The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing regulation changes for the upcoming ice fishing and open water fishing seasons. These regulations are needed to provide for the effective conservation of Maine’s inland fisheries, and enhance fishing opportunities throughout the State.
These regulatory proposals are based upon current information regarding the status of game fish populations and their use. Appropriate adjustments to the regulations are proposed to control exploitation, and enhance the quality and variety of fishing opportunities throughout the State.
Some waters will also meet the criteria and be added to the State Heritage Fish waters list, and some either do not meet the criteria or existing restrictions undermine efforts to conserve other native fish and are proposed for removal. The proposals, if adopted, will become effective January 1, 2019, with the exception of the removal of Crescent Pond from the Heritage Fish Waters list effective October 1, 2018.
The lists of proposed changes can be viewed:
- 2019 Rule Making Proposals for Statewide Waters (PDF)
- 2019 Rule Making Proposals for Heritage Waters (PDF)
The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Ballroom C, located at 250 Haskell Road in Bangor.
Anyone unable to attend the public hearing may submit written comments on any of the proposals to Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 284 State Street, #41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333; becky.orff@maine.gov. The deadline to submit comments is August 24, 2018.
