Maine Coast fishing report for the week of October 1, 2026. Early October is the end of the line for the striper season in Maine. The water is cooling quickly, and the fish that spent the summer in the rivers and along the rocky shoreline are heading south. If you want one more shot at a Maine striper this year, now is the time.
What’s Hitting
This week, the last stripers are moving out of the rivers and along the coast as they head south. Fish are still being caught in the lower rivers and at the river mouths, especially on the outgoing tide, but the numbers are dropping each week. Mackerel are thinning along the docks and piers. Offshore, groundfish like haddock and pollock are the main option, with a few cod in the mix where it is legal to target them.
Where to Find Them
For stripers, fish the mouths of the Kennebec, the Saco, and the Piscataqua rivers, along with the rocky points and beaches from Kittery to Casco Bay. Look for birds working bait. For mackerel, the docks and piers in Portland and the harbors along the midcoast. For groundfish, the offshore ledges and banks.
Tides & Conditions
Maine has big tides, and they drive the striper fishing. The last quarter moon this weekend softens them a bit. Water temperatures are in the upper 50s and dropping. Fall weather in Maine can change quickly, so dress warmly and watch the forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
For stripers, a soft plastic swimbait, a pencil popper, or a metal lure. Live mackerel, if you can find them, are excellent bait. For mackerel, a sabiki rig or a small metal lure. For groundfish, a heavy jig or a bait rig with clams. Medium spinning gear with 20- to 30-pound braid works for stripers.
Local Intel This Week
Public launches include the East End Beach ramp in Portland, the Kittery Point area, and the Phippsburg area near the Kennebec. Shore anglers have good access at the Portland area piers, Popham Beach State Park, and Ferry Beach. Fish are concentrated at the river mouths for stripers. Check current Maine Department of Marine Resources regulations and seasons before keeping fish, including striped bass slot rules and groundfish restrictions.
This Week’s Tip
As the stripers head south in the fall, they often feed hard on the outgoing tide at the river mouths. Fish the last part of the outgoing tide, when the bait is being pulled out of the river, and focus on the edges of the current.
More Maine Coast Resources
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