FishKillFlea MassWildlife manages the freshwater fishing license MA while the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) handles the MA saltwater fishing license. Both are purchased via the MassFishHunt online portal. Understanding the two-license system is key!
2026 Mass State Fishing License — Freshwater (MassWildlife)
The fishing license in Mass freshwater costs (source: MassWildlife Official):
| License Type | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing (16-64) | $40.00 | Calendar year | Ponds, rivers, Quabbin |
| Resident 3-Day | $20.00 | 3 days | Short trip option |
| Quabbin 1-Day | $5.00 | 1 day | Quabbin Reservoir only |
| Resident Minor (15-17) | FREE | Annual | Must register |
| Resident Senior (65-69) | $20.00 | Annual | 50% discount |
| Resident Senior (70+) | FREE | Annual | Also: blind, paraplegic, intellectually disabled |
| MA Hunting and Fishing License (Combo) | $60.00 | Annual | Saves vs separate |
Non-Resident Freshwater
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual | $50.00 | Calendar year |
| NR 3-Day | $30.50 | 3 days |
| NR Minor (15-17) | $8.00 | Annual |
Mass Saltwater Fishing License (DMF)
The MA saltwater fishing license / ocean fishing license MA is a separate permit:
| Permit | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saltwater (under 60) | $10.00 | All residents AND non-residents |
| Saltwater (60+) | FREE | Must still obtain permit |
$5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp
A $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp is added to the first resident license purchased each year and to ALL non-resident licenses. Funds land protection for outdoor recreation.
Compare Massachusetts With Neighboring States
| State | Resident Fresh | Saltwater | NR Annual | Senior Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $28.00 | $10.00 | $55.00 | 65+ FREE |
| Rhode Island | $18.00 | $10.00 | $35.00 | 65+ $5.00 |
| New Hampshire | $25.00 | $11.00 | $53.00 | 68+ FREE |
| Vermont | $28.00 | N/A (inland) | $54.00 | 65+ $8.00 |
| New York | $25.00 | FREE (reg) | $50.00 | 70+ FREE |
Massachusetts at $40 freshwater is the most expensive in New England. However, the $10 saltwater permit is standard for the region. Rhode Island at $18 freshwater is the cheapest neighbor. MA 70+ FREE is among the best senior benefits.
FAQ
Do I need separate freshwater and saltwater licenses in Massachusetts?
Yes! The freshwater fishing license MA ($40 via MassWildlife) and the Mass saltwater fishing license ($10 via DMF) are two separate purchases — both through MassFishHunt. Unlike Maine where saltwater is included, MA requires both.
How much is a fishing license in Mass for seniors?
Residents 65-69: $20 freshwater. Residents 70+ and paraplegic/blind: completely FREE. Saltwater is also FREE for 60+. See exemptions and MA fishing spots.