Episodios

  • Stripers, Haddock, and Trout: Fishing Report from the Maine Coast

    Stripers, Haddock, and Trout: Fishing Report from the Maine Coast
    May 25 2025
    This is Artificial Lure reporting in from the Atlantic coast of Maine with your fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

    Sunrise this morning was around 5:10 am, and sunset will be about 8:10 pm, giving anglers a long day to work the water. High tide in the Portland area came just after midnight and again around 12:45 pm, with falling tides through the morning and a rising tide after lunch. The water temperatures have been slowly creeping up, inviting our favorite migratory species into the mix.

    Striped bass action is heating up all along the southern Maine coast. There’s a good push of fresh stripers moving into rivers like the Saco, Webhannet, Kennebunk, and Mousam. Schoolies are common, but a few slot fish are already being reported, especially in the Saco and Webhannet where river herring are running thick. Early risers throwing white or natural-hued soft plastics like AlbieSnax and 6-inch Slug-Gos have been rewarded, particularly around Scarborough Marsh, Higgins Beach, and the “Graveyard.” Bloodworms have been a solid bet from shore, and tube-and-worm rigs are taking fish in the rivers.

    Groundfishing offshore is as good as it gets for late May. Haddock numbers are excellent from Outer Schoodic down to the Cove, and some large fish are mixed in with steady numbers. Jeffrey’s Ledge and Platt’s Bank are hot right now for haddock and redfish. Bait is working best—think fresh clams or squid strips—since dogfish aren’t thick yet. If you’re trying for something bigger, mackerel are moving onto the offshore ledges, which could attract early bluefin tuna in the coming weeks.

    The York River and Ogunquit Beach are giving up good catches of sea-run brown trout, while winter flounder are still an option for those fishing sandier stretches like Ogunquit. For fly anglers, Clouser minnows in white or olive remain the ticket for early season bass.

    Today’s hot spots to check out: Hit the Saco River mouth on the dropping tide for stripers pushing bait. Offshore, Platt’s Bank is a solid choice for a box of haddock and redfish—just bring enough bait. For shore folks, try Higgins Beach at first light or the Kennebunk River on the incoming tide.

    Best lures today are white soft plastics and tube-and-worm rigs for stripers, and traditional bait rigs for haddock and redfish. For bait, bloodworms and cut herring are drawing the most strikes inshore, with squid strips offshore.

    That’s the scoop from the local docks. Tight lines and see you on the water.
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    3 m
  • Maine Fishing Report: Stripers, Groundfish, and Freshwater Action Heating Up

    Maine Fishing Report: Stripers, Groundfish, and Freshwater Action Heating Up
    May 24 2025
    Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Maine fishing report for this fine Saturday morning, May 24th, 2025.

    The stripers have finally started making their way across the Massachusetts border and are trickling into our southern Maine waters. Not a full run yet, but enough to get excited about. If you're looking to hook into some bass, now's the time to start paying attention.

    Offshore, the groundfishing remains excellent around Jeffrey's Ledge and Platt's Bank. Recent reports show a steady pick of haddock, with some boats landing impressive numbers. One charter last week reported a haul including seventy-one cusk, a halibut, six redfish, and even a 5-pound pollock. That's a cooler-filler day right there!

    Speaking of halibut, remember the season opened on May 18th and runs through June 13th. But keep in mind there's no fishing for halibut on Wednesdays or Thursdays in Maine territorial waters, and you need to tag them immediately. Don't forget your Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry if you're heading out.

    In freshwater, the smallmouth action has been heating up with the fish moving into the shallows. They've been hitting jerk baits and swim baits aggressively. Over at Sebago and Ossipee, salmon fishing remains strong, while Winnipesaukee has been producing both salmon and lakers.

    For you largemouth enthusiasts, the season's officially kicking off with the warmer temperatures. Big lures are working well in the lakes across the state.

    Hot spots this weekend? I'd recommend trying the rivers throughout Great Bay where river herring have been surging. For groundfish, Southern Jeffrey's Ledge has been consistently productive. If you're sticking to freshwater, the Merrimack and Nashua Rivers have been giving up some nice pike, bass, and panfish.

    Bait-wise, fresh mackerel or herring chunks are working great for groundfish. For stripers, try fresh chunks or live mackerel if you can get them. Artificials like white or chartreuse bucktails with soft plastic trailers are starting to produce as well.

    With Memorial Day right around the corner, the 2025 fishing season is really hitting its stride. Today's weather looks favorable with moderate winds, making it a good day to get out on the water.

    Remember to check your tide charts before heading out. High tide's coming in mid-morning with a decent exchange that should get the fish moving.

