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American Eel

American Eel

American Eel is Maine's only catadromous fish species, spending most of its adult life in freshwater before migrating to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die. Population status is depleted coastwide.

Scientific Name: Anguilla rostrata

Also known as glass eels, elvers, yellow eels, silver eels

Physical Characteristics:
  • Snake-like fish distinguished by their olive-green to brown backs with yellow-green sides and gray-white bellies.
  • Females can reach 2-3.5 feet and up to 6 feet, while males typically grow 1.5-2 feet.
  • Most eels over 16 inches are female.
  • Glass eels are 2-3 inches and transparent.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found from tidal areas to remote headwater ponds throughout Maine's accessible freshwater systems.

Key Locations

  • All Maine rivers with sea access, particularly major systems like the Penobscot, Kennebec, and their tributaries.
  • Found throughout Maine's accessible freshwater systems including the Penobscot, Kennebec, and St.
  • Croix watersheds.

Specific Spots

  • Rocky boulders, pilings, overhanging trees, spring holes, piers, docks, drop-offs, underwater structures, muddy bottoms, dams, undercuts, and bridges.

American Eel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for American Eel in Maine?

Live baits including nightcrawlers, maggots, minnows, insect larvae, herring, and shiners. They also bite chicken liver, dead fish, and cut bait.

When is the best time to fish for American Eel in Maine?

Spring glass eel/elver fishing (March-May), year-round yellow eel fishing, fall silver eel fishing (September-November). Glass eels enter Maine rivers March-June. Silver eels make spawning migration September-December.

How do you catch American Eel in Maine?

Best techniques include fly fishing and spinning. Position yourself on banks or shorelines, throw bait in the water to attract eels, then cast to feeding fish. Use eel pots (traps) made of woven strips resembling long baskets with funnel entrances - eels enter attracted by scent but can't easily exit.

What do American Eel eat?

Opportunistic feeders, consuming aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, fish, and scavenging dead material.

Where do American Eel live in Maine?

Found from tidal areas to remote headwater ponds throughout Maine's accessible freshwater systems.

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