American Eel Regulations in Maine (2026)

Where

Statewide

Size limit

Eel. An “eel” means a member of the species Anguilla rostrata in that stage of its life cycle when it is 9 inches or more in length. It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, possess, or transport pigmented eels, except that eel and elver harvesters, licensed in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §6505A, §6505-C, and §6302-A, shall not be in violation when encountering pigmented eels as “by-catch”, provided that the pigmented eels are immediately released upon culling the catch at the harvest location.

• Pursuant to 12 M.R.S. §6575-E, it shall be unlawful for a person to fish for or take eels by any method other than eel pot, except that a person may fish for or take for personal use up to 25 eels per day from the coastal waters of the state by spear gun, harpoon, or hook and line and possess and transport such eels that person has so lawfully taken.
• Eel pots must be marked with a buoy. Two or more pots may be placed upon a single line with a single buoy.
• All eel pots must be clearly labeled with the owner’s eel license number on the buoy.
• All eel pots must be tended at least twice a week. Any animals other than eels captured in the pots shall be immediately released unharmed.
• Any person holding an eel harvesting license issued under 12 M.R.S. §6505-C or 6302-A shall comply with the following regulations:

Official source