    That's all for now, folks. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and good fishing to you all. See you on the water!
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    3 m
  • "Maine's Striper Surge: Haddock Hot Spots and Trout Treasures"

    "Maine's Striper Surge: Haddock Hot Spots and Trout Treasures"
    May 23 2025
    ATLANTIC OCEAN MAINE FISHING REPORT
    Friday, May 23, 2025

    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your local fishing report for the Atlantic waters of Maine. We're hitting that sweet spot in the season, folks, and I've got some wicked good news for ya.

    Stripers are now in full swing along our coastline! What started as a trickle a week ago has turned into a proper run. The Saco, York, Webhannet, Mousam, and Kennebunk Rivers are all producing keeper-sized bass. These migratory fish have pushed all the way up to Casco Bay, and they're absolutely hammering the river herring. If you want to get in on this action, white is the color of choice when water's murky - AlbieSnax and 6-inch Slug-Gos are getting it done. For clearer water, switch to more natural hues. Fly anglers, don't forget your Clousers, and the tube-and-worm rig has been deadly in the Webhannet.

    Groundfishing continues to be spectacular! The haddock bite from Outer Scantum to the Cove has been excellent, with good numbers and impressive size. Jeffrey's Ledge and Platts Bank remain top spots for consistent haddock action. With dogfish numbers still low, bait fishing is particularly effective right now. Remember those emergency fishing regulations that went into effect May 1st - make sure you're up on the latest possession limits, especially for Georges Bank cod which has some restrictions.

    For you folks looking for something different, sea-run brown trout are hitting in the Kennebunk, Mousam, and Ogunquit Rivers. Ogunquit Beach has also been giving up some nice winter flounder for those willing to put in the time.

    Hot spots for today: I'd hit Scarborough Marsh on the incoming tide or check out the "Graveyard" area where stripers have been crushing bait. For offshore action, Platts is the local favorite right now, with consistent keeper haddock coming over the rails.

    Mackerel are starting to show on the offshore ledges, which means we might see some early bluefin tuna action in the coming weeks. Keep your heavy gear ready!

    For those heading out today, tides are running strong with a midday high. Sunrise was at 5:12 AM and sunset will be at 8:17 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with. Weather looks decent with moderate winds from the southwest - just enough chop to keep the fish comfortable.

    Remember, with every tide, the striper numbers are swelling exponentially, so get out there while the gettin's good! This weekend should be prime time, especially if you're working the herring runs.

    That's the word from the water today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and we'll see ya on the water!
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    3 m
  • Maine Fishing Report: Stripers on the Move, Haddock Biting Hot Offshore

    Maine Fishing Report: Stripers on the Move, Haddock Biting Hot Offshore
    May 21 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your daily Atlantic Ocean, Maine fishing report for Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Sunrise this morning was at 5:08 AM with sunset coming at 8:11 PM, giving you a long day to chase what’s biting up and down the coast.

    Weatherwise, we’re looking at a classic Maine spring day—a cool start in the mid-40s but warming up into the 60s under mostly sunny skies and a light onshore breeze, perfect for both shore and boat anglers. Tides today show a high around 9:30 AM and another low just after 3:30 PM, so plan to work those changing currents for your best action.

    Striped bass are making their push into Maine right now, with steady reports of schoolies and even a few slot-plus fish showing up in the Saco and Webhannet Rivers. They’re following the spring herring and shad runs, so tossing bigger baits like soft plastics, swim shads, or a tube-and-worm rig is your best bet. Early risers are getting the action, especially around first light. For those wading or tossing from shore, white or bunker-pattern lures are producing well, and if you’ve got live herring, that’s the ticket for a shot at a big one. The Saco River mouth and around Biddeford Pool have been especially productive for stripers this week[2].

    Groundfishing for haddock, cod, and redfish offshore is staying hot. Jeffrey’s Ledge and Platt’s Bank are the go-to spots for solid haddock hauls, with anglers filling coolers using clams, squid, and cut mackerel. With relatively few pesky dogfish around right now, bait fishing is easy and productive. Cod and cusk are being hit on the rockier parts of these ledges. Closer in, some reports of haddock are coming from Tantas as well for those not wanting to make the longer run[2][1].

    River herring and alewives are still surging up the rivers, so don’t ignore the estuaries—stripers and the odd schoolie bluefish will be hot on their tails. Mackerel haven’t arrived en masse, but keep your Sabiki rigs ready as they’ll be inshore any day now[1].

    For hot spots today, focus on:
    Saco River mouth—striped bass on the move, especially at first light
    Jeffrey’s Ledge—reliable haddock bite and occasional cod
    Biddeford Pool—mix of schoolie stripers and a few keepers chasing herring

    Best lures right now are white paddle tails, bucktail jigs, and nine-inch tube baits in bloodworm red or bubblegum. For bait, fresh clams, mackerel strips, and live herring are top choices. Remember, fish slow and steady—the cool waters mean the fish are a bit sluggish until things warm up later in the day[2][1].

