Fly Fishing in Maine
Maine is the stronghold of wild brook trout in the East, with landlocked salmon rivers, thousands of remote ponds and striped bass along the coast in summer.
- 17River guides
- 16Game fish
- Late MayPrime season
Flows right now in Maine
1 of 8 top rivers are flowing normal for today
- Kennebec River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 474 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Saint John River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 702 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Allagash River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 409 cfs Below normal 10th–24th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Presumpscot River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 292 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Royal River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 32 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Ducktrap River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 0 cfs Below normal 10th–24th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Grand Lake Stream(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 118 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Androscoggin River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 1,060 cfs Below normal 10th–24th percentile updated 34 minutes ago
USGS readings compared with each gage's daily flow percentiles (historical record for today's date).
Check the water before you go
Live flows, hatches and fishability ratings for every one of these rivers, in the free FlyFishFinder app.
When to go
How busy the hatches are each month across Maine, from the watershed hatch charts.
- Fewer to more hatches
- Prime season
- Runoff
- This month
Typical hatches in Maine in October
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Autumn Caddis PeakCaddis
Kennebec River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Saint John River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Allagash River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
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Blue-Winged Olive PeakMayfly
Kennebec River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Saint John River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Allagash River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
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IsonychiaMayfly
Kennebec River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Saint John River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Allagash River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
Smaller streams often see lighter or later hatches; check local reports.
Fish in Maine
Tap a fish to see every Maine river that holds it.
Brook Trout
In 15 river guides
Common Carp
In 4 river guides
Atlantic Salmon
In 3 river guides
8 more game fish
Fly fishing in Maine
Maine is the place to fish for wild brook trout in the eastern U.S. Thousands of streams and ponds hold native brookies, from small woodland brooks to big lake-fed rivers. The Rangeley Lakes region is the heart of it, with well-known water like the Rapid River, the Kennebago and the Magalloway, where brook trout and landlocked salmon run larger than most eastern anglers expect.
Farther north and east, the West Branch of the Penobscot, the upper Kennebec and the Roach River are known for landlocked salmon and brook trout, and Grand Lake Stream in Washington County is a well-known landlocked salmon river.
Many ponds in the North Woods are fly-fishing-only, and a few hold native blueback char. Along the coast, striped bass come into the rivers and estuaries in summer and are a popular fly target.
Tips for fishing Maine
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Fish the Rangeley region
The Rapid, the Kennebago and the Magalloway are the best-known rivers for big brook trout and landlocked salmon. Expect cold water and wild fish.
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Swing streamers after ice-out
In spring, salmon and brook trout chase smelt near lake inlets and outlets. Traditional Maine streamers like the Gray Ghost are a good choice.
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Fish the hatches
Mayflies and caddis typically start in late May and June, with Hendricksons early and larger mayflies later. Evening hatches on the ponds can be very good.
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Bring bug protection
Black flies and mosquitoes are heavy in late spring and early summer. A head net and repellent make the trip much better.
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Look for the fall runs
In September, brook trout and landlocked salmon move from the lakes into the rivers. It is one of the best times to find large fish.
Find the right Maine river for today.
- Top Waters Today ranks the rivers near you on live conditions
- Every access point and parking area on one map
- Live flows from every USGS gauge in the state
Maine fly fishing FAQ
Where is the best brook trout fishing in Maine?
The Rangeley Lakes region, including the Rapid, Kennebago and Magalloway rivers, is the best-known area. The North Woods also has thousands of remote ponds and streams with wild brook trout.
What is a landlocked salmon?
A form of Atlantic salmon that lives its whole life in fresh water. In Maine they live in lakes and run into rivers to feed and spawn, and they jump and fight hard on a fly rod.
When is the best time to fly fish in Maine?
Late May through June after ice-out, and again in September when fish run up from the lakes. Midsummer is slower on many rivers as the water warms.
Do I need a special permit to fish in Maine?
You need a Maine fishing license for inland waters. Many waters have special rules, such as fly-fishing-only sections, so check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's current regulations.
What flies work in Maine?
Streamers like the Gray Ghost after ice-out, mayfly and caddis dries during the early summer hatches, and nymphs all season. Bring a few terrestrials for late summer.
Can you fly fish for striped bass in Maine?
Yes. Striped bass enter Maine's rivers and estuaries in summer, and the lower Kennebec is a popular place to chase them with a fly. Saltwater rules differ from inland rules, so check before you go.
