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The ice is out of most Maine waters, the water is starting to warm up, and our hatchery teams are busy stocking waters with brook trout, landlocked salmon, brown trout, rainbows, and splake.
This month's fishing report is full of opportunity, from streams and rivers to small remote ponds and larger lakes. Whether you want to fish from shore, paddle a meandering river, or troll, you are sure to find a new place to fish or tip.Â
In spite of the warmer weather, the water is still extremely cold this time of year. Water levels are often high and fast, so ALWAYS wear a lifejacket! This could help save your life if you end up unexpectedly in the water. Accidents can happen to even the most experienced of anglers, and it's harder to put a life jacket on once you're in the water.
For more fishing tips and reminders across the state, be sure to check out the monthly fishing report.
Protect our waters from aquatic invasive speciesÂ
CLEAN
- Clean off plants, animals, and mud from gear and equipment including waders, footwear, ropes, anchors, bait traps, dip nets, downrigger cables, fishing lines, and field gear before leaving water access.
- Scrub off any visible material on footwear with a stiff brush.
- Dispose of debris in a trash reciprocal or a responsible location away from the water.
DRAIN
- Drain water from the watercraft prior to entering a waterbody and when preparing to leave a launch site.
- Maine law requires that prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters must 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.
- Boats should NOT be drained on the boat launch ramp. Since the transfer of aquatic invasive species to new areas within a water body can worsen the infestation, especially in high traffic launch areas, the preferred practice is to prevent direct draining back into the water body even when leaving the water body
DRY
- Dry completely before reuse.
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Enjoy your time on the water, 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 and soft roads.
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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. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.
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