Fishing

The waters of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument are the center of the cultural landscape and a major recreational attraction. The East Branch Penobscot River and the surrounding tributaries offer excellent fishing opportunities. The names of the many prominent features in the area speak to the presence of Penobscot people, like the popular fishing location, Wassataquoik Stream. The word Wassataquoik is derived from a word in the Penobscot language, meaning “place to spear fish by torchlight.”

The monument provides natural habitat for the federally endangered sea-run Atlantic salmon, and holds state heritage fish waters (waters that have never been stocked or have not been stocked for at least 25 years). These waters are habitat for wild brook trout. Ponds within the monument that are heritage fish waters include Hathorn, Little Hathorn, Messer, Moose and an unnamed pond near the Katahdin Loop Road.

Licenses

Visitors fishing within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Maine.

A valid Maine state fishing license is required. It is best to purchase one online before your visit. For more information on fishing laws, license requirements and fees, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website.

Regulations

Except as provided below, fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Maine. (36CFR2.3). For state fishing regulations go to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.

The fishing regulations apply to all “finfish” found in the park. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and addressed by NPS regulations governing “wild life” (36CFR2.2).

These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States.

The following are prohibited:

• Fishing in fresh waters in any manner other than by hook and line, with the rod or line being closely attended.

• Possessing or using as bait for fishing in freshwaters, live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs or fish roe, except in designated waters.

• Chumming or placing preserved or fresh fish eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemicals, or other foreign substances in fresh waters for the purpose of feeding or attracting fish in order that they may be taken.

• Commercial fishing, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law.

• Fishing by the use of drugs, poisons, explosives, or electricity.

• Digging for bait, except in privately owned lands.

• Failing to return carefully and immediately to the water from which it was taken a fish that does not meet size or species restrictions or that the person chooses not to keep. Fish so released shall not be included in the catch or possession limit: Provided, that at the time of catching the person did not possess the legal limit of fish.

• Fishing from motor road bridges, from or within 200 feet of a public raft or float designated for water sports, or within the limits of locations designated as swimming beaches, surfing areas, or public boat docks, except in designated areas.

• Introducing wildlife, fish or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into a park area ecosystem. This includes the discarding and/or dumping of bait and bait buckets.

• The use or possession of fish, wildlife or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law, or treaty rights.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Penobscot County. Learn about the specific rules and regulations for the body of water you plan to fish in Special Fishing Laws: Laws & Rules: Fishing: Fishing & Boating: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Safety reminder: Check the flow of the river before entering the water.

Fish Consumption Advisories in National Park Waters

The Environmental Protection Agency, states, territories, and tribes provide advice on fish and shellfish caught in the waters in their jurisdiction to help people make informed decisions about eating fish. Advisories are recommendations to limit your consumption of, or avoid eating entirely, certain species of fish or shellfish from specific bodies of water due to chemical or biological contamination.

Fish is part of a healthy balanced diet, but eating wild fish and shellfish caught in park waters is not risk free. Parks are “islands,” but the much larger “ocean” that surrounds them affects the natural resources inside a park. Other aquatic toxins are the result of natural biological processes. Also, chemical contaminants that originate outside of park boundaries can come into parks.

Mercury is an example of a toxin originating outside a park that can find its way into a park. Mercury exists naturally in some rocks, including coal. When power plants burn coal, mercury can travel in the air long distances before falling to the ground, usually in low concentrations. Once on the ground, microorganisms can change this elemental mercury to methyl mercury. This type of mercury can build up in animal tissues, and it can increase in concentration to harmful levels. This high concentration can occur in large predatory fish - those often pursued and eaten by anglers. Studies have shown that fish in some National Park System waters have mercury levels that may be a concern to people who regularly eat a lot of fish.

To learn more about this topic, the National Park Service maintains information about Fish Consumption Advisories and Mercury and Toxins in Nature.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Imagine your favorite fishing spot and the wonderful memories. Things may look fine but underneath the surface there is a serious threat. Everything you remembered is now cemented together in a sharp, smelly mess. Invaders have wiped out the fish species you used to catch.

Aquatic invasive species are not native to an ecosystem. Their introduction causes, or is likely to cause, harm to the economy, the environment, or to human health. Aquatic invasive species are a growing risk to parks and their values. In the United States alone, there are more than 250 non-native aquatic species.

For many centuries, humans have contributed to spreading non-native species around the globe. You can make a difference. To learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species in the National Park Service, visit the Fish & Fishing website.

How You Can Help - Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

• Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access.
• Drain motor, bilge, livewell, and other water containing devices before leaving water access.
• Dry everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
• Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. Never dump live fish or other organisms from one body of water to another.

For more information about stopping aquatic invasive species, visit Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! For more information about aquatic invasive species in Maine, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Fishing Throughout the National Park Service

Visit the Fish and Fishing website for more information about fish and fishing in the National Park Service. You will learn about conservation, different fish species, and parks that offer fishing.