Complete Guide to Maine Fishing Licenses

Before you buy fishing tackle or bait for your Maine fishing trip, the first thing you should be looking at is ensuring you have the correct license and permit. Maine is a beautiful state, packed full of excellent angling opportunities, and it’s a great place for a destination fishing trip, but you need to ensure that you not only have a valid fishing license but also that you’re up to date with all of Maine’s fishing regulations.

In the following guide to Maine Fishing Licenses, we’ll cover:

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Types of Maine Fishing Licenses

Maine has a variety of angling permit types, including both resident and non-resident fishing licenses. To see the complete list of licenses available in Maine, along with prices and any updates, please visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.

Along with their annual licenses, Maine also offers lifetime angling licenses to both residents and non-residents, with prices subject to the applicant’s age.

Maine Resident Fishing Licenses

• Season Fishing (16+);
• 1-Day Fishing;
• 3-Day Fishing;
• Serviceman;
• Serviceman Dependent.

Maine Non-Resident Fishing Licenses

• Season Fishing (16+);
• 1-Day Fishing;
• 3-Day Fishing;
• 7-Day Fishing;
• 15-Day Fishing.

Cost of ME Fishing Licenses

To make angling more accessible and affordable, Maine offers resident and non-resident pricing on their angling licenses. The complete list of licenses available in Maine, along with prices and any updates, are available on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website. Prices are subject to change, so check back regularly.

To encourage more anglers to get out on the water, Maine also offers several free fishing days. In 2024, these free fishing days are February 17^th and 18^th, and June 1^st and June 2^nd. During these free fishing days, any angler (except those with revoked or suspended licenses) may fish for free without a license. 

Please note that all other fishing regulations, including size, season, and bag limits, still apply on free fishing days.

Maine Resident Fishing Licenses

• Season Fishing (16+) – $25;
• 1-Day Fishing – $11;
• 3-Day Fishing – $23;
• Serviceman – $3;
• Serviceman Dependant – $20.

Maine Non-Resident Fishing Licenses

• Season Fishing (16+) – $64;
• 1-Day Fishing – $11;
• 3-Day Fishing – $23;
• 7-Day Fishing – $43;
• 15-Day Fishing – $47.

Age Requirements for Maine Fishing License

Maine is focused on promoting angling to youth anglers to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of the fishery. To do this, anyone under the age of 16, resident or non-resident, can fish in Maine without a fishing permit, but all season, size, and bag limits must be followed.

To learn more about fishing in Maine, check out the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife guide.

Where to Obtain a ME Fishing License

All Maine fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife portal here. The online portal is available to both residents and non-residents.

If you would prefer to purchase your fishing permit in person, you can also do so at one of the many fishing license vendors, including sporting goods stores, convenience stores, town clerks, and turnpike services centers, as well as the Department Office in Augusta.

Any fishing licenses purchased in Maine are valid from the date of purchase until December 31^st of the same calendar year they were issued.

Complete Guide to Maine Fishing Licenses | Conclusion

There you go! Everything you need to know about Maine fishing licenses, including how much they cost, the different types of permits, how to buy one, and any age requirements for young anglers.

By purchasing a fishing license in Maine, you’re not just following the rules and regulations of the state. You’re also directly contributing to the ongoing health and wellness of the fishery. A large percentage of license fees contribute directly to research, habitat protection, and fish management. By purchasing a permit, you’re doing your part to be a responsible angler.

The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.

If you have any questions about Maine fishing licenses or would like to learn more about Maine permits, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found it helpful, give it a share!