Fishing in Maine
Maine is a coldwater wonderland. The Rangeley region, Moosehead Lake, and Sebago Lake produce landlocked salmon and lake trout (togue), Sebago is the salmon's native home. The Penobscot and Kennebec rivers hold smallmouth, stripers in the lower reaches, and brookies in the headwaters. Tens of thousands of remote ponds carry native brook trout. The rocky Atlantic coast adds striped bass, mackerel, and bluefish through summer, with cod and haddock further offshore.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Season Fishing (16+) | $30.00 |
| Resident Combination Fishing & Hunting | $48.00 |
| Non-Resident Season Fishing (16+) | $83.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Fishing | $62.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing | $30.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing | $18.00 |
| Resident Lifetime, Age 65 | $50.00 |
| Resident Lifetime, Age 66 | $40.00 |
| Resident Lifetime, Age 67 | $30.00 |
| Resident Lifetime, Age 68 | $20.00 |
| Resident Lifetime, Age 69 | $10.00 |
| Resident Lifetime, Age 70+ | $8.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website before purchasing.
Fees do not include the agent fee. Saltwater anglers register separately (free) through the Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry via Maine DMR.
Log Your Maine Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Maine.
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater anglers in Maine are licensed separately by Maine Department of Marine Resources.
Visit Maine Department of Marine Resources →Maine Fishing License FAQ
Where can I buy a Maine fishing license?
Maine fishing licenses are sold online by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Maine?
Freshwater fishing licenses in Maine are issued by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Saltwater fishing is licensed separately by Maine Department of Marine Resources.
Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license in Maine?
Yes. Saltwater fishing in Maine is regulated separately by Maine Department of Marine Resources, so saltwater anglers need the appropriate saltwater license or registration in addition to (or instead of) a freshwater license.