FishingLicenseCheck

Maine fishing license

Maine requires a recreational fishing license from age 16. The state licenses freshwater and saltwater fishing. The current license year is 2026 (January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026).

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife · Reviewed July 30, 2026

Your trip in Maine

Special circumstances that can change the answer

Your likely official license

Yes — a licence is required. For a 1-day non-resident freshwater trip in Maine, the official match is Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing License.

Published cost for this trip$18
  • Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing License$18 · Valid for the single day selected.

What it covers

  • Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing License — freshwater. Fee row published verbatim as "1-Day Fishing $18" on the MDIFW 2026 License Fees table (maine.gov/ifw, re-checked 2026-07-30). "Fees listed do not include the agent fee." Non-Resident table.

Required add-ons

No stamp or endorsement is attached to this licence for your residency, age and trip length. Check “You may also need” below for requirements that depend on where and what you fish.

Why this answer

  1. You selected non-resident status, age 35, freshwater fishing, for 1 day.
  2. Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing License covers the full trip: Valid for the single day selected.
Other options you are eligible for
  • Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing License — $30 for this trip · Valid for 3 days.
  • Non-Resident 7-Day Fishing License — $62 for this trip · Valid for 7 days.
  • Non-Resident 15-Day Fishing License — $66 for this trip · Valid for 15 days.May be exchanged for a nonresident season fishing license upon payment of $17 plus the agent's fee.
  • Non-Resident Season Fishing License — $83 for this trip · Expires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).Covers inland waters. Holding a valid (non-lifetime) Maine freshwater fishing licence also exempts the holder from the DMR saltwater recreational fishing registry. A non-resident between 18 and 23 inclusive who is enrolled full-time in a Maine college may be eligible for a resident-rate licence, obtained at the Augusta office.
  • Non-Resident Combination Fishing and Hunting License — $169 for this trip · Expires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).Combination licence conveying both inland fishing and hunting privileges.

Exceptions that may change it

  • Maine's most recently published free fishing days were February 14, 2026 (Maine Free Fishing Day (day 1 of 2, February)), February 15, 2026 (Maine Free Fishing Day (day 2 of 2, February)), May 30, 2026 (Maine Free Fishing Day (day 1 of 2, May)) and May 31, 2026 (Maine Free Fishing Day (day 2 of 2, May)); check the agency for the next one; the agency also publishes Memorial Day weekend — saltwater registry exemption, July 4th — saltwater registry exemption and Labor Day weekend — saltwater registry exemption. No licence is required on a free fishing day; other rules still apply.
  • You are exempt from registering with the saltwater recreational fishing registry if you hold a valid Maine freshwater fishing license (not a Lifetime License).
  • You are exempt from registering if you are fishing as a passenger on a for-hire vessel (charter or head/party boat) captained by an individual who possesses a valid For-Hire Charter Boat Operator's License.
  • You are exempt from registering if you are fishing from a dock, pier or wharf owned by someone who possesses a valid Smelt-Wharf Operator License, or if you are renting a smelt fishing camp from such a holder.
  • You are exempt from registering with Maine if you are registered or licensed to engage in saltwater recreational fishing in another state, or with the National Registry, or if you hold a valid ME DMR Commercial fishing license.
  • Members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs are exempt from the saltwater registry, and MDIFW issues enrolled members a complimentary lifetime hunting, archery, trapping and fishing license.
  • Any resident and any member of the resident's immediate family may fish without a license in open inland waters from land to which they are legally entitled to possession, on which they are actually domiciled, and that is 10 or more contiguous acres in size.
  • A free fishing license is issued, upon application, to any Maine resident who is blind, and to any Maine resident (or nonresident where reciprocal privileges exist in their home state) who is suffering from the loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities.
  • Maine resident and nonresident veterans (if reciprocal privileges exist in their home state) who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and have a service-connected disability of 50% or more are issued, upon application, a complimentary license to fish.
  • Anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed at a military base in Maine, including a spouse and dependent children who permanently reside with that person, may purchase a resident license to fish.
  • A person may accompany and assist the holder of a complimentary fishing license without obtaining a separate fishing license.
  • This answer covers the licence only. Season, size, bag and waterbody rules still apply and change through the year.
Buy on the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife site

We do not sell licenses and take no commission. This goes to the state agency.

