Cusk Fishing in Maine
When cusk are caught across Maine, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Cusk catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maine by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Maine
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching cusk in Maine
Cusk catches in Maine run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 43% 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 cusk in Maine?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. 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 cusk in Maine?+
Across Maine, about 43% of the cusk caught are kept and 57% are released. That works out to roughly 19K kept and 24K released in 2024.
How many cusk are caught in Maine?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 43K cusk caught by recreational anglers in Maine in 2024, making it the #8 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this cusk data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
