When you think about Maine, many things may come to your mind. Depending on where in Maine you’re thinking about, you could picture moose or lush green forests. When you think of Maine’s coast and tourism, you’ll probably picture rocky shores, lighthouses, seaside villages, and most of all, lobster! Maine lobster season is a great time of the year when people go out to sea to catch those tasty creatures. If you stay at Dockside Guest Quarters this summer, you’ll have lots of chances to enjoy Maine lobster season and all the food it brings.
Maine is famous for its delicious, fresh lobster. Tourists and locals alike eagerly await lobster season each year to indulge in this tasty crustacean straight from the cold Atlantic waters. But when exactly is lobster season in Maine in 2022?
As a seafood lover and frequent visitor to Maine, I’ve researched the lobster seasons to plan vacations during peak harvest times. Here’s everything you need to know about when you can get the freshest lobster straight off the boats this year.
Overview of Maine’s Lobster Seasons
While lobster is harvested year-round in Maine, most lobstermen focus their efforts during the busier summer and fall seasons. Here’s a quick look at the seasons
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Spring Fishing picks up in late March/early April and lasts through June Lower yields but less competing demand makes for good prices
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Summer: The peak season starts in late June through early September. Highest landings with lots of demand from tourists. Prices are higher.
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Fall: September through late December is another busy season, with prices dropping a bit. Fishing slows around the holidays.
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Winter: Landings are low from January through March, but hardy lobstermen still head out. Supply is more limited so prices edge up again.
So when exactly can you enjoy fresh lobster in Maine during the busiest seasons of 2022?
Maine Lobster Season Dates for 2022
Here are the key start and end dates for lobster season in Maine this year:
- Spring: Late March to late June
- Summer: Late June through Labor Day
- Fall: Labor Day through late December
To be more precise, here are the start and end dates for each season:
- Spring: March 21 – June 21
- Summer: June 21 – September 5
- Fall: September 5 – December 21
I recommend planning summer vacations in Maine between late June and early September to get lobster during peak season when both supply and quality are at their best.
What Factors Determine Lobster Seasons?
Maine’s lobster supply follows natural bio-cycles impacted by the seasons:
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In spring, warming waters kickstart molting as lobsters shed their old shells to make way for new growth. This molting period means lower meat yields.
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Late June brings the longest days of the year and peak sunlight to stimulate algae growth. More algae creates more food sources for juvenile lobsters to flourish.
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By summer, lobsters have fully filled out their new shells, providing prime meat quality and quantity for diners.
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Colder fall waters help harden lobster shells again, preserving meat longer for winter storage.
Maine regulates the lobster fishery to align with these natural cycles. The seasons protect reproducing lobsters in early spring and avoid overfishing when lobsters are more dormant in winter.
Where to Get Lobster in Maine for Each Season
Here are tips on the best places to indulge in lobster based on the season:
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Spring: Restaurants offer good deals on lobster before tourist season, like the Maine Lobster Festival’s Spring Lobster Dinner.
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Summer: Lobster shacks, seaside diners, and steamed lobster dinners show off fresh caught lobster.
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Fall: Lobster bakes and fall festivals highlight end-of-season lobster. Stock up on discounted lobster to freeze for winter.
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Winter: High-end restaurants feature lobster, but supply is limited. Look for lobster shipped in from Canada to meet demand.
No matter what time of year you visit Maine, you can find lobster on the menu. But to experience Maine lobster at its seasonal peak of flavor and abundance, now you know when to plan your lobster feast during the bountiful Maine summer!
When is Peak Lobster Season in Maine?
While the stalwart fisherman of Maine can be found lobstering pretty much year round, peak Maine lobster season is between late June and late December. That period is when the lobsters are most active. There are actually several types of lobsters that can be caught off the coast of Maine. These varieties include soft shell lobsters, which are caught in summer and hard shell lobsters that can be caught year-round, but see higher numbers in the summer due to demand and nicer conditions. The latest trend in Maine lobster season prices is up, as global climate change is affecting when lobsters are maturing, the effects of which we first started to see in lobster season of 2015.
Maine Lobster Season Activities
If you want to get in on the action of Maine lobster season, then you can go on a lobster cruise. Veteran fishermen will take you out to get hands on experience in catching lobster. Nearby charters include Kylie’s Chance Scenic Lobster Tour, which will show you the ins and outs of lobstering as well as providing beautiful views of the coast. This trip is an hour and a half. Another option is Finestkind Scenic Cruises’ Lobstering Trip, which travels along the coast of Ogunquit. See traps being hauled with accompanying expert commentary on the finer points of the process and the lobster’s habitat.
Maine Lobster Season
FAQ
What is the best month for lobster in Maine?
What month is lobster cheapest?
What is the recreational limit for lobster in Maine?
What is the going price for lobster in Maine?
When is Maine lobster festival 2022?
With the 75th Maine Lobster Festival back on again after a two-year hiatus, the week of Aug. 2-7, 2022 is going to be bigger and better than ever. Since summertime is the peak season for the state’s tourism industry, it’s a good idea to start planning now to book your travel to and lodging in Rockland, Maine.
When is lobster season in Maine?
Although summer and fall mark the height of Maine lobster season, supplies of fresh, live lobster will slowly taper into winter as the weather grows colder. This means you can expect reasonable pricing until November or December some years.
When is the best time to Cook Maine lobster?
As the weather continues to warm into May and June, heading toward the summer Maine lobster season, this early prep will start to pay off. For consumers, spring is the perfect time to learn how to cook live Maine lobster via boiling, baking, grilling, and more before the bounty of summer sets in.
Does Maine lobster market price increase during Labor Day?
While Maine lobster market price tends to increase near the winter holidays and peak into the new year, you don’t have to give up on adding lobster to the menu just because Labor Day has passed. Any time you need Maine lobster delivered fresh to your door, you can count on Lobsters-Online.com to deliver.