Maine Coast Fishing Report: Stripers, Haddock, and More Biting Strong

This is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Saturday morning fishing report for the Maine coast and Atlantic Ocean for May 10, 2025.

The day started under clearing skies with temps climbing into the low 60s. There’s a breeze from the southwest, making for a little chop on open water, but nothing to keep the fleet at the docks. Sunrise was 5:17 AM and sunset will be at 7:52 PM, giving us a long window to get after the fish. We’ve got a morning high tide around 7:30, which will push bait into the rivers—perfect for the early risers.

Striped bass action is picking up fast this week. The first decent push of migratory fish is moving into southern Maine waters, especially around the Saco and Mousam Rivers and up the York. Schoolies are in, and there’s been a handful of keepers reported, with some fish into the low 30-inch range. Most caught on soft plastics like pink or white paddle tails, as well as classic bucktail jigs worked just off bottom. Some anglers reported good action on big topwater plugs around sunrise. If you can find herring or bunker pods, toss a flutter spoon or large swimbait—bass are right on their tails[3][4].

Offshore, groundfishing is solid. Jeffreys Ledge and Platts Bank are producing well for haddock, cusk, and a few pollock. A couple boats even brought in a halibut and some redfish this week. Fresh clams and salted herring are the go-to baits for bottom dwellers, but jigs dressed with pink teasers have been hot for larger haddock. Most party boats are alternating between drift and anchor, depending on the bite, and the last stops of the day have produced the best action[2].

Flounder are feeding more consistently in shallow bays—sandworms and small strips of squid will put a few in the cooler if you anchor up and stay patient. Tautog action is steady, mostly south of Portland, but they’re hugging structure close to shore.

For the scallop fans, commercial pressure is moderate, but recreational folks are finding a few legal ones around rocky ledges in the Casco Bay area[5].

Hot spots to check out today: the mouth of the Saco River right on the outgoing tide for stripers, and the deep edges of Jeffreys Ledge for haddock if you’re heading offshore. Closer in, the rocky points around Cape Elizabeth and Biddeford Pool have seen a mix of schoolie bass and the first bluefish.

In summary: fish slow and steady, favor early and late light for best bites, and keep a few lures handy. The season is just heating up, and today should be another good one to wet a line. Good luck out there, stay safe, and tight lines.