In a day and age when there are so many distractions and negative influences facing our youth any opportunity for getting kids involved in a natural, healthy and outdoor based activity is an advantage. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife works to create special opportunities for young anglers to enjoy Maine’s freshwater fishing. Throughout Maine you can find bodies of water that are managed specifically for youth anglers and are regulated to allow only children 15 years or younger to fish. Many of these bodies of water are stocked with trout and are very accessible.
A list of youth only fishing waters is outlined below. They are also listed in the open water fishing regulations.
Look for a youth only fishing water in your community and introduce a young person to the life long hobby of fishing. Just keep in mind – these are for youth only! If you are 16 years or older it is unlawful for you to fish in these locations. You can certainly be there to teach, encourage and assist. Happy fishing! -EQJ
Maine’s Youth Only Fishing Waters
Androscoggin County
Pettingill Park Pond, Auburn
Aroostook County
Aroostook River* (portion of)
Hannington Pond, Reed Plantation
Mantle Lake, Presque Isle
Pearce Brook* (portion of), Houlton
Rock Crusher Pond
Cumberland County
Aldens Pond, Gorham
Coffin Pond, Brunswick
Lower Hinckley Pond, South Portland
Stevens Brook, New Gloucester
Franklin County
Carrabassett River* (portion of), Kingfield
Haley Pond Outlet, Rangeley
Toothaker Pond, Phillps (ice fishing only)
Wilson Stream* (portion of), Wilton
Hancock County
Pickerel Pond, T32 MD
(Maine Youth Fish & Game Association)
Lincoln County
Quarry Pond, Waldoboro
Oxford County
Abbott Brook, Mexico
Aunt Hannah Brook* (portion of), Dixfield
Bill Brook, Brownfield
Big Magalloway River* (portion of), Lincoln Plt
Penneseewasee Lake Outlet* (portion of), Norway
Penobscot County
Cold Stream* (portion of), Enfield
Giles Pond, Patten
Jerry Pond, Millinocket
Johnny Mack Brook, Orono
Little Round Pond (ice fishing only), Lincoln
Mattagodus Stream* (portion of), Springfield
Mill Stream, Dexter
Rocky Brook, Lincoln
Piscataquis County
Drummond Pond (ice fishing only), Abbott
Dunham Brook, Dover-Foxcroft
Sagadahoc County
Swan Island, Richmond
Somerset County
Hight Pond, Skowhegan
Kennebec River* (portions of), West Forks
Mill Stream* (portion of), Embden
Tibbetts Pond, Concord Township
Washington County
Meyers Pond, North Columbia
Meyers Pond, South Columbia
Middle River* (portion of), Marshfield
Unnamed Pond (Foxhole Pond), Deblois
York County
Leavitt Brook, Limerick
Round Pond, Lyman
Wilcox Pond, Biddeford
*See lawbook listing for water body for details on steam and river sections with youth only fishing regulations.
