Chilly Catch: Haddock, Stripers, and More in the Maine Coast Fishing Report

Fishing Report – Atlantic Ocean, Maine – April 9, 2025

Today’s conditions in Maine offered a mix of challenges and rewards for anglers. Sunrise was at 6:07 AM, and the sunset will be at 7:17 PM, providing plenty of daylight for fishing. The tide chart for Portland shows that the first low tide occurred at 3:34 AM, high tide at 9:49 AM, second low tide at 4:04 PM, and another high tide is expected at 10:18 PM. Water temperatures remain on the cooler side, which is typical for early April, and weather conditions are chilly with some light wind, so dress warmly for any outings.

The local fishing activity in the Gulf of Maine is marked by an active haddock bite, with state trophy-sized catches reported recently, such as a 9-pound haddock. Groundfish like cod and pollock are catching attention as well, though cod fishing remains under strict quotas and rules. For recreational anglers, haddock up to 17 inches are within legal limits under new regulations starting in May, but today's focus remains on catch-and-release for some groundfish species.

Striped bass, a favorite among local anglers, are beginning to show inshore as they chase baitfish into shallower waters. Smaller stripers are active near estuaries and rivers, where bloodworms, sandworms, or soft plastic lures like paddletails and jerkbaits have been effective. Larger stripers are still staging offshore but should move closer in the coming weeks.

For lures, the paddletail soft plastic remains a crowd favorite due to its versatility. It can mimic a swimming baitfish or be worked off the bottom like a wounded shrimp. Bucktail jigs and jerkbaits are also recommended, especially in light-colored or natural baitfish patterns to match the forage. If bait is preferred, fresh clams or mackerel chunks are excellent choices.

Hot spots today include the waters around Casco Bay and nearshore ledges off Portland. Higgins Beach is another great spot for striper action, especially during incoming tides. For haddock, targeting deeper offshore waters remains productive, with charter boats reporting consistent success.

Overall, while the chill in the air may require an extra layer, the fishing opportunities around the Maine coast are shaping up nicely. A mix of groundfish offshore and stripers heading into the shallows provides a variety of choices for anglers. Tight lines!