It's been an excellent 2025 ice fishing season but why stop now? March is a great time to fish, with often warmer days and more sunshine!
As always, your fisheries biologists have a list of recommended places to try and tips. Looking for a new adventure? The March report also features where to fish for cusk (burbot), a fan favorite for those looking to make a delicious chowder or fry up some nuggets. Read the March fishing report.
Following recent rain and warmer temperatures, it is especially important to check ice conditions before heading out. A spot that was safe last weekend may no longer be secure this weekend. On sunny days, especially in the afternoon, shoreline ice can weaken even if the ice further out appears solid. Regularly test the ice and stay alert to potential hazards such as inlets, outlets, currents, bridges, pressure ridges, exposed rocks, and culverts. Review our ice safety tips!
Remember, access to many Maine lakes and ponds are over private roads, and roads can get very muddy or unpassable this time of year. Please treat private land and landowners with respect and be mindful of where you park.
Soak up your last days on the hardwater.... You'll be casting a line in no time!
Reminder: Ice fishing season dates
Remember that most of Maine's lakes and ponds open to ice fishing, remain open through the month of April.
South Zone: Under General Law in the South Zone, lakes and ponds are open to ice fishing and open water fishing year-round (unless otherwise stated in the special fishing laws section).
North Zone: In the North Zone, lakes and ponds with special season code "A" are open to ice fishing and open water fishing year-round; lakes and ponds with season code “B” are open to ice fishing through April 30. Use the map-based Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT) to view waters with special fishing laws. After April 1, once the ice disappears, you can open water fish on most lakes and ponds in the North Zone.
Ice Fishing Shack Removal: A person who owns any shack or temporary structure used for ice fishing must remove the shack or structure (1) In any area of the State in which there is a closed ice fishing season, by ice out or 3 days after the close of the ice fishing season, whichever is earlier; and (2) In any area of the State in which there is no close of the ice fishing season, by ice out or March 31st, whichever is earlier.
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:
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Leave no trace – Carry out all that you carry in.
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Park in public or designated areas - Don't block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy, soft road conditions.
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Respect private property – Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
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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.
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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.
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