March is here! You've braved the cold in January and February, now it is time to wind down the ice fishing season with sunny skies and warmer temperatures. March is ideal for targeting warmwater species such as bass, or venturing to waters that are often overlooked in the early season. In the northern part of the state, some of the more popular waters received less fishing pressure in the early season due to conditions, and are expected to fish very well in March. Learn more in the March Fishing Report.
Remember, access to many Maine lakes and ponds are over private roads, and roads can get very muddy or unpassable this time of year. Please treat private land and landowners with respect and be mindful of where you park.
Especially on sunny days and in the afternoon, ice along the shoreline can deteriorate even if there is solid ice where you are fishing. Check the ice regularly and be aware of hazard areas, learn more about ice safety.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your ice fishing season... We'll all be casting lines in no time!
Enjoy your day on the ice, and remember these tips
There is no question, ice fishing is a large part of Maine's outdoor heritage. Enjoy your ice fishing trip, and remember:
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Leave no trace – Carry out all that you carry in.
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Park in public or designated areas - Don't block paths or other roads.
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Respect private property – Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
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Be prepared – Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
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Take care of your catch – If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.
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Reminder: Ice fishing season dates
Remember that most of Maine's lakes and ponds open to ice fishing, remain open through the month of April.
South Zone: Under General Law in the South Zone, lakes and ponds are open to ice fishing and open water fishing year-round (unless otherwise stated in the special fishing laws section).
North Zone: In the North Zone, lakes and ponds with special season code "A" are open to ice fishing and open water fishing year-round; lakes and ponds with season code “B” are open to ice fishing through April 30. Click here to search Maine's special fishing laws (Search "A (Open" or "B (Open" in the regulation column to find which waters are open to ice fishing) or use the map-based Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT). After April 1, once the ice disappears, you can open water fish on most lakes and ponds in the North Zone.
Ice fishing shacks: A person who owns any shack or temporary structure used for ice fishing must remove the shack or structure (1) In any area of the State in which there is a closed ice fishing season, by ice out or 3 days after the close of the ice fishing season, whichever is earlier; and (2) In any area of the State in which there is no close of the ice fishing season, by ice out or March 31st, whichever is earlier.
Helpful links
Beginner’s Guide to Ice Fishing in Maine
Winter ice safety
Buy a fishing license
Monthly fishing report
Search Maine fishing laws
2022 Fishing law book
Protect our Waters from Invasive Species
Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT)
Fishing resources
Current stocking report
Maine Fishing Guide
Fishing with soft plastic lures
Hire a registered Maine guide
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