Massachusetts Fishing License
Issued by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Buy Your LicenseFishing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has both ends of the spectrum. Inland, the Quabbin Reservoir produces trophy lake trout and landlocked salmon, while the Connecticut and Deerfield rivers run trout. Wachusett Reservoir is a smallmouth and lake-trout sleeper. On the coast, the Cape Cod Canal is the most famous striper run in New England, bluefish, fluke, scup, and tautog round out the inshore menu. Stellwagen Bank delivers cod, haddock, and bluefin tuna offshore.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Freshwater Annual | $40.00 |
| Resident Freshwater Minor (15–17) | Free |
| Resident Freshwater (65–69) | $20.00 |
| Resident Freshwater (70+, paraplegic, blind, intellectually disabled) | Free |
| Resident Freshwater 3-Day | $20.00 |
| Resident Sporting (Hunt + Fish + Deer Tags) | $75.00 |
| Resident Sporting (65–69) | $37.50 |
| Resident Sporting (70+, includes trapping) | Free |
| Quabbin Reservoir 1-Day Fishing | $5.00 |
| Non-Resident Freshwater Annual | $50.00 |
| Non-Resident Freshwater Minor (15–17) | $8.00 |
| Non-Resident Freshwater 3-Day | $30.50 |
| Saltwater Permit (under 60) | $10.00 |
| Saltwater Permit (60+) | Free |
| Wildlands Conservation Stamp Added to first resident license each year and all non-resident licenses | $5.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website before purchasing.
All licenses are valid for the calendar year. Discounted (senior/minor) licenses are available to US citizens only. Saltwater permits are administered separately by the Division of Marine Fisheries. Online purchases add a $2.75 admin fee per license plus a 4.95% convenience fee.
Log Your Massachusetts Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Massachusetts.
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater anglers in Massachusetts are licensed separately by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Visit Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries →Massachusetts Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Massachusetts fishing license cost?
A resident freshwater annual fishing license in Massachusetts costs $40.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a Massachusetts fishing license?
Massachusetts fishing licenses are sold online by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Massachusetts?
Freshwater fishing licenses in Massachusetts are issued by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Saltwater fishing is licensed separately by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license in Massachusetts?
Yes. Saltwater fishing in Massachusetts is regulated separately by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, so saltwater anglers need the appropriate saltwater license or registration in addition to (or instead of) a freshwater license.