Maine state waters, out to 3 miles
Speargun, harpoon, minnow trap, hand dip net, or hook and line; personal use only.
ME DMR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Atlantic thread herringLast dorsal ray trails a long thread. Tell them apartNot listed by Maine: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
AlewifeSingle spot only, slimmer. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Deep-bodied herring with a big black shoulder spot trailed by smaller spots; swims in tight flipping schools. More on the Atlantic menhaden page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic menhaden in other states7 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for Atlantic menhaden in Maine?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic menhaden can you keep in Maine?
25 per day.
When is Atlantic menhaden season in Maine?
Open year-round.
How current is this Maine Atlantic menhaden rule?
Source: ME DMR 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an Atlantic menhaden in Maine and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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