Massachusetts Fishing License
Fishing 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.
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater anglers in Massachusetts are licensed separately by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Visit Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries →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.