Penobscot River

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 14

The Penobscot River is Maine's largest river system, draining nearly one-third of the state with a watershed area of 8,570 square miles. The river extends from headwaters near the Canadian border to Penobscot Bay, with varied habitat types including rapids, pools, runs and impoundments. Water depths range from shallow riffles to pools over 15 feet deep.

Maine licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Penobscot River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

Fallfish

Semotilus corporalis

Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

Redbreast Sunfish

Lepomis auritus

Splake

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

White Perch

Morone americana

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Penobscot River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Penobscot River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Maine licenses and regulations

Maine Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Maine Fishing License

A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older, to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. A person is required to keep their fishing license with them at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide, or landowner upon request. An electronic license or permit can now be displayed in lieu of a physical paper license or permit.

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Maine Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Maine Stream Access Laws

"All streams of sufficient capacity in their natural condition to float boats, rafts or logs, are deemed public highways and as such are subject to the use of the public."

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Take Penobscot River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Penobscot River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Penobscot River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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