Access Rights to Public Water

Although there are public rights of access to "great ponds" (natural lakes of 10 acres or more), most great ponds are encircled by private lands. People generally have the right to cross undeveloped land to get to a great pond, but do not have the right to fish from the shore. Similarly, the public does not have legal rights to use river banks for fishing, except from the custom of permissive access.

Since private landowners own approximately 94% of Maine's land area, the future of much of Maine's public recreation depends on our relationship with private landowners now.

The Landowner Relations Program within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife works on increasing and enhancing access to private property. Without that access, outdoor recreational opportunities would be quite limited.

Even though permission to access unposted land is not required by law, "Asking First" is the right thing to do. We are finding through conversations with hundreds of landowners acress the State, that all landowners want is to be asked for access to their land and thanked for its use.

Access to private land can be lost because of the abuse and disrespect shown by a few towards the landowner and their land.

The sporting public needs to help landowners in any way possible. Pick up trash left behind by someone else; correct the person that is doing something wrong; and most importantly, convey to the landowner how much you appreciate being able to use "their" land.

The Landowner Relations Program is funded by the proceeds of the Supersport License sales. Become a supporter of preserving access for now and future generations. Any license may be upgraded to a supersport at any time.

Access Rights to Public Water