An annual rule change is now in effect for fishing in rivers, streams and creeks in Maine. From now until September 30, anglers may only use artificial bait or flies in rivers, streams and creeks.

Mark Latti, spokesman for the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Service, said the change is intended to protect land-based salmon and brown trout as they prepare to spawn, as the caught and released fish can be injured by hooks with live bait.

“They swallow a little deeper, so if you remove the hook with a small fish or worm, you have a greater risk of injuring the fish during release. But if you use an artificial bait or a fly, the fish will usually slap at it and get caught on the side of the mouth and not get caught as deep,” Latti said.

Latti said catch quotas have now been reduced to one brown trout and one landlocked salmon per day per angler. He said it is a balancing act to protect the fishing grounds and give anglers opportunities.

“While we are changing the methods by which people can fish this time of year to protect landlocked salmon, brown trout and other trout species, it gives people the opportunity to fish without impacting fish populations,” he said.

Latti said brook trout and landlocked salmon are native to Maine and biologists monitor their populations and adjust regulations as needed.

While the regulation does not apply to lakes and ponds, Latti says it’s important to review fishing laws if you’re unsure about the rules.