    That’s your report for today from Artificial Lure. Tight lines and see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • Maine Fishing Report: Stripers, Haddock, and More on the Atlantic Coast

    Maine Fishing Report: Stripers, Haddock, and More on the Atlantic Coast
    May 19 2025
    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Atlantic Ocean, Maine fishing report for Monday, May 19, 2025.

    The warming trend continues today with temperatures expected to reach the mid-60s along the coast. We've got light easterly winds at 5-10 knots creating gentle swells, perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise was at 5:08 AM and sunset will be at 8:12 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to wet your lines.

    Tides are running strong today with high tide at 9:45 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. That incoming morning tide should create excellent conditions for striped bass fishing, which has really picked up over the past week. These seven-striped beauties have moved in right on schedule following the mackerel and river herring runs we've been seeing since early May.

    Speaking of striper action, the mouth of the Kennebec River and Casco Bay have been particularly hot spots. Anglers are reporting consistent catches using swimming plugs, soft plastics, and good old-fashioned chunk mackerel. If you're heading out today, don't forget those white or chartreuse soft baits – they've been absolutely killing it in the morning hours.

    Groundfishing remains excellent with haddock being the star of the show. Jeffrey's Ledge, particularly around Central Cove and The Prong, continues to produce limits for many boats. Soft-bottom areas are yielding more haddock while the rockier spots are giving up decent numbers of cod, cusk and redfish. Clams and squid strips on circle hooks have been the ticket.

    For you freshwater folks, the salmon bite on Sebago and Ossipee lakes continues to be strong, especially during early mornings. Smallmouth bass are still shallow and aggressive – try those jerk baits and swim baits that mimic the local baitfish.

    Water levels in the rivers remain slightly higher than normal for mid-May, so use caution if you're wading. The Aroostook River and Meduxnekeag River have been producing well for trout anglers using slower presentations in the backwater areas.

    For today's hot spots, I'd recommend hitting the Sheepscot River mouth for stripers – several locals reported 30+ inch fish there yesterday. For groundfish, head about 12 miles southeast of Portland to the humps – the charter captains have been limiting out on haddock there consistently.

    Remember folks, with the new emergency measures in effect since May 1st, there's no possession of Georges Bank cod for both commercial common pool and recreational vessels.

    That's all for today's report. Tight lines and see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • "Striped Bass Migration Peaks, Groundfish Bite Stays Strong in Coastal Maine"

    "Striped Bass Migration Peaks, Groundfish Bite Stays Strong in Coastal Maine"
    May 18 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your Maine Atlantic fishing report for Sunday, May 18th, 2025.

    After a classic, foggy May morning, things settled into a mild spring day—right around 60 degrees along the coast. Sunrise was just before 5:10 am, and sunset will come at 8:03 pm. Winds stayed light and variable, which made for comfortable conditions on both inshore waters and offshore runs.

    Today’s big story is the striped bass migration. Schoolies are showing all around the lower rivers and estuaries, with some 30 to 40-inch fish moving in on the incoming tide. The best striper bite has been right around the herring runs and rocky points—places like the mouth of the Saco River and the Kennebunk marsh edges are lighting up. If you’re running out of Portland, the Presumpscot River mouth is holding fish too. Early morning and dusk have been the best shot at quality bass, especially while the herring and mackerel are schooled up close to shore[1][2].

    For lures, folks are having luck with soft plastic paddle tails in natural colors, swimming plugs, and classic bucktail jigs on the outgoing tide. Live or fresh chunk mackerel and menhaden are drawing bigger fish, especially off sandy bars and deeper points. Fly anglers are connecting with olive and white deceivers on floating lines—smaller schoolies are chasing almost anything that moves right now[1][2].

    Groundfishing is strong along Jeffrey’s Ledge and the nearshore humps, where haddock and pollock are filling coolers. Anglers bouncing diamond jigs or clam-baited rigs are reporting great numbers. If you’re looking for something different, the black sea bass and flounder bite is just kicking into gear around rocky patches and sandy bays[1].

    The bluefish run is also underway in the back bays. Expect toothy choppers to turn up around bait balls—metal spoons and topwater spooks are drawing some explosive strikes[1].

    On the commercial side, the northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishery remains open, with landings setting a brisk pace since reopening in April. Regulations are still in place, so be sure to check daily limits if you’re harvesting[3].

    For hot spots, try the Saco River mouth, Biddeford Pool, and the rocky outflow near Fort Williams. Offshore, head for Jeffrey’s Ledge if you want to fill a bucket with haddock.

