Maine offers some of the finest freshwater and saltwater fishing in the eastern United States — wild brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, striped bass, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and more. Understanding the licensing requirements before you arrive saves time and avoids problems on the water.
Do You Need a License to Fish in Maine?
Freshwater fishing: Yes. A valid Maine fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years of age and older fishing in Maine’s inland waters. Children under 16 may fish without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult.
Saltwater fishing: Maine requires a free saltwater fishing registry for recreational anglers fishing in tidal and coastal waters. Mandatory but free — register at maine.gov/dmr/recreational-fishing before fishing saltwater.
Types of Freshwater Fishing Licenses
Non-Resident Season License — Valid January 1 through December 31. Covers all legal freshwater fishing statewide. 15-Day License — Valid for any 15 consecutive days. 7-Day License — Valid for any 7 consecutive days. 3-Day License — Valid for any 3 consecutive days. 1-Day License — Single day. Junior License — For non-resident anglers ages 16-17. Current fees change periodically — check mefishwildlife.com for current pricing.
Where to Buy a Maine Fishing License
Online: Purchase at mefishwildlife.com — licenses issued instantly and stored on your phone. The fastest option. License agents: Sporting goods stores, general stores, and outfitters throughout Maine. In fishing communities like Rangeley, Jackman, and Greenville, virtually every general store sells licenses. Buy before you arrive — don’t count on finding an agent open when you arrive at your destination at 5am.
Maine Fishing Regulations
The Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations booklet is published annually and available free at mefishwildlife.com. Read the regulations for your specific water before fishing.
Open and closed seasons: Most species run April 1 through September 30 but varies significantly by species and water body. Size limits: Minimum size limits protect young fish; slot limits on some waters protect larger breeding-age fish. Bag limits: Daily and possession limits vary by species and individual water. Special regulations: Many of Maine’s finest waters have special rules — fly fishing only, artificial lures only, catch-and-release only. Always check for your specific water. Lead restrictions: Restrictions on lead sinkers and jigs in certain waters to protect loons.
Fishing with a Guide
Maine’s best fishing is often in remote locations that benefit significantly from local knowledge. Registered Maine guides must pass a licensing examination set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Maine Professional Guides Association (maineguides.org) can connect you with registered guides specializing in your target species.
Top Fishing Destinations in Maine
Brook trout: Rangeley Lakes, Jackman chain of ponds, remote North Maine Woods ponds accessible by floatplane from Greenville. See our Jackman Maine fishing guide.
Landlocked salmon: Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes, Sebago Lake, Grand Lake Stream. Lake trout (togue): Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes, Sebago Lake. Striped bass: Kennebec River estuary, Penobscot Bay, southern Maine coast — peak season June through October. Smallmouth bass: Belgrade Lakes, Sebago Lake, western Maine lakes and rivers.
See our Maine fishing guide for more statewide fishing information.
Practical Tips
- Carry your license — must have it on your person while fishing and produce it on demand to a Maine game warden
- Know before you go — read the regulations for your specific water before you fish; ignorance is not a defense
- Respect the resource — handle fish carefully if releasing, follow size and bag limits, leave the water cleaner than you found it
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Ready to fish Maine? Start at mefishwildlife.com for licenses and regulations. For destination-specific guides, see our Jackman Maine fishing guide, our Rangeley Maine guide, and our Maine fishing guide for statewide information.
MaineGuide.com has been helping visitors plan their Maine trips since 1995.
📌 Planning a fly fishing trip? Read our complete Maine Fly Fishing guide — the best waters, species, seasons, and how to hire a guide.