MAINE

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the state has over one-half million acres of bass water. Still, the state’s bass fishery remains largely undiscovered by the fishing due to anglers’ traditional affection for trout. This secret fishery is expected to provide plenty of good fishing for anglers visiting the state this summer.

Maine bass are slow growing due to the long winters, but it is still possible to catch 5- and 6-pound bass.

Neither bass species is native to the state. Both were brought to Maine legally (and illegally) during the late 1800s. Today, smallmouth bass are found in nearly 500 lakes and ponds, while largemouth bass inhabit another 350 waters. Both species can be found in about 250 lakes and ponds. The better largemouth bass waters are in the lower sections of Maine, especially in the southwestern corner of the state. Smallmouths dominate in Somerset, Piscataquis, Franklin or Aroostook counties, though some waters do contain largemouths, too. Visiting anglers should plan their trips accordingly.

From April 1 through June 20, anglers may catch and keep one fish per day on artificial lures. Between June 21 and Sept. 30, the creel limit increases to three fish. But to help conserve the trophy bass resource, only one of the three bass may exceed 14 inches. From Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, Maine allows a catch-and-release bass fishery. Thanks to these regulations, biologists state that Maine’s bass resource is in good shape and should continue to be throughout the future.

Sebago Lake is Maine’s prize bass lake. It holds nice populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as plenty of public access and camping opportunities. The lake is close to many of the coastal tourist areas, like Kittery and Kennebunkport, and is worth visiting during the coming season. Some sleeper smallmouth bass lakes are Cochnewagon Pond, Phillips Pond and Cobbosseecontee. For largemouth bass, anglers should try Great Pond and Messalonskee Lake.

A Maine resident fishing license costs $22 for the season. Non-resident license fees are $53 for the season or $24 for a three-day permit. For fishing information, call the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-8000. For tourist information, call (888) 624-6345.