Mainers Can Fish Free This Weekend Ice fishing is all the rage during the cold Maine winter months. Until recently, we haven't had cold enough weather to produce enough ice for safe fishing. The cold temperatures have finally formed a thick layer over most ponds and lakes, so there are more and more people joining in on the fun. If you're new to ice fishing and want to give it a try, or may you only like to fish a day or two a year, this is the perfect way for you to do just that. According to Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, this weekend, February 13th and 14th, are the first of two FREE fishing weekends in Maine. The other happens during the summer months.