The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has released some reminders and tips for early spring fishing. 

Reminders

Beginning Friday, May 1, recreational fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older. Purchase your fishing license online at mefishwildlife.com. 

View Maine's current fishing laws and rules or use the Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT). 

Before you go fishing, please remember to:

• Be safe and prepared, always wear a life jacket. It is very early in the season meaning the water is very cold, and streams and rivers are high with strong currents. 

• Fish close to home

• Have a plan B and C so if your first fishing spot is busy, you can try the next spot

• Don't share equipment

• Follow the CDC guidelines for physical distancing

• Don't carpool with non-household members

• Let someone know where you are going, and when you expect to return

• If you are exhibiting symptoms or have recently been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home

Early Spring Fishing Tips

1. Keep water temperature in mind. Cold temperatures mean the fish are still moving a bit slow, so your lure or bait should move slow as well. Take your time and be patient. ~ Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders, Belgrade Lakes Region

2. Try something bright and dress warm. A flashy, brightly colored lure may be just what it takes to coax a lethargic fish to bite in cold water conditions. And don't forget to dress warm. ~ Fisheries Resource Supervisor David Howatt, Rangeley Lakes Region

3. Early season fishing often requires anglers to focus on very shallow water to find feeding fish. Sunny, calm days shortly before or right after ice out will result in warmer water close to shore. ~ Fisheries Resource Supervisor Frank Frost, Fish River Lakes Region

4. Stream anglers will have the best trout action when water temperatures reach between 50 and 55 degrees or above. Best flies that work for me are the woods special and marabou muddler. ~ Fisheries Resource Supervisor Gregory Burr, Grand Lake Region

5. Early spring ice-out conditions are a perfect time to try trolling for salmon. Use a nine-foot fly rod with a tandem fly pattern such as a grey ghost or maple syrup, or even a live sewn-on smelt, and troll slowly on the surface before temperatures warm and fish seek deeper water. Whatever you favor for bait, a life jacket should be the first piece of equipment you grab. ~ Fisheries Resource Supervisor Kevin Dunham, Penobscot Region

6. Looking to help improve a fishery? Keep a voluntary record book! If you would like to keep a record book for the Moosehead Region, email stephen.seeback@maine.gov. To request a book for another region, contact your local fisheries biologist. 
~ Fisheries Resource Supervisor Tim Obrey, Moosehead Region

7. With so many people out fishing right now, it pays to troll slowly. Not only will you catch more fish, but you will also have plenty of time to adjust to the paths of anglers around you. ~ Fisheries Resource Biologist Nick Kalejs, Sebago Lake Region