Check current Maine regulations

Seasons, size limits, bag limits and waterbody closures are not covered by this tool and change through the year.

Validity
2026 · January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Reviewed
July 30, 2026

Answers at a glance

Common trips, answered from the same official record the checker uses. These assume an adult with no special circumstances — set your own age, water and trip above.

Visiting for a day

Adult visiting from another state · freshwater · one day

Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing License

$18

Resident for the season

Adult Maine resident · freshwater · all year

Resident Season Fishing License

$30

Visiting for a saltwater day

Adult visiting from another state · saltwater · one day

Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license)

$1

Age and residency rules

Who counts as a resident. Resident means a citizen of the United States who is domiciled in this State or a person who is not a citizen of the United States, but has been so domiciled for one year. You will not be considered a resident unless: if registered to vote, registered in Maine; if licensed to drive a motor vehicle, applied for a Maine motor vehicle license; if owning a motor vehicle(s) located within the State, registered each vehicle in Maine; complied with State income tax laws; and if a full-time student at a Maine college or university, resides in Maine and satisfies the above requirements. Nonresident means a person who does not fall within the definition of a resident (Title 12, 10001-53).

Age-based rules

  • A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older to fish inland waters, so anglers under 16 do not need an inland fishing licence.
  • You are exempt from registering with the Maine saltwater recreational fishing registry if you are under 16 years of age.

