Massachusetts Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Massachusetts?
A resident annual Massachusetts fishing license costs $40.00, and a non-resident annual license is $37.50. Massachusetts also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
🎫 Buy a Massachusetts Fishing License →Fishing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is defined by Cape Cod and the Islands. Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore and bonito blitz the beaches and rips, while cod, haddock and tautog fill the boats inshore and offshore. Freshwater ponds and the Quabbin Reservoir add largemouth, trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon. Saltwater anglers sign up through the state's permit registry, and the striper migration sets the rhythm of the whole coastal season.
Massachusetts Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$40.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$37.50
Unconfirmed — mass.gov fee PDF 403s; fee summary suggests ~$50
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$23.50
Senior (70+)
FreeMA resident 70+ free; 65–69 pay ~$20 (fee summary, unconfirmed)
Youth (under 15)
FreeResident $40 confirmed (2026 fee cycle). Non-resident/65–69 senior prices unconfirmed — mass.gov fee PDF and license page both 403 automated fetch.
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Massachusetts fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Massachusetts. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 15 do not need a license. Residents under 15 need no fishing license. Residents 15–17 must carry a license, but it is issued FREE.
- Seniors (65+)
- Residents 65–69 buy a reduced $20.00 resident fishing license; residents 70 and older fish FREE (a free license issued by statute).
- Anglers with disabilities
- FREE resident fishing license for Massachusetts residents certified as paraplegic, blind, or otherwise qualifying as physically disabled under state law (statutory free license).
- Veterans & military
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on leave who are Massachusetts residents may fish free; disabled veterans who qualify as paraplegic under Massachusetts law qualify for the free license.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7, 2026 — Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend; no license required to fish any public lake, pond, reservoir, stream or river in Massachusetts from 12:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 7. All other regulations (catch limits, seasons) still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Massachusetts Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Massachusetts species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped BassSaltwater slot 28–31 inches; confirm current rule | 1 | 28" | Varies |
| Largemouth/Smallmouth BassStatewide general limit | 5 | 12" | Year-round |
| TroutStatewide general limit | 3 | No limit | Year-round (stocked) |
| CodFederally managed — check current recreational rule | No limit | No limit | 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 Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Massachusetts Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Massachusetts?
A resident annual fishing license in Massachusetts costs $40.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $37.50. Massachusetts also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Do you need a fishing license in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 15 are exempt. Residents 65–69 buy a reduced $20.00 resident fishing license; residents 70 and older fish FREE (a free license issued by statute). Always confirm current rules with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife before you fish.
Where do you buy a Massachusetts fishing license?
Buy directly from the Massachusetts Division of 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 Massachusetts.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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