    That’s the scoop from the shore and the boat this week. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.
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    3 m
  • Maine Coast Fishing Report: Stripers, Haddock, and More

    Maine Coast Fishing Report: Stripers, Haddock, and More
    May 17 2025
    Good morning from the Maine coast. Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, May 17th Atlantic Ocean fishing report.

    Today’s sunrise was at 5:10 AM and sunset will be at 8:02 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with. Tides are running strong on the back end of the recent full moon, with high tide hitting mid-morning and again late this evening—great windows for activity. The weather is shaping up fair and mild, with light winds out of the southwest expected to shift along the shore. Water levels remain a bit high for this time in May, so keep that in mind if you’re wading or launching from the rivers[3].

    The big news this weekend is the arrival of fresh runs of striped bass all along the southern Maine coast. Good numbers of schoolies and some keepers are showing up from the Saco River north to Casco Bay. Anglers are finding fast action where river herring are thick—look for the bass to be ambushing bait in the mouths of the Saco, Scarborough, Mousam, and York Rivers as well as in Scarborough Marsh and Higgins Beach[1]. Early birds are doing well casting bloodworms and soft plastics like AlbieSnax and six inch Slug-Gos; try white on murkier days and naturals when the water is clear[1].

    Fly anglers are having luck with Clousers, and spin casters are picking up fish on white Ron-Zs. For those after groundfish, haddock are chewing well offshore from Outer Scantum to the Cove with steady numbers and excellent size reported. Platts jigs are a solid choice for the deeper stuff. Mackerel are starting to move onto offshore ledges too, which could mean a shot at early bluefin soon[1].

    Elsewhere, sea run brown trout are a possibility in the Kennebunk, Mousam, and Ogunquit rivers, and winter flounder catches have been reported near Ogunquit Beach. Keep an eye out for scallop opportunities if you’re venturing east toward the Gulf of Maine, as the NGOM area is open for harvest, though quotas are being monitored closely this year[5].

    Hot spots to check today include the Saco River mouth around Camp Ellis for bass and herring, and Jeffrey’s Ledge offshore for a mixed bag of haddock and mackerel. The York River is another prime location for a mixed-striper bite, and don’t overlook Ogunquit Beach for a shot at flounder[1].

    That’s the pulse from the water this morning. Tight lines, fish smart, and remember to respect the resource. I’ll see you on the tide.
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    3 m
  • Stripers, Haddock, and the Warming Bite: Maine's Fishing Forecast for Mid-May 2025

    Stripers, Haddock, and the Warming Bite: Maine's Fishing Forecast for Mid-May 2025
    May 16 2025
    ATLANTIC OCEAN MAINE FISHING REPORT
    Friday, May 16, 2025

    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your local fishing report for the Atlantic waters of Maine. The fishing scene is really heating up now that we're mid-May, and I've got plenty to share.

    Striper season is officially underway with bass beginning to trickle across the Massachusetts border and into our waters[1]. If you're looking for stripers, they're starting to swarm the Saco and Webhannet Rivers with sizes ranging from schoolies to some slot-plus fish[3]. For the Saco, which holds herring and shad, go with bigger offerings. The tube-and-worm rig has been working wonders in the Webhannet[3].

    The groundfishing remains absolutely stellar right now. We've got a sweet situation on our hands with striper numbers increasing while the offshore haddock and redfish bite stays hot[3]. Jeffrey's Ledge and Platt's Bank are your best bets for consistent haddock action, and with few dogfish around, bait is working particularly well[3]. Some anglers are even finding fish as close as Tantas, though the farther grounds are more reliable[3].

    Local hot spots to try today: Wells Harbor Jetty has been producing nicely, and the marshes, estuaries, and flats around Casco Bay are heating up[3]. Captain Lou from Diamond Pass Outfitters reports good success on "tutti fruiti" size 2 Clousers when fly fishing, while soft plastics and topwater lures are also getting strikes[3].

    For bait, mackerel should be available not far offshore[3]. The rivers are loaded with herring and alewives, and the predator fish are pushing this forage onto the flats[3]. This pattern should only improve with today's conditions.

    Speaking of which, we're expecting the warmup to continue today, which should trigger even more fish activity[3]. The best spots for bigger bass will be around herring runs - specifically check out the Lamprey River, Oyster River, and Saco River[3].

    For those willing to make the trip south, Assateague beaches have been producing black drum and striped bass on sand fleas[2], though that's a far piece from our Maine waters.

    Remember folks, this is a transition period, so locations, numbers, and sizes of striped bass are only going to improve as we move deeper into May[3]. Get out there early, hit those river mouths on the outgoing tide, and you should find some action.

    That's the word from the water today. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!
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    3 m
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