Maine Changes Rules For Haddock And Bluefish

Bluefish, Photo/NOAA Fisheries

Maine has updated its rules for catching haddock and bluefish, allowing anglers to catch and keep more fish.

Officials with the Maine Department of Marine Resources announced the emergency fishing rule changes on Friday, April 3.

The updates bring Maine regulations into alignment with recent federal actions by NOAA Fisheries and interstate fishery managers, while modestly increasing access for recreational fishermen.

Haddock, photo/NOAA Fisheries

Haddock Size Limit Reduced

Under the new rule, the minimum size for recreationally caught haddock has been reduced from 18 inches to 17 inches. The change mirrors federal regulations and is designed to provide anglers with greater opportunity without exceeding established catch limits.

The adjustment is tied to the recreational sub-annual catch limit (sub-ACL), ensuring that increased harvest flexibility does not jeopardize stock sustainability. By lowering the size threshold slightly, fisheries managers aim to strike a balance between access and conservation—particularly as haddock stocks remain closely monitored in the Gulf of Maine.

Bluefish Bag Limit Increased

Maine has also increased the recreational possession limit for bluefish from three fish to five per angler.

Bluefish management falls under the authority of both the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which jointly oversee the species along the East Coast. A 2025 management track stock assessment indicated that bluefish are on pace to reach their rebuilding target this year, opening the door for more flexible harvest limits.

The new five-fish bag limit aligns Maine with the private angler regulations adopted at the federal and interstate levels, creating consistency for fishermen who may cross jurisdictional boundaries.