Casting Lines in Chilly Maine Waters: Tuna, Stripers, and Freshwater Bounty

Today, January 16, 2025, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine is looking promising, despite the chilly winter conditions.

### Tidal Report and Weather
As of today, the tide times for Bar Harbor are as follows: High tide at 00:06 AM with a height of 10.74 ft, low tide at 6:07 AM with a height of 0.58 ft, high tide at 12:17 PM with a height of 11.69 ft, and low tide at 6:39 PM with a height of -0.25 ft. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM and sunset is at 4:21 PM[2].

The weather is cold, with temperatures expected to drop further, which is good news for ice anglers as smaller water bodies are starting to freeze up.

### Fish Activity
Bluefin tuna are still present within 20 miles from shore, although they are slowly migrating south. Striped bass, while not in their peak season, can still be found in the rivers, particularly the holdover stripers. Chain pickerel, yellow perch, and blue catfish are active in the tidal tributaries. For those venturing into freshwater, trout and perch are keeping anglers busy on the kettle lakes[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For saltwater fishing, focusing on moving tides is key. During outgoing tides, try using lures that mimic baitfish and crustaceans, as these are carried out into creeks and channels. Structure such as dock pilings or jetties are good spots to target predatory game fish. On incoming tides, fish the inshore tidal flats with lures that attract fish moving onto the flats with the rising tide[3].

In freshwater, small bait is recommended for brook trout due to their preference for small prey items. Slow down your retrieve as the cold water makes fish more lethargic[4].

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots for today is the middle Bay tributaries, where pickerel and perch are actively feeding. For those looking to catch striped bass, the rivers are a good bet, especially for holdover stripers.

Another promising area is the tidal tributaries, which host good fishing for chain pickerel, yellow perch, and blue catfish. If you're looking to venture into freshwater, the kettle lakes are a good choice for trout and perch.

Remember to check the local fishing regulations, especially with the new changes in 2025, and always practice safe and responsible fishing practices.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI