Maine Outdoor Journal

A few years ago, I wrote the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ask why there was no Fall fishing season open for Sebago Lake. I was eager to find out if the rumors I had been hearing of Northern Pike in Sebago were true; I have look luck with Pike in the FAll.

John Boleyn was the regional fisheries biologist at the time. We spoke about my desires and dreams of fishing Sebago in the Fall; but time passed and it seemed like I would never have my chance.

This year.....Times are a changggg...in. And the good news is that Sebago is now open to fall fishermen. I know most of you boys are out tracking deer and hunting birds; but there are a few of us that just can't put the boat up for the season until it starts pushing ice. I'm one of those guys.

So I did a little digging! What can I fish for on Sebago? What is the actual law? I couldn't find them on the IFW website but was fortunate enough to have them forwarded to me. Here they are:

Sebago Lake, Naples, etc. B. From January 1 through March 31: S-1, S-3. Daily bag limit on togue: 6 fish; minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches; only one may exceed 23 inches. Trout and landlocked salmon may not be taken by ice fishing. CLOSED to ice fishing is that portion of Sebago Lake within 3,000 feet of a red post on the shore marking a point between the 2 Portland Water District intakes. Also closed is the area within 100 feet of the Standish intake. Motor vehicles are prohibited on posted area within 2 miles of the Portland Water District intake pipe in Standish (does not include ATVs and snowmobiles).

Sebago Lake, and all tributaries including rivers. From April 1 through September 30: S-1, S-3, S-22, S-28. Daily limit on togue: 6 fish; minimum length limit: 14 inches; only 1 may exceed 23 inches. Minimum length limit on landlocked salmon: 16 inches. No fishing within 100 feet of White’s Bridge. Crooked River - see Crooked River.

Sebago Lake. From October 1 – December 31: Open to open water fishing. All trout and salmon must be released alive at once. Daily bag limit on togue: 6 fish; minimum length limit: 14 inches; only one may exceed 23 inches.


There are no restrictions on pike (no size/bag) and they may be harvested during the fall as well. If you feel like chilling......here's your opportunity to try out an area that has been closed to Fall fishing for years.