This Weekend is a ‘Free Ice Fishing Weekend’ in Maine

This Weekend is a ‘Free Ice Fishing Weekend’ in Maine

Paul Wolfe, Townsquare Media

A special weekend allows anyone to fish Maine waters without a license.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has set February 18 and 19 as Free Family Fishing Days. On these designated days anyone can fish in Maine waters without a license. These days are listed on page 49 in the newly released 2023 Maine fishing law book.

The event gives Mainers an opportunity to try the sport without having to purchase a fishing license. If your fishing license has been suspended or revoked, no fishing for you.

All other laws and regulations must be followed. Those regulations and bag limits can vary depending on the body of water you choose to fish. It's recommended that you read through the 2023 Maine Open Water and Ice Fishing Law Book.

Whether you're new to the area, new to the sport, or looking for some new places to wet a line, there's lots to choose from in the Maine Fishing Report. The report is compiled by regional fisheries biologists who have pulled together a listing of some of the best inland fishing spots. It also includes freshwater fishing tips, resources, and advice.

The report divides the state into regions. In each section, the resource breaks down bodies of water by the fish species that inhabit it. Each listing includes locations of public water access, water depth, and where to find it in your Delorme atlas.

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The Free Family Fishing Days for open water fishing are set for June 3 and 4.

15 Must-Have Items For Ice Fishing Season In Maine

Ice fishing is an excellent way to embrace the cold winter months in Maine. It will get you outdoors for some fresh air, it's family friendly, and a successful day could yield a tasty dinner. If you're new to the sport, we put together a list of gear you'll need for a fun, comfortable, and successful day on the ice. Some of these items are more essential than others. Some gear may not be essential at all, depending on how you plan to fish. Again, the items we listed are geared towards those who are new to ice fishing.

Before we get to the list, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. We didn't put warm outerwear on the list, but it's definitely a must-have. Dressing in layers is important to ensure you're warm enough throughout the day on the ice. If you start getting too warm, you can simply take a layer off. Hand warmers are also worth packing.

10 of the Deepest Lakes and Ponds in Maine

With 6,000 lakes and ponds, Maine has A LOT of freshwater shoreline. Some are densely populated in the summer months, while others are as remote as the wilderness that surrounds them. They're home to Maine's thriving gamefish populations, which calls-in anglers from all over the country. Ever wondered which of these lakes are the deepest in the state? We checked-over depth charts and topographic maps to find the 10 deepest lakes in Maine, as according to their maximum depth. 
Categories: Articles, Maine, Maine Outdoors

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