Striped bass rules in Maine
Size, bag and season for recreational striped bass in Maine waters, as published by Maine Department of Marine Resources.
- Size
- 28"–31" inclusive total length (slot)
- Bag
- 1 fish per person per day
- Season
- Open January 1 – December 31 statewide (Kennebec/Sheepscot/Androscoggin watershed: open July 1 – November 30; catch-and-release only with single-hook artificials May 1 – June 30; closed Dec 1 – June 30)
Also on the agency page: Non-offset circle hooks required with bait; no gaffing; hook and line only. Saco River above Route 9/Main Street bridge to head of tide closed to fishing. Federal waters (>3 mi) closed to striped bass fishing/possession per the sheet. Personal use only; fish must remain whole.
Stale: this row was last checked Oct 8, 2026, past our 30-day limit. Treat it as history and go to the agency page.
Rules change in season, sometimes by emergency notice. This page summarizes the agency page on the date shown. If this summary and the agency page disagree, the agency page controls.
What to know before you keep one
Striped bass rules along the coast are built around a slot. A fish below the minimum or above the maximum goes back, so a measuring device on board is part of the rig.
State water or federal water
Maine rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Possession of striped bass is prohibited in federal waters (the EEZ, beyond 3 nautical miles). Fishing for them there is also prohibited. Only state waters can be fished. 50 CFR Part 697 · eCFR ↗
Across the state line
Rules for the same fish change at the state line. If you run across it or land in the next state, those rules apply.
| State | Size | Bag | Status as of Oct 13, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 28"–31" inclusive total length (slot) | 1 fish per person per day | Openas of Oct 13 |
| New Hampshire | 28" to less than 31" total length (slot) | 1 fish per day | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Massachusetts | 28" to less than 31" total length (slot) | 1 fish | Openas of Oct 13 |