FishKillFlea The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) manages the fishing license Maine system. A unique benefit: your saltwater fishing license in Maine is automatically included with your freshwater license — no separate saltwater permit needed!
2026 Maine Fishing License Cost — Resident
The cost of Maine fishing license (source: Maine DIFW Official):
| License Type | Price | Agent Fee | Total | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Fishing | $25.00 | $2.00 | $27.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Maine Hunting Fishing License (Combo) | $43.00 | $2.00 | $45.00 | Annual |
| 1-Day Fishing | $11.00 | — | $11.00 | 1 day |
| Lifetime Fishing (Infant 0-5) | $150.00 | — | $150.00 | Lifetime |
| Lifetime Fishing (Junior 6-15) | $300.00 | — | $300.00 | Lifetime |
| Maine Fishing License Lifetime (Adult) | $800.00 | — | $800.00 | Lifetime |
| Senior Lifetime (70+) | $8.00 | — | $8.00 | Lifetime! Fish+Hunt+Trap+Archery |
Maine Out of State Fishing License — Non-Resident
The Maine out of state fishing license / non-resident fishing license Maine:
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season NR | $64.00 + $2 fee | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Includes saltwater |
| 15-Day NR | $43.00 | 15 days | Extended visit |
| 7-Day NR | $43.00 | 7 days | 1-week trips |
| 3-Day NR | $23.00 | 3 days | Weekend getaway |
| 1-Day NR | $11.00 | 1 day | Quick trip |
Saltwater Fishing License in Maine
The saltwater fishing license in Maine is included free with your freshwater license! When you buy a freshwater license, you're automatically registered for saltwater recreational fishing. If you're fishing saltwater ONLY and don't have a freshwater license, register for free ($2 service fee) through DMR or a town clerk.
Compare Maine With Neighboring States
| State | Resident Fresh | Saltwater | NR Annual | Senior Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $25.00 | $11.00 (separate) | $53.00 | 68+ FREE |
| Vermont | $28.00 | N/A (inland) | $54.00 | 65+ $8.00 |
| Massachusetts | $40.00 | $10.00 (separate) | $50.00 | 70+ FREE |
Maine's $25 resident is competitive with New Hampshire's $25. Key advantage: Maine includes saltwater with the freshwater license — NH and MA charge extra. Maine's senior 70+ lifetime at $8 is the best deal in New England.
FAQ
How much is a Maine out of state fishing license?
The non-resident fishing license Maine costs $64 for a season, $43 for 7 or 15 days, $23 for 3 days, or $11 for 1 day. All include saltwater. See ME fishing spots for where to go.
What about the Maine fishing license lifetime for seniors?
The Maine fishing license lifetime for seniors 70+ costs just $8 — covering fishing, hunting, trapping, AND archery forever! It's one of the best deals in all of New England.