Recreational Angling for Migratory Fish

There are several species of migratory fish (such as shad, river herring/alewives, and striped bass) that are managed by the Maine Department of Marine Resources and may be found in the inland waters of Maine. Complete information on recreational angling regulations for these species, and others, can be found by visiting www.maine.gov/dmr/fisheries/recreational or by contacting the Maine Department of Marine Resources, 32 Blossom Lane, 21 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0021, (207) 624-6550.

Species	Daily Bag & Possession Limits	Length Limit
American Eel	25 fish	9 inches
River Herring	25 fish	None
Shad	2 fish	None
Striped Bass	1 fish	28 inch minimum; all fish larger than 31 inches must be released alive
Sturgeon	No Fishing Permitted

Know the S-33 Code

Maximum length limit on Landlocked Salmon and Brown Trout: 25 inches

Sea-run Atlantic salmon occur in many of Maine’s inland waters where landlocked Atlantic salmon and brown trout may also exist. Sea-run salmon are listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and therefore may not be fished or harvested. Sea-run salmon exhibit a variety of color phases from black to silver to brown, and can look similar to brown trout and landlocked salmon in coloration. Therefore, establishing a 25 inch maximum length limit (S-33) on waters where adult sea-run Atlantic salmon may occur ensures anglers will not inadvertently “take” a misidentified endangered fish. Any sea-run Atlantic salmon incidentally caught must be released immediately, alive and unin-jured. At no time should sea-run Atlantic salmon be removed from the water.