License options

LicenseWhoWaterValid forPrice
Resident Season Fishing LicenseCovers inland waters. Holding this licence (as long as it is not a Lifetime License) also exempts the holder from the Maine Department of Marine Resources saltwater recreational fishing registry.ResidentSeason Fishing (16 and older). A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older to fish in inland waters.freshwater12 M.R.S. §10759: all licenses and permits issued under this chapter expire at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which the license or permit was issued.$30
Resident Combination Fishing and Hunting LicenseCombination licence conveying both inland fishing and hunting privileges.ResidentFishing privileges require age 16 or older; hunting privileges carry their own safety-course requirements.freshwaterExpires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).$48
Resident Combination Fishing and Archery LicenseCombination licence conveying both inland fishing and archery hunting privileges.ResidentFishing privileges require age 16 or older.freshwaterExpires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).$48
Resident 1-Day Fishing License1-day fishing licenses may be exchanged by a Maine resident for a season fishing or combination hunting and fishing license upon payment of the difference between that fee and the fee for the season license, plus the agent's fee.ResidentA licence is required for anyone 16 years of age or older.freshwaterValid for the single day selected.$18
Serviceman (Resident) Combination Hunting and Fishing LicenseFor a Maine resident permanently stationed outside the state of Maine, on verification that Maine is their home of record.ResidentFishing privileges require age 16 or older.freshwaterExpires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).$3
Serviceman Dependent (Resident) Fishing LicenseFor the spouse and dependent children residing with a Maine resident on active duty permanently stationed outside Maine. A Serviceman Dependent Combination hunting and fishing licence is $20.ResidentA licence is required for anyone 16 years of age or older.freshwaterExpires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).$10
Super Pack LicenseAvailable to Maine residents only. Permits hunting and fishing for all legal game and fish species and includes muzzleloader, migratory waterfowl, pheasant, spring/fall turkey, bear hunting, coyote night hunt, expanded archery permits, a dog training and hunting permit, one free chance in the moose lottery, and entry into a special antlerless deer permit category.ResidentFishing privileges require age 16 or older.freshwaterExpires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).$212
Resident Lifetime Fishing License (5 years and under)A Maine Lifetime License does NOT cover saltwater recreational fishing; lifetime holders must register separately with the Department of Marine Resources unless another exemption applies.Resident5 years and under.freshwaterA lifetime license issued under this subchapter is valid for the life of the license holder unless lawfully suspended or revoked (12 M.R.S. §10852).$150
Resident Lifetime Fishing License (6-15 years)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing; lifetime holders must register separately with DMR unless another exemption applies.Resident6 - 15 years.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$300
Resident Senior Lifetime Fishing License (age 65)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing; lifetime holders must register separately with DMR unless another exemption applies.Resident65 years of age.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$50
Resident Senior Lifetime Fishing License (age 66)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing.Resident66 years of age.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$40
Resident Senior Lifetime Fishing License (age 67)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing.Resident67 years of age.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$30
Resident Senior Lifetime Fishing License (age 68)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing.Resident68 years of age.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$20
Resident Senior Lifetime Fishing License (age 69)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing.Resident69 years of age.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$10
Resident Senior Lifetime License (70 and older)Covers all authorities the holder is qualified to receive. If you purchased a senior lifetime license before age 70 you do not pay the $8.00 fee. A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing.ResidentMaine Resident Applicants 70 years of age and older.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$8
Non-Resident Season Fishing LicenseCovers inland waters. Holding a valid (non-lifetime) Maine freshwater fishing licence also exempts the holder from the DMR saltwater recreational fishing registry. A non-resident between 18 and 23 inclusive who is enrolled full-time in a Maine college may be eligible for a resident-rate licence, obtained at the Augusta office.Non-residentSeason Fishing (16 and older).freshwaterExpires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).$83
Non-Resident Combination Fishing and Hunting LicenseCombination licence conveying both inland fishing and hunting privileges.Non-residentFishing privileges require age 16 or older.freshwaterExpires at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which it was issued (12 M.R.S. §10759).$169
Non-Resident 15-Day Fishing LicenseMay be exchanged for a nonresident season fishing license upon payment of $17 plus the agent's fee.Non-residentA licence is required for anyone 16 years of age or older.freshwaterValid for 15 days.$66
Non-Resident 7-Day Fishing LicenseNon-residentA licence is required for anyone 16 years of age or older.freshwaterValid for 7 days.$62
Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing LicenseNon-residentA licence is required for anyone 16 years of age or older.freshwaterValid for 3 days.$30
Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing LicenseNon-residentA licence is required for anyone 16 years of age or older.freshwaterValid for the single day selected.$18
Non-Resident Lifetime Fishing License (5 years and under)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing.Non-resident5 years and under.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$450
Non-Resident Lifetime Fishing License (6-15 years)A Maine Lifetime License does not cover saltwater recreational fishing.Non-resident6 - 15 years.freshwaterValid for the life of the license holder (12 M.R.S. §10852).$900
Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license)Proof of being Registered or documentation of exemption from the Registry requirement must be carried at all times while recreational saltwater fishing or transporting caught fish. Holders of a valid non-lifetime Maine freshwater fishing licence are exempt and do not need to register.Resident or visitorYou are exempt from Registering if you are under 16 years of age.saltwaterA person is required to Register with the state of Maine annually in order to engage in recreational saltwater fishing.$1

Freshwater and saltwater

Maine licenses freshwater and saltwater fishing. Check which waters your license covers before you fish — a freshwater license does not cover saltwater unless the option explicitly says it does.

State license vs federal registry. Maine appears on NOAA Fisheries' list of exempt states. Recreational anglers who possess a valid Maine saltwater registration (or one of Maine's documented registry exemptions, such as a valid non-lifetime Maine freshwater fishing licence) do not need to register through the National Saltwater Angler Registry. Registering with the NOAA National Registry is itself one of Maine's accepted registry exemptions.

