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Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel are small, sleek pelagic fish that are highly migratory, appearing along Maine's coast in late spring and staying through early September.

They are opportunistic feeders that form tight schools when feeding on plankton and must keep moving constantly to survive as they lack swim bladders.

Scientific Name: Scomber scombrus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Small, sleek pelagic fish averaging 12-18 inches and weighing less than one pound, though individuals up to two pounds are not uncommon.
  • Iridescent blue-green backs feature distinctive wavy black bars, with silvery-white undersides and a deeply forked tail indicating their fast-swimming nature.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in harbors, coves, coastal rivers, and offshore waters along Maine's coast.

Key Locations

  • Belfast Bay, Blue Hill Bay, harbors around fish processing plants, salmon farms, Rockland and Eastport breakwaters.

Specific Spots

  • Semi-resident populations often establish in specific bays and harbors throughout summer.
  • Target areas around docks, floats, wharves, breakwaters, piers, and rocky ledges.

Atlantic Mackerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Mackerel in Maine?

Small spoons, spinners, weighted bucktails, jigs, tube lures, Swedish Pimples, Kastmasters, and Mooselook Wobblers. 'Christmas tree' rigs with 4-5 brightly colored flies (#4 or #6 hooks) spaced 18 inches apart on droppers, with red/white and yellow being top color combinations.

What flies work for Atlantic Mackerel in Maine?

Small streamers like Grey Ghost, Red and White, Barnes Special, and Mickey Finn with marabou wings and crystal flash, plus woolly worms and buggers with yellow, red, or black bodies.

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Mackerel in Maine?

Late spring through fall, with peak action from May through September. They typically appear in late June and stay through early September.

How do you catch Atlantic Mackerel in Maine?

Shore fishing from wharves, breakwaters, piers, and rocky ledges with vertical jigging working well around docks and floats. Boat fishing allows trolling at varying speeds until you find what works that day. Once you locate a school, switch to single flies for maximum sport.

What do Atlantic Mackerel eat?

Opportunistic feeders whose diet consists primarily of copepods (especially lipid-rich Calanus finmarchicus), small fish, shrimp, squid, and various planktonic organisms.

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