Maine Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Maine (ME)?
A resident annual Maine fishing license costs $30.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $83.00. Maine also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
How does Maine compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Maine Fishing License →Fishing in Maine
Maine is coldwater and rocky coast. The north woods lakes and rivers hold wild brook trout, landlocked salmon and togue (lake trout), the streams add smallmouth bass, and the coast gives up striped bass and mackerel through the summer. Remote pond fishing for native brookies is a signature Maine experience. The open-water season is short and intense, and ice fishing carries hardy anglers through the long winter.
Maine Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$30.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$83.00
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$62.00
Non-Resident 15-Day
Freshwater
$66.00
Senior (70+)
Freshwater
$8.00
ME resident 70+: one-time $8 lifetime license (not free)
Youth (under 16)
FreePrices are the state season fee; Maine adds an agent fee at checkout (amount not published by IFW).
✅ Prices verified August 2026 from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Maine fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Maine. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. A license is required of anyone 16 or older to fish inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. Maine residents aged 16–17 who are in state custody receive a complimentary license.
- Seniors (70+)
- Residents 70 and older buy a senior LIFETIME license for a one-time $8.00 — cheap, but not free — covering hunting, trapping, archery and fishing plus several permits. Residents aged 65–69 may buy the same lifetime license on a sliding one-time scale: $50 at 65, $40 at 66, $30 at 67, $20 at 68, $10 at 69.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Complimentary (free) licenses are issued to any Maine resident who is blind; to any Maine resident (or non-resident where reciprocal privileges exist) suffering the loss or loss of use of both lower extremities; to any person with a developmental disability; and to any person with a head injury.
- Veterans & military
- A complimentary license to fish, trap or hunt is issued on application to Maine resident veterans (and non-resident veterans where reciprocal privileges exist) who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and have a service-connected disability of 50% or more. Issued through the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services.
- Free fishing days (2027)
- February 13–14, 2027 and June 5–6, 2027 — on Maine's Free Fishing Weekends any person may fish without a license, except anyone whose license is under suspension or revocation. All other laws and regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Saltwater & beach fishing in Maine
No license required for saltwater fishing in Maine
Where to buy a Maine fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Maine also sell licenses.
Maine Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Maine species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brook TroutMany ponds are 2-fish or fly-fishing-only — check the lawbook | 5 | 6" | Varies by water |
| Landlocked SalmonWater-specific limits are common | 2 | 14" | Varies |
| Smallmouth BassGeneral-law limits apply where not otherwise posted | No limit | No limit | Varies |
| Striped BassSaltwater slot; confirm current coastal rule | 1 | 28" | Varies |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Maine Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Maine?
A resident annual fishing license in Maine costs $30.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $83.00. Maine also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Maine?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Maine costs $83.00. For a shorter trip, Maine also sells 7-Day, 15-Day licenses. Buy online from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Residents 70 and older buy a senior LIFETIME license for a one-time $8.00 — cheap, but not free — covering hunting, trapping, archery and fishing plus several permits. Residents aged 65–69 may buy the same lifetime license on a sliding one-time scale: $50 at 65, $40 at 66, $30 at 67, $20 at 68, $10 at 69. Always confirm current rules with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you fish.
Where do you buy a Maine fishing license?
Buy directly from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Maine.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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