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. 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 on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website 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 (as well as motor limitations, types of fish found in specific lakes, and information on ice fishing and ocean fishing) is available as a web page and a PDF document (109kb).

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 Check the State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.

Boaters: Clean your boat before you float. Watch out for hitchhiking plants on boats and equipment. A single invasive plant or plant fragment can infest an entire lake or stream. 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. State of Maine freshwater fishing licenses may be purchased at:

Licenses may also be purchased online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's on-line hunting & fishing licensing system.

Ice Fishing
The ice fishing season generally lasts from January 1 to March 31. Check the State of Maine Ice Fishing Regulations handbook for exact dates and possession and size limits. Many of the larger ponds and lakes in the park are popular locations for ice fishing. Please be cautious on frozen bodies of water and ensure that ice thickness is sufficient to support your weight.

More Information
The State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website 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.

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.

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).