Alewife Fishing in Maine
When alewife are caught across Maine, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Alewife catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maine by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching alewife in Maine
Alewife catches in Maine run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Jan-Feb. Anglers keep about 77% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maine fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch alewife in Maine?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Jan-Feb. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release alewife in Maine?+
Across Maine, about 77% of the alewife caught are kept and 23% are released. That works out to roughly 19K kept and 5,802 released in 2024.
How many alewife are caught in Maine?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 25K alewife caught by recreational anglers in Maine in 2024, making it the #9 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this alewife data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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