Exemptions worth knowing

  • You are exempt from registering with the saltwater recreational fishing registry if you hold a valid Maine freshwater fishing license (not a Lifetime License). Still required: You must hold the valid non-lifetime Maine freshwater fishing licence and carry documentation of the exemption at all times while recreational saltwater fishing or transporting caught fish. A Maine Lifetime License does NOT cover saltwater recreational fishing — lifetime holders must register annually unless another exemption applies.
  • You are exempt from registering if you are fishing as a passenger on a for-hire vessel (charter or head/party boat) captained by an individual who possesses a valid For-Hire Charter Boat Operator's License. Still required: The captain must hold a valid For-Hire Charter Boat Operator's License, and documentation of the exemption must be carried at all times while recreational saltwater fishing or transporting caught fish.
  • You are exempt from registering if you are fishing from a dock, pier or wharf owned by someone who possesses a valid Smelt-Wharf Operator License, or if you are renting a smelt fishing camp from such a holder. Still required: The dock, pier or wharf owner must hold a valid Smelt-Wharf Operator License, and documentation of the exemption must be carried at all times while recreational saltwater fishing or transporting caught fish.
  • You are exempt from registering if you are a Maine resident and are recreational saltwater fishing only on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th or Labor Day weekend.
  • You are exempt from registering with Maine if you are registered or licensed to engage in saltwater recreational fishing in another state, or with the National Registry, or if you hold a valid ME DMR Commercial fishing license. Still required: You must hold the other state's registration/licence (or the NOAA National Saltwater Angler Registry registration, or the DMR commercial licence) and carry documentation of the exemption while saltwater fishing or transporting caught fish.
  • Members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs are exempt from the saltwater registry, and MDIFW issues enrolled members a complimentary lifetime hunting, archery, trapping and fishing license. Still required: For the complimentary inland lifetime licence the person must present certification from the respective reservation governor or the Aroostook Micmac Council stating that they are an enrolled member. For the saltwater registry, documentation of exemption must be carried while fishing.
  • Any resident and any member of the resident's immediate family may fish without a license in open inland waters from land to which they are legally entitled to possession, on which they are actually domiciled, and that is 10 or more contiguous acres in size.
  • On Maine's free fishing days any person, except those whose license has been suspended or revoked, may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days.
  • A free fishing license is issued, upon application, to any Maine resident who is blind, and to any Maine resident (or nonresident where reciprocal privileges exist in their home state) who is suffering from the loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities. Still required: The free licence must still be applied for using the Complimentary Hunting and Fishing Application, and complimentary licences are obtained at the Department Office in Augusta.
  • Maine resident and nonresident veterans (if reciprocal privileges exist in their home state) who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and have a service-connected disability of 50% or more are issued, upon application, a complimentary license to fish. Still required: The complimentary licence must still be applied for, at the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services Central Office (Camp Keyes, 194 Winthrop Street, Augusta) or by mailing in the Disabled Veteran License Application.
  • Anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed at a military base in Maine, including a spouse and dependent children who permanently reside with that person, may purchase a resident license to fish. Still required: This is a resident rate, not a licence waiver: the resident-rate licence must still be purchased.
  • A person may accompany and assist the holder of a complimentary fishing license without obtaining a separate fishing license. Still required: The commissioner must have allowed it, the assistant may help with no more than one fishing rod and reel, and the assistant must remain within the immediate proximity of the licensee while that licensee is fishing.

Free fishing days

  • Maine Free Fishing Day (day 1 of 2, February) — February 14, 2026. Any person except those whose license has been suspended or revoked may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply.
  • Maine Free Fishing Day (day 2 of 2, February) — February 15, 2026. Any person except those whose license has been suspended or revoked may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply.
  • Maine Free Fishing Day (day 1 of 2, May) — May 30, 2026. Any person except those whose license has been suspended or revoked may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply.
  • Maine Free Fishing Day (day 2 of 2, May) — May 31, 2026. Any person except those whose license has been suspended or revoked may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply.
  • Memorial Day weekend — saltwater registry exemption. Maine residents recreational saltwater fishing only on Memorial Day weekend are exempt from registering. DMR publishes the exemption by description rather than as dated days.
  • July 4th — saltwater registry exemption. Maine residents recreational saltwater fishing only on July 4th are exempt from registering. DMR publishes the exemption by description rather than as a dated day.
  • Labor Day weekend — saltwater registry exemption. Maine residents recreational saltwater fishing only on Labor Day weekend are exempt from registering. DMR publishes the exemption by description rather than as dated days.

Where this comes from

Primary source
License Requirements and Fees — Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife — Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Retrieved
July 26, 2026
Reviewed
July 30, 2026
Also consulted

Found something out of date? Email corrections@fishinglicensecheck.com and tell us which figure and which page — see corrections.

Nearby states

Licenses are issued state by state — a Maine license does not carry its own rules across the border, so if your trip crosses one, check both states.

Across all states