Maine North Zone lakes and all inland rivers closed to fishing Oct. 1–March 31

Maine’s inland fall closure is in force. Under statewide general fishing laws, North Zone lakes and ponds are closed to all fishing from Oct. 1 through March 31. Rivers, streams, and brooks in both the North and South zones are likewise closed Oct. 1 through March 31 unless a special law keeps a water open.

South Zone lakes and ponds remain open year-round for ice and open-water fishing. The North Zone covers Aroostook, northern Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Franklin, and Oxford north of the Androscoggin; the South Zone is the rest of the state. North Zone rules also ban live fish as bait year-round.

Special fishing laws can carve out exceptions on individual waters — for example some outlets that stay open into fall — so check MDIFW’s special-laws list before you drive. A valid fishing license is still required wherever waters remain open.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Maine DIFW Statewide General Fishing Laws.