Kennebec County, ME · Inland River
Kennebec River (Augusta)
The freshwater Kennebec above the head of tide at Augusta — a strong smallmouth bass and brown trout river restored to health since the Edwards Dam removal in 1999. Live USGS flow at North Sidney reads the river; smallmouth fill the rips and rock all summer.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Smallmouth Bass & Brown Trout — tied at the top (50/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Kennebec River (Augusta).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Kennebec River (Augusta)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 50/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Blown-out flow — river up 53% in 24h — high, muddy water
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 98 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 2
Maine South Zone general law: 2 black bass/day (only 1 over 14"); North Zone is unlimited. Confirm the zone.
Source: Maine non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Marginal conditions for Brown Trout. In season 50/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Blown-out flow — river up 53% in 24h — high, muddy water
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 12 days ago on 2026-08-28. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 2
Maine general law: 2/day. 14" minimum in lakes and ponds; 6" minimum with a 25" maximum in rivers, streams and brooks. Confirm the water.
Source: Maine non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-08-28.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Maine non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Maine South Zone bass: 2/day (one over 14"). The tidal Kennebec below Augusta holds a strong striped-bass run in summer.
Local reports & rules for Kennebec River (Augusta): 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 Kennebec River (Augusta)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Kennebec River (Augusta) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Kennebec River (Augusta)?
Kennebec River (Augusta) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout. 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 Kennebec River (Augusta)?
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 Kennebec River (Augusta) 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 Kennebec River (Augusta) have?
Kennebec River (Augusta) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Maine South Zone bass: 2/day (one over 14"). The tidal Kennebec below Augusta holds a strong striped-bass run in summer.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Kennebec River (Augusta)?
state agency regulations apply at Kennebec River (Augusta). 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 Kennebec River (Augusta) tidal water?
No. Kennebec River (Augusta) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.