Can I Keep?Rainbow Smelt Regulations in Maine (2026)
Recreational rainbow smelt rules in Maine saltwater, as published by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Rainbow Smelt rules in Maine
- Where
- Zone 1: From the New Hampshire border to Owl’s Head Light in Rockland
- Bag limit
- From March 15 to September 30, both days inclusive, you may not fish for, take or possess more than 2 quarts of smelts per day. From October 1 to March 14, both days inclusive, you may only fish for, take or possess 4 quarts of smelts per day.
- Season
- From March 15 to September 30, both days inclusive, you may not fish for, take or possess more than 2 quarts of smelts per day.; From October 1 to March 14, both days inclusive, you may only fish for, take or possess 4 quarts of smelts per day.
- From February 1 to September 30, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for, take or possess smelt by hook and line through the ice.
- From October 1 to January 31, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for or take smelt by hook and line.
- Statewide: It is unlawful to stand in the coastal waters, including the coastal waters of any river, brook, or stream, while fishing for smelts.
- Where
- Zone 2: East of Owl’s Head in Rockland to Naskeag Point in Brooklin
- Bag limit
- From March 15 to June 30, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for, take or possess smelt by dip net or by hook and line. The bag limit is 1 quart of smelts per day and no smelt fishing is allowed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. From July 1 through March 14, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for smelt using hook and line. You may only fish for, take or possess 4 quarts of smelts per day during this period.
- Season
- From March 15 to June 30, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for, take or possess smelt by dip net or by hook and line. The bag limit is 1 quart of smelts per day and no smelt fishing is allowed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.; From July 1 through March 14, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for smelt using hook and line. You may only fish for, take or possess 4 quarts of smelts per day during this period.
- From March 15 to June 30, both days inclusive, it is only legal to fish for, take or possess smelt by dip net or by hook and line. The bag limit is 1 quart of smelts per day and no smelt fishing is allowed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Statewide: It is unlawful to stand in the coastal waters, including the coastal waters of any river, brook, or stream, while fishing for smelts.
- Where
- Zone 3: East of Naskeag Point to the head of tide on the St. Croix River
- Bag limit
- From March 15 through June 30, both days inclusive, you may only fish for, take or possess 2 quarts of smelts per day. From July 1 through March 14, both days inclusive, there is no daily limit.
- Season
- From March 15 through June 30, both days inclusive, you may only fish for, take or possess 2 quarts of smelts per day.; From July 1 through March 14, both days inclusive, there is no daily limit.
- It is only legal to fish for, take or possess smelt by dip net or by hook and line.
- Statewide: It is unlawful to stand in the coastal waters, including the coastal waters of any river, brook, or stream, while fishing for smelts.
Quick answers
How many rainbow smelt can I keep in Maine?
From March 15 to September 30, both days inclusive, you may not fish for, take or possess more than 2 quarts of smelts per day. From October 1 to March 14, both days inclusive, you may only fish for, take or possess 4 quarts of smelts per day. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is rainbow smelt season in Maine?
From March 15 to September 30, both days inclusive, you may not fish for, take or possess more than 2 quarts of smelts per day.; From October 1 to March 14, both days inclusive, you may only fish for, take or possess 4 quarts of smelts per day.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More inshore in Maine
All Maine saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources. Most anglers need a Maine saltwater license or registry: get one here.