Winter Fishing in Maine's Atlantic Ocean: Tides, Weather, and Top Spots for Haddock, Pollock, and Cod

Today, January 4, 2025, if you're heading out to fish in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine, here's what you can expect.

First, let's look at the tides. According to the tide charts, the high tide in Portland, Maine, is at 9:56 AM with a height of 9.5 feet, and the low tide is at 3:43 PM with a height of -0.6 feet[5].

The weather is chilly, as expected for this time of year, with sunrise at 7:58 AM and sunset at 4:19 PM. The cold water means fish are likely to be lethargic, so slow down your retrieve and use smaller bait.

Yesterday's fishing was decent, especially for those targeting groundfish. While cod fishing is still under discussion due to regulatory meetings, anglers in the western Gulf of Maine had better luck catching other species. A notable catch was a 9-pound Maine state trophy haddock caught by Rick Turner[1].

For today, focus on haddock, pollock, and possibly some cod if regulations allow. The best lures to use are jigs and spoons, as they mimic the small prey fish that these species are looking for. For bait, use clams, shrimp, or small fish like herring.

Two hot spots to consider are off the coast where the Bunny Clark Deep Sea Fishing operates, and the waters around West Musquash Lake, although the latter is more suited for ice fishing if the ice forms well this season[1][4].

Remember to check the latest fishing regulations, especially with the new year bringing changes to some fishing areas in Maine. Stay warm and good luck on the water

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