, hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water (excluding live bait containers). This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state.
It is up to everyone who enjoys Maine's waters - boaters, paddlers, and anglers - to protect our waters.
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