Maine § 12456. - Open seasons; exceptions
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 12456. — Open seasons; exceptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12456.. Open seasons; exceptions
1. Open seasons.
1-A. Open seasons. The commissioner shall establish open seasons for fishing, except as provided in this section and section 6140‑A, subsection 4.
A. The open-water fishing season on boundary waters between Maine and New Brunswick is from April 1st to September 30th, inclusive. [PL 2015, c. 301, §33 (AMD).]
2. Exceptions. Notwithstanding the open seasons established under subsection 1‑A:
A. A person who holds a valid Maine fishing license may take smelts for recreational purposes only from the inland waters or portions of inland waters that are naturally free of ice with a dip net in the usual and ordinary way from noon to 2:00 a.m. in accordance with bag limits established by rule. Bag limits established by rule under this paragraph are for a 24-hour period, beginning at noon on a given day and ending at 11:59 a.m. the following day. The commissioner may prohibit the taking of smelts under this section or shorten the noon to 2:00 a.m. smelt fishing timeframe by rule for enforcement or conservation purposes.
Each day a person violates subparagraph (2) that person commits a Class E crime; and [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §17 (RPR).]
B. [PL 2009, c. 214, §6 (RP).]
C. [PL 2009, c. 214, §6 (RP).]
D. [PL 2009, c. 214, §6 (RP).]
E. In accordance with section 10104, the commissioner may change the established opening date of an open-water recreational fishing season and may change the established closing date of a recreational ice-fishing season if, in the commissioner's opinion, the change is warranted due to weather conditions. [PL 2019, c. 9, §1 (AMD).]
3. Rules. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A and may be adopted by emergency rulemaking pursuant to Title 5, section 8054.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 12456.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 12456. cover?
Section 12456. ("Open seasons; exceptions") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 12456.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 12456." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 12456. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.