Penobscot County, ME · Atlantic Ocean
Penobscot River (Bangor)
The tidal Penobscot at Bangor draws one of Maine’s best summer striped-bass runs as schools push upriver chasing baitfish. Shore and small-boat anglers work the waterfront and the mouth of the Kenduskeag; live USGS flow at Eddington tracks the river.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Striped Bass harvest is closed today.
Best conditions of 1 species tracked at Penobscot River (Bangor).
Special Weather Statement issued June 5 at 2:43AM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Penobscot River (Bangor)
1 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Striped Bass harvest is closed today. Out of season 68/100
Striped Bass is outside any documented open harvest period at this location. Check the state agency before fishing.
What's helping
- 61°F water — right in striped bass's ideal range
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
- Daily creel
- 1
Maine (DMR): 1 striped bass/day, 28–31" slot, open July 1–November 30 (closed Dec 1–June 30). Circle hooks required when fishing with bait.
Source: Maine regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Maine
Coordinates
Notes
Maine DMR: 1 striped bass/day, 28–31" slot, July 1–Nov 30. Circle hooks required with bait. Atlantic salmon are federally endangered here — any caught must be released unharmed.
Local reports & rules for Penobscot River (Bangor): Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife fishing report → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Penobscot River (Bangor)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Penobscot River (Bangor) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Penobscot River (Bangor)?
Penobscot River (Bangor) is listed on this site for 1 commonly-targeted species: Striped Bass. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Penobscot River (Bangor)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Penobscot River (Bangor) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Penobscot River (Bangor) have?
Penobscot River (Bangor) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Maine DMR: 1 striped bass/day, 28–31" slot, July 1–Nov 30. Circle hooks required with bait. Atlantic salmon are federally endangered here — any caught must be released unharmed.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Penobscot River (Bangor)?
state agency regulations apply at Penobscot River (Bangor). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Penobscot River (Bangor) tidal water?
No. Penobscot River (Bangor) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.