Fishing Trips Acadia Style

Want to Do Bar Harbor Deep Sea Fishing?
Or Is Freshwater Fishing More Your Style?

Fishing trips Acadia style can be a great way to spend time on your Acadia vacation. Whether you'd like to try Bar Harbor deep sea fishing, land-based Bar Harbor salt water fishing or even fishing in one of Acadia's lakes, there's plenty of options.

Photo credit: seamus_murray/Flickr

Fishing in and around Acadia is a great activity for both individuals and families with children. I know some of my most treasured childhood memories involved going fishing with my dad...

So, what are the options?

Well, within Acadia, you are allowed to fish in many of the lakes and the NPS stocks them with fish. Plus you can also do saltwater fishing.

Outside of Acadia, you can deep sea fish, freshwater fish and surf fish along the Frenchman Bay shore and in Somes Sound.

Let's take a closer look at the options for your fishing trip Acadia style...

Freshwater Fishing

The freshwater fishing season in Maine is generally April through September. During July and August, trout and salmon are found deep in the cooler waters of lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island.

Special fishing gear, such as lead core line or a down-rigger, will greatly increase your chances of hooking a salmon or trout in the summer. In the cooler seasons, trout and salmon can be caught readily using common methods. Warm-water species can be caught throughout the season using common methods.

Here is a list of the various lakes and ponds in Acadia and what you'll find there.

Cold Water Fishing

* Motors over 10 horsepower are prohibited on these lakes/ponds.
** Internal Combustion engines are prohibited on these 2 ponds.
*** No motors are permitted on these ponds.
⁺ No restrictions on this pond.

Warm Water Fishing

Photo: Trout_Lore/Flickr

Fishing Regulations for Acadia Ponds & Lakes

It's important to understand the regulations governing fishing trips Acadia style.

• Portions of lake and pond shorelines may be privately owned, so please respect private property.


• Several ponds and lakes on the island are public drinking water supplies where swimming, wading, and pets are prohibited. Please follow posted regulations.


• Eating freshwater fish containing mercury can be harmful if consumed in large quantities, so don't go hog wild!


• Boaters need to clean your boat before you float. Watch out for hitchhiking plants on boats and equipment. A single invasive plant or plant fragment can infest an entire lake or stream. Dispose of plants on high, dry land away from lakes and ponds.


• Fishing licenses for the state of Maine are required for Maine residents 16 years or older and non-residents 12 years or older. Fees vary based on resident/non-resident status, age, and length of license. You can buy licenses in the larger towns on Mount Desert Island and in nearby Ellsworth.
  
  See this page on the NPS site for a list of locations. (They'll also give you a handbook with your license that tells about fishing regulations, including length, bag, and possession limits; safe eating guidelines; opportunities for children, and more.)

Saltwater Fishing In & Around Bar Harbor & Acadia

Photo credit: misterbisson/Flickr

• Be cautious of surf conditions. Sudden waves can wash the shore and sweep you out to sea.
• Watch your footing; seaweed and algae-covered rocks are extremely slippery.

Where to Ocean Fish in Acadia

If your fishing trip Acadia is to be one the ocean, try these spots:

• Sargent Drive, Somes Sound, where you can catch mackerel and bluefish (when running, periodically in mid-July, August, September) and striped bass (July, August, September).


• Frazer Point, Schoodic Peninsula, where you may be able to hook mackerel (when running, periodically in mid-July, August, September).

Ice Fishing in the Winter

Photo credit: looseends/Flickr

Check the State of Maine Ice Fishing Regulations handbook (that you get with your fishing license) for exact dates and possession and size limits. Be cautious on frozen bodies of water and ensure that ice thickness is sufficient to support your weight.

Deep Sea Fishing

If catching the big catch is more your style, then you might want to check out the Bar Harbor deep sea fishing options. Hanker to bring home a story of the one that didn't get away? You're in luck... Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor offer deep sea fishing opportunities for both experienced and novice fishermen (or women).

• Downeast Windjammer
• AtlanticPanic
• Masako Queen Fishing Company

Photo credit: rabesphoto/Flickr

So, as you can see, for fishing trips Acadia and Bar Harbor, you have many options.

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