DMR issues sharp rebuke of illegal striped bass fishing

‘Willfully ignoring the regulations helps neither the fishermen nor the fishery,’ commissioner says

June 15, 2026

By John Boit

Responsible fishing saves the sport—and striped bass—for the future, Maine’s DMR commissioner says. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.

Striped bass, known locally as stripers, are headed our way for the summer fishing season, but the commissioner for Maine’s Department of Marine Resources had a sharp rebuke for illegal activities in southern Maine. 

Carl Wilson, commissioner for DMR, wrote in a June 8 open letter about “concerning activity we have seen by striped bass anglers this spring, particularly around the Saco River Dam.”

Wilson said his Marine Patrol Officers have written over 50 summonses and 20 warnings for violations including fishing within 150 feet of the fishway, fishing in the closed area above the Route 9 bridge, or failing to immediately liberate fish.

“Marine Patrol’s routine enforcement efforts normally include a mix of educational outreach, warnings, and summonses all focused on resource protection and management. Unfortunately, many of those summonsed in recent weeks on the Saco River are repeat offenders who have acknowledged understanding of the regulations yet continue to demonstrate a blatant disregard for the resource by engaging in ongoing illegal activity,” Wilson said.

Striped bass, once nearly depleted from Maine, have made a comeback in Maine in recent decades. The fish, which can live for 30 years and grow to as much as five feet long, spawn in and around Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and are spread out from Maine to Florida. 

The fish generally arrive on the Blue Hill Peninsula in July and then migrate south in September.

“This disregard for our striped bass resource in the Saco River cannot continue,” Wilson said. “Maine has always been a state that values the health of its natural resources. These actions over the last few weeks do not align with the conservation ethos I often hear when speaking to recreational anglers. We’ve been working hard to rebuild the striped bass stock in the midst of low recruitment, and that has resulted in a narrow slot limit and low bag limit. While it is always a challenge to balance fishery access with protection of a resource, particularly when a stock is rebuilding, willfully ignoring the regulations helps neither the fishermen nor the fishery.”

Striped bass have a narrow size slot for the fish that anglers may keep. This year, any kept fish must measure between 28 and 31 inches. All others must be released. This year’s full set of rules are posted online. 

Any violations may be reported online at Maine Operation Game Thief or by calling 1-800-ALERT-US. All tips are anonymous.