WHO NEEDS A LICENSE? A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters.

HOW ARE LICENSES OBTAINED? Residents and nonresidents may obtain fishing licenses from agents throughout the State( sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks, and turnpike service centers), online at mefishwildlife. com or from our Department office in Augusta. Note: Not all town clerks issue nonresident licenses.

OTHER FISHING LICENSE PROVISIONS A person is required to keep their fishing license with them at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide, or landowner upon request. An electronic license or permit can now be displayed in lieu of a physical paper license or permit.

Possession of fishing tackle in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice of this State without a fishing license is prima facie evidence of fishing in violation of the law.

The commissioner may allow a licensee who has received a complimentary fishing license( See General Fishing Laws and Definitions) to have a person accompany and assist that licensee in fishing. The person accompanying and assisting the holder of a complimentary fishing license may do so without obtaining a separate fishing license. This subsection does not authorize the person accompanying and assisting the licensee to assist that licensee with more than one fishing rod and reel. The person accompanying and assisting the licensee must remain within the immediate proximity of the licensee while that licensee is fishing.

Notwithstanding Title 12 section 12501, subsection 1 and subject to all other applicable laws and rules, any resident and any member of the resident ' s immediate family, as long as the angler ' s license to

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND FEES

fish is not under suspension or revocation, may fish without a license in open inland waters from land to which they are legally entitled to possession, on which they are actually domiciled, and that is 10 or more contiguous acres in size.

Residency Definitions: Resident means a citizen of the United States who is domiciled in this State or a person who is not a citizen of the United States, but has been so domiciled for one year. You will not be considered a resident unless:

• If registered to vote, registered in Maine;

• If licensed to drive a motor vehicle, applied for a Maine motor vehicle license;

• If owning a motor vehicle( s) located within the State, registered each vehicle in Maine;

• Complied with State income tax laws; and

• If a full-time student at a Maine college or university, resides in Maine AND satisfies above requirements.

Nonresident means a person who does not fall within the definition of a resident( Title 12, § 10001-53). ■

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LICENSE FEES

RESIDENT NONRESIDENT

Serviceman Dependent( Resident) Fishing $ 10 Duplicate( obtained from agent who issued original) $ 2 Super Pack $ 212

Duplicate( obtained from agent who issued original)

$ 2

* 1-day fishing licenses may be exchanged by a Maine resident for a season fishing or combination hunting and fishing license upon payment of the difference between that fee and the fee for the season license, plus the agent’ s fee.

** Maine resident permanently stationed outside the state of Maine. *** Nonresident 15-day fishing license may be exchanged for a nonresident season fishing license upon payment of $ 17 plus the agent’ s fee. Fees listed do not include the agent fee.

A non-resident between 18 and 23, inclusive, enrolled full-time in a college in Maine may be eligible for a resident rate license for fishing, hunting, & trapping. This license must be obtained at the main office in Augusta.

Note: Nonresidents who operate any motorized watercraft or aircraft equipped with pontoons on inland waters must display a Lake & River Protection Sticker in addition to a current boat registration sticker.

2026 STATE OF MAINE LAWS & RULES FISHING