ANGLERS, DO YOUR PART TO PROTECT OUR WATERS 5
Anglers, Do Your Part to Protect our Waters
You must immediately kill fish you keep(§ 12611; § 10902)
• Up to 6 months incarceration and $ 1,000 fine
• 10 year suspension of fishing license
The only live fish that may be transported within the state without special permits are legal live baitfish and smelt(§ 12512; § 10902)
• Up to 6 months incarceration
• $ 1,000 minimum and $ 10,000 maximum fine
• 10 year suspension of fishing license
Live baitfish and smelt must be purchased from, and sold by, licensed retailers(§ 12551; § 12552)
• $ 100-500 fine for purchasing smelt from an unlicensed retailer
• Up to 6 months incarceration and $ 1,000 fine for selling without a license
It is illegal to bring live fish or fish eggs into Maine without special permits requiring disease certification(§ 12509; § 10902)
• Up to 6 months incarceration
• $ 1,000 minimum and $ 10,000 maximum fine
• 10 year suspension of fishing license
It is illegal to dispose of live baitfish and smelt into inland waters(§ 12557)*
• $ 100-500 fine
• If 3 or more violations within last 5 years then up to 6 months incarceration and $ 1,000 fine
* More severe penalties apply if considered an illegal introduction((§ 12510; § 10902)
It is illegal to introduce fish into Maine waters without a permit(§ 12510; § 10902)
• Up to 6 months incarceration
• $ 1,000 minimum and $ 10,000 maximum fine
• Costs associated with mitigating the introduction( e. g., labor, chemicals, equipment)
• 10 year suspension of fishing license
Watercraft and equipment must be free of aquatic plant fragments(§ 419-C).
• Up to a $ 500 fine for first violation
• Forfeiture of up to $ 2,500 for violations
2026 STATE OF MAINE LAWS & RULES FISHING