Massachusetts offers world-class fishing from Cape Cod’s saltwater flats to the trout streams of the Berkshires. Here’s your complete guide to 2026 MA fishing license fees, the Wildlands Conservation Stamp, and how to get licensed.
Source: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), updated for 2026.
Who Needs a Massachusetts Fishing License?
- Freshwater: Anyone aged 15 and older needs a fishing license
- Saltwater: Anyone aged 16 and older needs a recreational saltwater fishing permit
Exemptions — Who Fishes for Free
- Children under 15 — No freshwater license required
- Children under 16 — No saltwater permit required
- Residents aged 15–17 — Free freshwater license (must still obtain and carry it)
- Residents aged 70+ — Free freshwater license
- Residents who are blind, paraplegic, or intellectually disabled — Free freshwater license (first-time applicants need pre-approval)
- Saltwater anglers 60+ — Free saltwater permit (must still obtain it)
- Disabled persons (as defined by M.G.L. c. 19C) — Exempt from saltwater permit
- Fishing on licensed charter boats — No individual permit required
- Free Fishing Weekend — Typically first weekend in June (see below)
2026 Massachusetts Fishing License Fees
Freshwater — Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License (ages 18–64) | $40.00 |
| Senior Fishing License (ages 65–69) | $20.00 |
| Resident Fishing License (age 70+) | FREE |
| Minor Fishing License (ages 15–17) | FREE |
| Blind / Paraplegic / Intellectually Disabled | FREE |
| 3-Day Fishing License | $20.00 |
| Wildlands Conservation Stamp (added to first license) | $5.00 |
Source: MassWildlife (mass.gov), current as of March 2026.
Freshwater — Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $50.00 |
| Non-Resident Minor Fishing (ages 15–17) | $8.00 |
| 3-Day Fishing License | $30.50 |
| Wildlands Conservation Stamp (added to all licenses) | $5.00 |
Source: MassWildlife (mass.gov), current as of March 2026.
Saltwater Permits
| Permit Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Saltwater Fishing Permit (ages 16–59) | Paid — see MassFishHunt |
| Resident Saltwater Permit (age 60+) | FREE |
| Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing Permit | Paid — see MassFishHunt |
| Disabled (M.G.L. c. 19C definition) | FREE |
Reciprocity: Non-residents with a valid recreational saltwater license from Connecticut, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island do not need a Massachusetts saltwater permit.
About the Wildlands Conservation Stamp
A mandatory $5.00 Wildlands Conservation Stamp is added to:
- The first resident license purchased each calendar year
- All non-resident licenses
This stamp funds land acquisition for wildlife habitat and public recreation areas across Massachusetts.
2026 Free Fishing Weekend
Massachusetts holds an annual Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend, typically the first Saturday and Sunday of June (expected June 6–7, 2026).
- ✅ Residents and non-residents can fish public freshwater without a license
- ✅ All other regulations (catch limits, size limits) still apply
- ✅ Great opportunity to try fishing before committing to a license
Confirm exact dates at mass.gov/masswildlife.
How to Buy Your Massachusetts Fishing License
1. Online (Fastest Option)
Visit MassFishHunt — the official MassWildlife license portal.
Online fees: $2.75 admin fee + 4.95% convenience fee on total.
2. In-Person
Available at:
- MassWildlife offices (cash/check only — no additional fees)
- Division of Marine Fisheries offices
- Licensed retail agents ($2.75 admin + up to $1.50 agent fee)
- City/town clerk offices ($2.75 admin + $1.00 agent fee)
3. By Phone
Contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300 for assistance.
Important: Massachusetts fishing licenses are valid from date of purchase through December 31 of the same calendar year.
Massachusetts Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
- Season dates — Trout and salmon fishing has specific opening days; check MassWildlife
- Catch limits — Species-specific daily limits apply
- Size limits — Minimum size requirements for bass, trout, and other species
- Bait restrictions — Some waters are fly-fishing-only or artificial-lure-only
- Marine regulations — Separate from freshwater; check Division of Marine Fisheries
- Current regulations at mass.gov/masswildlife
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a basic Massachusetts fishing license?
A resident annual freshwater license costs $40.00 plus a $5.00 Wildlands Conservation Stamp (total $45.00 for your first license). Non-residents pay $50.00 + $5.00 stamp.
Do kids need a fishing license in Massachusetts?
Children under 15 do not need a freshwater license. Residents aged 15–17 must obtain a free license and carry it while fishing.
Do seniors get a discount?
Yes. Residents 65–69 pay $20.00. Residents 70 and older get a free license.
When is the Free Fishing Weekend?
Typically the first weekend of June — expected June 6–7, 2026. No license required for freshwater fishing.
Do I need a separate license for saltwater fishing?
Yes. Saltwater fishing in MA requires a separate recreational saltwater fishing permit for anglers 16+. Anglers 60+ get it free.
Is the license valid all year?
Licenses are valid from purchase date through December 31 of the same calendar year.
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