UTERLandlocked Atlantic salmon fishing in Maine freshwater
In Maine freshwater, landlocked Atlantic salmon peak May–June and September–October and are around January–November, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Smelt run: salmon on the river mouths.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Landlocked Atlantic salmon in Maine freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArrivingIce-out salmon trolling streamers behind the smelt — Sebago, Moosehead, West Grand.
- MayPeakSmelt run: salmon on the river mouths.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeakGrand Lake Stream and the Kennebec — fall salmon on the fly.
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish landlocked Atlantic salmon near Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes
The brook trout and landlocked salmon state: thousands of cold lakes and ponds, famous rivers like the Kennebec and Grand Lake Stream, togue in the deep lakes, and bass in the southern lakes.
What to use for landlocked Atlantic salmon
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–64°F water, best at 46–58°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch landlocked Atlantic salmon in Maine freshwater?
Peak season is May–June and September–October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Landlocked Atlantic salmon are in Maine freshwater January–November. May: Smelt run: salmon on the river mouths.
Where do landlocked Atlantic salmon hold in Maine freshwater?
Look on lake, river — around Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes, Grand Lake Stream, Kennebec River, Belgrade Lakes.
What is the best bait for landlocked Atlantic salmon in Maine freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for landlocked Atlantic salmon in Maine freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and change — read the current rule at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/laws-rules/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/licenses-permits/index.html.
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