Atlantic Menhaden Fishing in Maine
When atlantic menhaden are caught across Maine, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Atlantic Menhaden 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 atlantic menhaden in Maine
Atlantic Menhaden catches in Maine run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 92% 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 atlantic menhaden in Maine?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. 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 atlantic menhaden in Maine?+
Across Maine, about 92% of the atlantic menhaden caught are kept and 8% are released. That works out to roughly 235K kept and 21K released in 2024.
How many atlantic menhaden are caught in Maine?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 256K atlantic menhaden caught by recreational anglers in Maine in 2024, making it the #3 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this atlantic menhaden data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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