Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment

ADVERTISE: June 25, 2025

CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 1. Open Water and Ice Fishing Regulations

TYPE OF RULE: X Routine Technical

PROPOSED RULE NUMBER:

BRIEF SUMMARY: The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing regulation changes for the upcoming ice fishing and open water fishing seasons. These regulations are needed to provide for the effective conservation of Maine's inland fisheries and to enhance fishing opportunities throughout the State. This rule-making packet includes 12 individual proposals presented in the following "theme" categories: Special Need; Salmonid Growth, Condition, and Performance; Expanded Angler Opportunity; and Errors, Conflicts, and Confusion. The proposals, if adopted, will become effective January 1, 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposals and provide comments by submitting written comments by mail or email to the contact person for this filing or by participating in the public hearing. (All comments must be related to this rulemaking packet.) Note: Written comments are given equal consideration to testimony given at the public hearing.

Date, time, and location of PUBLIC HEARING: July 15, 2025 @ 4:00pm – IFW, 353 Water Street, 3rd floor conference room, Augusta, ME

COMMENT DEADLINE: July 25, 2025

CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 353 Water Street, #41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333; becky.orff@maine.gov

CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT (if different):

FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES: None anticipated. STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 12 MRS Sections 10104 & 12452 SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED:

AGENCY WEBSITE: www.maine.gov/ifw

E-MAIL FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULE-MAKING LIAISON: Becky.Orff@maine.gov

View 2025 Fishing Regulation Proposals (PDF)


ADVERTISE: July 23, 2025

AGENCY: 09-137 Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 22 – Rules Pertaining to Department Publication

TYPE OF RULE (check one): X Routine Technical __ Major Substantive

PROPOSED RULE NUMBER (leave blank; to be assigned by Secretary of State):

BRIEF SUMMARY: The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to repeal Chapter 22 rules. The Chapter is now obsolete as the Department's magazine has been out of publication since Spring of 2008. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

Date, time and location of PUBLIC HEARING (if any): none scheduled.

COMMENT DEADLINE: August 22, 2025

CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING (include name, mailing address, telephone, fax, TTY, email):

Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 353 Water Street 41 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333; phone: 207-287-5202; fax: 207-287-6395; e-mail: Becky.Orff@maine.gov

CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT (if different):

FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): No fiscal impact.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 12 MRS 10104

SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED (if different):

AGENCY WEBSITE: www.maine.gov/ifw

EMAIL FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: Becky.Orff@maine.gov