Top fish species at Skin Cove
Check which species have trophy potential in Skin Cove
Skin Cove fishing reports
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
Fishing regulations at Skin Cove, ME
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Maine can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Atlantic rainbow smelt as of April 3rd, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Seasons
Regulations are for sea run rainbow smelt.
Statewide: It shall be unlawful to fish for or take smelts from the coastal waters by any means other than a dip net or by hook and line. It shall be unlawful to stand in the water of any coastal river, brook, or stream while fishing for smelts.
Zone 1: From the New Hampshire border to Owl's Head Light in Rockland.
- At no time are you allowed to use a dip net to take smelts in zone 1.
- From January 1- March 14 you may fish for or take smelts by hook and line through the ice, only while ice is present. You may not take or possess more than 4 quarts during this time period.
- If ice is present on/after March 15 you may fish for or take smelts by hook and line through the ice. You may not take/possess more than 2 quarts.
- You may fish for or take smelts by hook and line from October 1-December 31. You may not take or possess more than 4 quarts during this time period.
Zone 2: East of Owl's Head in Rockland to Naskeag Point in Brooklin.
- From March 15 to June 30, both days inclusive, the season the bag limit is 1 quart of smelts per day. No smelt fishing on Tuesday's and Wednesday's.
- From July 1 through March 14, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for smelts in the coastal waters of the State using hook and line. This seasons bag limit is 4 quarts of smelts per day.
Zone 3: East of Naskeag Point to the head of tide on the St. Croix River.
- From March 15 through June 30, both days inclusive, the seasons bag limit is 2 quarts of smelts per day.
- From July 1 through March 14, both days inclusive, there is no daily limit.
For additional information, see MAINE SEA RUN RAINBOW SMELT REGULATIONS
Osmerus mordax, Rainbow smelt
Regulations for
FAQ about Skin Cove fishing
- Atlantic rainbow smelt - 3 members reported to have caught this fish
- Smallmouth bass - 3 members reported to have caught this fish
- Brown bullhead - 3 members reported to have caught this fish
- @zachary.fowler reported a nice Atlantic rainbow smelt.
- @zachary.fowler reported a nice Atlantic rainbow smelt.
- @Katch-King reported a nice Atlantic rainbow smelt.
- @Katch-King reported a nice Atlantic rainbow smelt.
- @Katch-King reported a nice Atlantic rainbow smelt.
Free trial available