Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
Scan the QR code
to download the app!
Regulations for Trout in Maine
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 Rainbow trout as of May 16th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Rainbow trout
Seasons
Open
Bag limit
2
Memorable
2 > 12
Min size
6"
Measurement
Total Length
A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters.
Rivers, streams, brooks:
April 1 to August 15: Open to open water fishing.
August 16 to September 30: Open to open water fishing using artificial lures or flies only.
October 1 to March 31: Closed to all fishing.
Lakes and ponds North Zone:
April 1 to September 30: Open to open water fishing. Minimum size = 12-inches total length.
October 1 to March 31: Closed to all fishing.
Lakes and ponds South Zone
January 1 to December 31: Open to ice and open water fishing. Minimum size = 12-inches total length.
Penobscot River: It shall be unlawful to take or possess any landlocked salmon, brown trout, or rainbow trout from tidal waters upstream and North of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and north of the Verona Island Bridge.
These species can be found in many rivers and streams, coastal waters, and other waters throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
Trout are caught in rivers and streams, coastal waters, and other waters throughout Maine. Popular fishing waters reported by Fishbrain members include Androscoggin River, Kennebec River, and Saco River.
The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Trout have recently been caught.