Maine raised its fishing license fees for the first time in 15 years in 2026, with a $7 increase across most license types. Even with the increase, Maine remains a solid value — one license covers everything (trout, salmon, bass, togue) with no separate stamps required.
This guide breaks down every 2026 fee and option.
Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), updated for 2026 season.
2026 Maine Fishing License Fees at a Glance
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Season Fishing (16+) | $30.00 |
| Combination Fishing + Hunting | $48.00 |
| Combination Fishing + Archery | $48.00 |
| Super Pack (all hunting + fishing permits) | $214.00 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Season Fishing | $83.00 |
| 15-Day Fishing | $66.00 |
| 7-Day Fishing | $62.00 |
| 1-Day Fishing | $18.00 |
| Combination Fishing + Hunting | $169.00 |
Source: MDIFW, current as of March 2026. Fees reflect $7 increase — the first in 15 years. Agent fees not included.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Resident Season Angler
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Season Fishing License | $30.00 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp | Not required |
| Total | $30.00 |
Resident Hunter + Angler (Combo Value)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Combination Fishing + Hunting | $48.00 |
| vs. Separate (Fishing $30 + Hunting ~$26) | $56.00 |
| Savings | $8.00 |
Non-Resident Week Trip
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 7-Day Fishing License | $62.00 |
| Total | $62.00 |
Non-Resident 2-Week Trip
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 15-Day Fishing License | $66.00 |
| vs. Season License | $83.00 |
| Better value if staying 15+ days | Season license |
Non-Resident 1-Day Ice Fishing
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing License | $18.00 |
| Total | $18.00 |
How Maine Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Resident Annual | Non-Resident Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | $30.00 | $83.00 |
| New Hampshire | $25.00 | $53.00 |
| Vermont | $28.00 | $54.00 |
| Massachusetts | $40.00 | $50.00 |
| Connecticut | $28.00 | $55.00 |
Maine’s resident fee is competitive. Its non-resident fee is the highest in New England, but covers all species with no additional stamps.
Understanding the 2026 Fee Increase
| Item | Old Fee | New Fee (2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Season Fishing | $23.00 | $30.00 | +$7.00 |
| Non-Resident Season | $76.00 | $83.00 | +$7.00 |
| Non-Resident 15-Day | $59.00 | $66.00 | +$7.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day | $55.00 | $62.00 | +$7.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day | $11.00 | $18.00 | +$7.00 |
Revenue supports:
- Hatchery operations (Maine stocks millions of fish annually)
- Fisheries surveys and population management
- Public access to lakes and streams
- Brook trout and salmon habitat restoration
No Stamps — Everything Is Included
Unlike most states, Maine’s fishing license includes all inland species with no add-on stamps:
| Covered Species | Stamp Required? |
|---|---|
| Brook trout | ❌ No stamp |
| Brown/rainbow trout | ❌ No stamp |
| Landlocked salmon | ❌ No stamp |
| Togue (lake trout) | ❌ No stamp |
| Smallmouth/largemouth bass | ❌ No stamp |
| Pickerel, perch, panfish | ❌ No stamp |
Who Fishes Free in Maine?
| Group | License |
|---|---|
| Children under 16 | ❌ Free |
| Blind Maine residents | ❌ Free (complimentary) |
| Certain disabled residents | ❌ Free (complimentary) |
| Free fishing day participants | ❌ Free |
Maine Free Fishing Days 2026
| Weekend | Dates |
|---|---|
| Winter (Ice Fishing) | February 14–15, 2026 |
| Spring (Open Water) | May 30–31, 2026 |
No license required. All regulations still apply.
What Your License Fee Pays For
Maine’s license revenue directly supports some of the best cold-water fisheries management in the eastern United States:
- Hatchery system: 7 state hatcheries producing millions of brook trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, and togue annually
- Wild brook trout restoration: Removing barriers and improving habitat in native brook trout streams
- Lake surveys: MDIFW surveys hundreds of waters each year to set science-based regulations
- Public access: Maintaining boat launches, carry-in sites, and access roads on thousands of lakes and ponds
- Invasive species prevention: Monitoring and controlling threats to Maine’s native fisheries
Top Waters Worth the License Fee
| Water | What You’ll Catch | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Sebago Lake | Landlocked salmon, lake trout | Premier salmon lake, minutes from Portland |
| Moosehead Lake | Brook trout, togue, salmon | Largest lake in New England, remote wilderness |
| Rangeley Lakes | Brook trout, salmon | Historic fly-fishing waters, stunning scenery |
| Belgrade Lakes | Smallmouth bass | World-class smallmouth, easy access |
| Grand Lake Stream | Landlocked salmon | Legendary fly-fishing destination |
Saltwater — No License Needed
Maine does not require a state license for saltwater fishing. Federal regulations apply for certain species.
Where to Buy
Online (24/7)
Visit moses.maine.gov.
In Person
- MDIFW office in Augusta
- Town clerks, sporting goods stores, convenience stores
- Maine Turnpike service centers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Maine fishing license?
Residents pay $30.00 per season (up from $23 — first increase in 15 years). Non-residents pay $83.00. Short-term options: 15-day ($66), 7-day ($62), 1-day ($18).
Do I need a trout or salmon stamp in Maine?
No. Maine’s fishing license covers all inland species including trout, salmon, and togue with no additional stamps.
Why did Maine raise license fees?
The $7 increase is the first in 15 years. Revenue funds hatchery operations, habitat restoration, and public fishing access.
When are Maine’s free fishing days?
February 14–15, 2026 (ice fishing) and May 30–31, 2026 (open water). No license required.
Is a license needed for saltwater fishing in Maine?
No state license required. Federal regulations apply for certain saltwater species.
Related Resources
Lifetime Fishing License ROI: When Does It Make Financial Sense?
How to Get a Fishing License in Maine
Ice Fishing License Requirements in Northern States
