Maine USA Freshwater Fishing

Atlantic Salmon

Over the last 10 years, Maine has maintained its license sales while most other New England states have experienced significant declines in purchases of hunting and fishing licenses.

“Maine’s outdoors remain a destination for anglers and hunters, drawing people to the inland waters and woods and the sporting opportunities that are available there,” said Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin. “The last 10 years have included tough economic times, when many people have tightened their belts. People still see Maine hunting and fishing licenses as a bargain, and are not cutting them from their budgets.”

From 1999-2009, Maine fishing license sales have remained fairly consistent, up 0.19 percent. Among the New England states, only Vermont saw an increase in fishing license sales, up 20.80 percent.

The other states experienced double-digit percentage drops: Connecticut: -15.91 percent; Massachusetts, -12.09 percent; New Hampshire, -15.54 percent; and Rhode Island, -26.92 percent.

Colorado, Michigan, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming also experienced declines in sales.

Only Montana had a slight uptick in fishing license sales. The numbers were compiled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Maine is one of the few destinations in the USA where anglers can fish for Atlantic salmon. Other popular freshwater fish include brook trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, musky, and a variety of panfish.  

source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife