Atlantic salmon in Maine

Maine waters

Most fished first. A species missing from an agency list does not mean it is absent; this page lists only waters whose list names it (at least 5 are needed for a page).

• Kennebec Riverlisted as “landlocked salmon”Agency list: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Magalloway Riverlisted as “landlocked salmon”Agency list: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Rapid Riverlisted as “landlocked salmon”Agency list: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• West Branch Penobscot Riverlisted as “landlocked salmon”Agency list: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Kennebago Riverlisted as “landlocked salmon”Agency list: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Rangeley Lakelisted as “landlocked salmon”Agency list: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Mooselookmeguntic Lakelisted as “landlocked salmon”Agency list: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Identification

• Michigan describes adult Atlantic salmon as having black spots on the sides, mostly above the lateral line, dark pectoral fins and a tail that may be slightly forked.[2]
  What the source says

  “Adults have black spots on sides, mostly above lateral line. Dark pectoral fins, caudal fin may be slightly forked, nine or 10 rays in anal fin.”

• Adults are very bright silver when they come back to fresh water, darken to bronze before spawning in the fall, and after spawning can darken further into "black salmon."[1]
  What the source says

  “When adults return to freshwater to spawn, they are very bright silver. After entering the river, they will again darken to a bronze color before spawning in the fall. After spawning, adults can darken further and are often referred to as black salmon.”

• Landlocked salmon (Maine) are generally silvery with a slightly forked tail and small X-shaped marks on the back and upper sides.[3]
  What the source says

  “Adults are generally silvery with a slightly forked tail and small X-shaped markings on the back and upper sides.”

More on identifying atlantic salmon

Status, protections and rules

As each agency stated them on the date read; a rule applies only where its agency says so. Check the current regulations for the water before you fish.

• The remaining US wild populations make up the Gulf of Maine DPS, listed as endangered under the ESA.[1]
  What the source says

  “Currently, the only remaining wild populations of U.S. Atlantic salmon are found in rivers in central and eastern Maine. These remaining populations comprise the Gulf of Maine distinct population segment (DPS), which is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.”

• Maine IF&W: it is illegal to fish for or possess wild sea-run Atlantic salmon, and landlocked salmon in rivers and streams have a 25-inch maximum length limit to protect returning sea-run adults.[3]
  What the source says

  “Gulf of Maine Atlantic Salmon are a federally endangered species. It is illegal to fish for or possess wild sea-run Atlantic salmon. The General Fishing Laws for landlocked salmon in rivers and streams include a 25” maximum length limit to protect returning sea-run adults from accidental harvest (average size of sea-run adults is >25”).”

Water temperature in Maine

• Cool enough for trout and salmonMaine IF&W: trout and landlocked salmon “thrive in cool (≤ 68°F), clean, well-oxygenated water.” On warm days, “Fish early in the morning when surface water temperatures are cooler.”
• Over 68°F: warmer than trout thrive inWarmer than the “cool (≤ 68°F)” water Maine IF&W says trout and landlocked salmon thrive in. Its advice: “Fish early in the morning when surface water temperatures are cooler”; “Limit the time it takes to land your fish”; “If taking a photo, do so fast and keep the fish in the water.”

Sources: Fishing Responsibly for Trout During Warm/Low Water Conditions (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife).

Destination hubs

Hubs that list one of these waters, or that a water page is near: each has guides, shops, licences and trip planning for the area.

• Rangeley Lakes, Maine5 atlantic salmon waters
• The Forks & the upper Kennebec, Maine1 atlantic salmon water

Sources

Every fact on this page is our paraphrase of the page cited beside it, read on the date shown. Rules and seasons change: check the agency's current regulations before you fish.

1. Atlantic Salmon | NOAA Fisheries NOAA Fisheries, read Oct 24, 2026.
2. Atlantic salmon | Michigan DNR Michigan Department of Natural Resources, read Oct 24, 2026.
3. Landlocked Salmon: Species Information, Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, read Oct 24, 2026.