Any persons over the age of fifteen who fish in Maine waters are required to possess a Maine fishing license. A license can be purchased from most sporting goods stores, turnpike service centers, convenience stores, town clerks, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife office in Augusta, or on their website.
In this article, we will review how much a Maine fishing license costs, how to purchase a fishing license online, and the rules and fees regarding a saltwater fishing license for the state.
Maine Fishing License Cost
The fees associated with a freshwater Maine fishing license for both residents and non-residents are outlined in the table below.
|
License Type |
Resident Price |
Non-Resident Price |
|
Annual (ages 16+) |
$25 |
$64 |
|
15 Day |
N/A |
$47 |
|
7 Day |
N/A |
$43 |
|
3 Day |
N/A |
$23 |
|
1 Day |
$11 |
$11 |
Active duty military personnel stationed in the state of Maine, exchange students living with a residential Maine family, or out-of-state college students attending a Maine college or university full time are eligible to purchase Maine fishing licenses at a resident rate.
Free Maine fishing licenses are available for disabled veterans with at least 50% service-related disability and Native American citizens identifying with one of the Maine tribes (Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, or Penobscot).
Lifetime Maine fishing licenses can also be obtained for both residents and non-residents in certain age brackets:
|
Age |
Resident Price |
Non-Resident Price |
|
Less than 6 |
$150 |
$450 |
|
6-15 |
$300 |
$900 |
|
65 |
$50 |
N/A |
|
66 |
$40 |
N/A |
|
67 |
$30 |
N/A |
|
68 |
$20 |
N/A |
|
69 |
$10 |
N/A |
|
70+ |
$8 |
N/A |
Combination fishing and hunting licenses are available for purchase as an annual or lifetime license for both residents and non-residents of the state.
Maine Fishing License Online
A fishing license can be purchased through the Maine Department of Inland Fishing and Wildlife’s online MOSES system. Once an account is created, the license itself can be printed from your home or displayed electronically on a smartphone for proof of licensure.
For those obtaining a lifetime, military, or free license (Native Americans and disabled veterans), you cannot purchase these online due to documentation that needs to be presented to a representative in person.
Check out the official website for getting a fishing license in Maine.
Saltwater Fishing License in Maine
In order to fish in Maine marine waters, you must register with the Maine Department of Marine Resources and pay a fee of $1-2. This can be accomplished online, by mail, or in person at the Maine Department of Marine Resources office or the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife office.
There are a number of exemptions from registering including those who are younger than 16 years old, possess a valid freshwater or commercial fishing license, are registered to saltwater fish in another state or are fishing from a smelt fishing camp, pier, wharf, or dock whose operator holds a valid license.
Maine residents who are fishing during July 4th, Memorial Day, or Labor Day weekends do not have to register. Additionally, those identifying with a Maine Native American tribe are exempt from registering.
For getting licensed in nearby states, check out our page.
