Find the best late-season fishing spots in Maine before winter sets in

By Kevin McKay

For many anglers, the end of September feels like the end of the fishing season. But Maine still offers outstanding opportunities long after most waters close. Lakes and rivers across the state stay open well into the colder months, often with less pressure and surprisingly active fish.

With Thanksgiving now behind us, most people have packed away their rods and turned their focus to the holidays. But fishing season in Maine is far from over. There are still fish to be caught. 

When my son was seven — he’s 26 now — he landed a 20-inch salmon on Oct. 31 on the Kennebec River. A few Thanksgivings ago, I skipped turkey altogether to chase salmon and ended up catching several on the Kennebec.

For years, MaineFlyFish.com hosted an annual Freeze-Up, where like-minded anglers gathered on the first Sunday of the new year to fish for rainbow trout on the Mousam River in Kennebunk. I’ve even guided trips in mid-November on the St. George River and watched clients take browns on dry flies.

Last November, my son Jax and I met up with a buddy and targeted northern pike. We didn’t connect, but the option was there. We also fished the Presumpscot, sight-fishing brook trout and landlocked salmon, and managed to bring both to the net.

Some anglers try to catch a fish every month of the year in Maine. It’s not easy. Winter water temperatures plummet, and fish activity slows way down, but fish still need to eat. 

If you watch the forecast and pick a mild winter day in the mid-30s, you might just catch a rare winter trout. And chances are you’ll have the entire river to yourself; most folks are sitting by a warm fire or out on the ice.

The East Outlet stays open until Oct. 31. After that, the lower section closes to protect spawning fish, but the upper stretch remains open. Years ago, I used to fish until Thanksgiving and start again in January, and I can say with confidence: These late-season days are among Maine’s best-kept secrets.

During the pandemic, my youngest son and I made it a mission to find places to fish into November. We explored several year-round or late-season waters, including the Kennebec near Shawmut Dam and the Presumpscot River. 

Those crisp mid-November days were some of the most memorable — hours spent casting for browns and brookies with consistently strong catch rates. Maine has plenty of late-season action if you know where to look.

Many rivers and ponds are stocked multiple times a year, making them ideal for anglers targeting trout as temperatures drop. And the farther south you go, the warmer the weather — often translating to even better late-season opportunities for browns, brook trout and rainbows.

Year-round and late-season waters in Maine

The Androscoggin River is well known for excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Several sections stay open year-round, though some areas have special regulations for trout and salmon.

The Kennebec River has numerous stretches — especially around Augusta and Waterville — that remain open all year. It’s famous for striped bass in the summer, but bass fishing stays strong throughout the year.

Much of the Penobscot River stays open until the end of November. It offers diverse fishing opportunities with excellent access.

The Saco River has several sections that remain open year-round. Anglers find strong fishing for trout, bass and seasonal runs depending on the location.

The St. George River is open year-round in many areas, with cold-water species restrictions varying by section. It offers a quiet winter option with mixed-species opportunities.

The Presumpscot River has tailwaters below dams — especially near Sebago Lake — that are open year-round. It’s popular for landlocked salmon and trout when other waters close.

The Royal River’s lower stretches near Yarmouth and North Yarmouth remain open year-round for warm-water species. Some sections receive trout stocking.

The Mattawamkeag River has areas open year-round with solid bass fishing and less pressure than southern rivers.

The Mousam River is open year-round, though winter access can be tricky. It’s known for trout and the occasional salmon.

The Sebasticook River has year-round sections near Winslow and Benton that offer great bass fishing. Seasonal regulations apply for trout and salmon.

The East Outlet of the Kennebec River, near Moosehead Lake, is often open year-round. It provides outstanding trout and salmon fishing, with method restrictions at certain times.

Beyond these waters

These waters represent just a portion of Maine’s year-round and late-season fishing opportunities. No matter where you go, the state offers countless spots to wet a line long after most anglers have called it quits for the season.

Some of my favorite fishing memories come from 32-degree days — bundled up, sun on my face, listening to the river rush past. When the weather warms just slightly, insects begin to stir and fish start feeding again. There’s a special stillness to late-season fishing, a quiet beauty that makes these days feel like the season has only just begun.

While these waters offer year-round opportunities, individual sections may have seasonal rules. Maine’s fishing laws vary by region, and regulations for trout, salmon and bass can change based on management goals and time of year.

For the latest information on laws, stocking schedules and specific regulations, check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s laws and rules and its fish stocking report. Staying informed ensures you’re fishing responsibly — and legally — every month of the year.

Maine offers countless year-round fishing opportunities, with rivers and lakes open well into — and even through — the winter months. This list is just a small sample of the waters where you can wet a line long after most anglers have called it quits for the season.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the next time you feel that itch to fish, look up the regulations for your favorite river or lake. Maine’s beauty is never out of reach, and its fish are ready to bite all year long.