Maine Fishing License Guide (2026)

Maine requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years or older for inland (freshwater) fishing. No license is needed for saltwater fishing. Maine is world-famous for landlocked salmon, brook trout, and togue (lake trout) fishing.

16+

Min Age

Yes

Free Days

$26

Resident/yr

$64

Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type	Price
Annual Resident	$26
Lifetime Resident	$150

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type	Price
Annual Non-Resident	$64
15-Day Non-Resident	$47
7-Day Non-Resident	$43
3-Day Non-Resident	$26
1-Day Non-Resident	$11

See the complete Maine cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

MDIFW Online Licensing ↗

Instant digital license

📞

Phone Purchase

📞 (207) 287-8000

🏪

Retail Locations

Town clerks, Walmart, sporting goods stores

Explore all Maine purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Feb

Free Fishing Weekend (Ice Fishing) (through Feb 15 )

Freshwater only · Great for ice fishing.

Jun

Summer Free Fishing Day

Freshwater only

License Validity

Maine licenses expire on December 31 each year.

Full Maine free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 16 Exemption

Children under 16 do not need a fishing license.

👴

FREE License for Seniors (70+)

Maine residents 70 and older can fish for free.

🎖️

Active Military on Leave

Active military on leave get a free fishing license.

✅

FREE Saltwater Fishing

No license required for saltwater fishing in Maine.

Full Maine exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$100–$ 500

Fine Range

citation

Offense Type

Civil violation with fines $100-$500.

Learn more about Maine fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

1

Visit the Official Portal

Go to MDIFW Online Licensing ↗
2

Select Your License Type

Choose between resident/non-resident, duration, and water type based on your needs.
3

Complete Payment & Download

Pay online and receive your digital license instantly. You may also print a physical copy.