Maine License Price Calculator
How Much Is a Fishing License in Maine?
A Maine resident annual fishing license costs $30.00. Non-residents pay $83.00 for the same annual license.
Maine doesn't sell a traditional saltwater license at all — coastal anglers 16 and up instead complete an annual Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry for just $1 online, administered separately from the freshwater license by the Department of Marine Resources. Even a Maine Lifetime freshwater license doesn't cover saltwater; holders still register every year. (Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife)
Maine Fishing License Price Table (2026)
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $30.00 | $83.00 | Resident annual (season) |
| 1-Day | $18.00 | $18.00 | Short-term option |
| Non-Res 7-Day | N/A | $62.00 | See notes below |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | Free | Most states exempt young anglers |
2026 Is Maine's First Fee Increase in 15 Years
Maine's resident license rose from $25 to $30, and the non-resident season license rose by $19 to $83 — the state's first fishing license increase since roughly 2011. If you're used to Maine's old prices, budget for the update.
Non-Resident Pricing Scales With Trip Length
Visiting anglers don't have to pay the full $83 season price. Maine offers a 1-day license at $18, 3-day at $30, 7-day at $62, and 15-day at $66 — a much closer fit for a typical week-long trip than the season rate.
Maine Fishing Seasons & Bag Limits (2026)
These are Maine's default statewide season windows and bag/size limits for the most commonly targeted species. Many individual lakes, rivers, and reservoirs carry their own special regulations that override these defaults — always confirm the rules for your specific water before you fish.
| Species | Season | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Open-water season, most waters (varies by zone) | 6" min. | 5/day (2/day South Zone lakes) |
| Landlocked Salmon | Open-water season, most waters | 14–25" slot | 2/day |
| Togue (Lake Trout) | Open-water season, most waters | 18" min. | 2/day |
| Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth) | Year-round | No statewide min. (North Zone); South Zone varies | Unlimited (North Zone); 2/day, only 1 over 14" (South Zone) |
Where to Buy a Maine Fishing License Locally
In addition to the official state portal linked above, Maine fishing licenses are typically available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Dick's Sporting Goods locations statewide, along with independent bait & tackle shops. Call ahead if you need a specific license type (combination, lifetime, or trout stamp) since not every retail counter carries every product.
Maine Fishing License — FAQs
How much is a Maine fishing license?
A resident season license costs $30.00, up from $25 as of 2026. Non-residents pay $83.00 for the season.
Why did Maine's fishing license price go up?
2026 marks the state's first fee increase in about 15 years.
What are Maine's short-term non-resident options?
1-day at $18, 3-day at $30, 7-day at $62, and 15-day at $66 — all cheaper than the $83 season license for shorter trips.
Where can I buy a Maine fishing license?
At maine.gov, through the Maine Online Sportsman's Electronic System (MOSES), available 24/7.
Are Maine license fees the same every year?
No, they can change — 2026's increase was the first in 15 years, so always verify current rates before purchasing.