Acadia National Park - Fishing

Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abound in Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. Lakes and ponds can have several species of freshwater game fish, including trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and other species. Ocean species include mackerel, bluefish, and striped bass.

Freshwater fishing requires a State of Maine fishing license, as determined by state law (see freshwater fishing information below). A license is not required to fish in the ocean.

Freshwater Fishing
The freshwater fishing season in Maine is generally April through September. Check the State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations for exact dates.

During July and August, trout and salmon are found deep in the cooler waters of lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island. Special fishing gear, such as lead core line or a down-rigger, will greatly increase chances of hooking a salmon or trout in the summer. In the cooler seasons, trout and salmon can be caught readily using common methods. Warm-water species can be caught throughout the season using common methods.

A list of lakes and ponds in or bordering the park that are open to fishing is located below.

Regulations
Portions of lake and pond shorelines may be privately owned. Please respect private property.

Several ponds and lakes on the island are public drinking water supplies where swimming, wading, and pets are prohibited. Please follow posted regulations.

Eating freshwater fish containing mercury can be harmful if consumed in quantities. For safe-eating guidelines, consult the State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations.

Boaters: Please protect your lakes—stop the spread of invasive aquatic plants. Remove plant fragments from your boat. Dispose of plants on high, dry land away from lakes and ponds.

Fishing Licenses
State of Maine fishing licenses are required for Maine residents 16 years or older and non-residents 12 years or older. Fees vary based on resident/non-resident status, age, and length of license.

In addition to the town offices listed here, State of Maine freshwater fishing licenses may be purchased at some local businesses as well.

More Information
The State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations handbook contains information about fishing regulations, including length, bag, and possession limits; safe eating guidelines; opportunities for children, and more. Receive a copy of this handbook when you purchase a fishing license or by calling 207-287-8000.

For detailed information about fishing in Maine, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website at www.state.me.us/ifw/index.html .

Cold Water Fishing

Motors over 10 horsepower are prohibited on:

Eagle Lake
landlocked salmon
brook trout
lake trout

Echo Lake
brook trout
landlocked salmon

Jordan Pond
landlocked salmon
lake trout

Lower Hadlock Pond
brook trout
brown trout
sunfish
white perch

Upper Hadlock Pond
brook trout

Internal combustion engines are prohibited on:

Bubble Pond
brook trout

Witch Hole Pond
brook trout

No motors are permitted on:

Half Moon Pond
brook trout

Lower and Upper Breakneck Ponds
brook trout

There is no horsepower limit on:

Long Pond
brook trout
landlocked salmon

Warm Water Fishing

Motors over 10 horsepower are prohibited on:

Hodgdon Pond
brown trout
chain pickerel
smallmouth bass
sunfish
white perch
yellow perch

Seal Cove Pond
alewives
brown trout
chain pickerel
smallmouth bass

Seal Cove Pond, continued
sunfish
white perch
white sucker
yellow perch

Internal combustion engines are prohibited on:

Round Pond
smallmouth bass

There is no horsepower limit on:

Long Pond
smallmouth bass
chain pickerel

Ocean Fishing
A license is not required to fish in the ocean. There are, however, safety concerns when ocean fishing. Be cautious of surf conditions. Sudden waves can wash the shore and sweep you out to sea. Watch your footing; seaweed and algae-covered rocks are extremely slippery. Two ocean fishing areas in the park include:

Sargent Drive, Somes Sound
mackerel and bluefish (when running, periodically in mid-July, August, September)
striped bass (July, August, September)

Frazer Point, Schoodic Peninsula
mackerel (when running, periodically in mid-July, August, September)