Maine Fishing License: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers

Maine, known for its lush landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers. From the pristine lakes and rivers to the rugged Atlantic coastline, the Pine Tree State is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of obtaining a Maine fishing license, including license requirements, fees, regulations, and fishing seasons.

License Requirements

When it comes to fishing in Maine, there are several license requirements that you need to be aware of. These requirements are put in place to ensure the sustainability of the state’s fish populations and to provide a fair and regulated fishing environment for all.

Age Limit for Fishing License in Maine

In Maine, a valid fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who wishes to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. This means that both residents and nonresidents under 16 years of age may fish without a license.

Types of Fishing Licenses in Maine

There are several types of fishing licenses available in Maine, catering to different needs and circumstances.

• Maine Lifetime License: This license allows the bearer to fish, trap, and/or hunt for their lifetime, regardless of where they live in the future. It’s a great way to pass on a Maine tradition and a gift that will last a lifetime.
• Super Pack License: Available to Maine residents only, this license permits an eligible person to hunt and fish for all legal game and fish species, subject to all of the laws governing fishing, hunting, and archery.
• Special Licenses: These include licenses for military personnel currently stationed in Maine, exchange students, and certain groups of students. Complimentary licenses are also available for certain individuals, such as residents 16 or 17 years old in the custody of the Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Maine Fishing License Exemptions

There are also certain exemptions to the fishing license requirement in Maine. For instance, residents and nonresidents under 16 years of age may fish without a license. Additionally, any resident and any member of the resident’s immediate family 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 used exclusively for agricultural purposes.

Furthermore, there are designated “Free Fishing Days” where any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days.

Lastly, certain groups such as inpatients at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Togus and participants in a fishing event sanctioned by the department are permitted to fish without a license.

License Fees

When it comes to fishing in Maine, understanding the license fees is crucial. These fees vary depending on the type of license, the age of the applicant, and whether the applicant is a resident or non-resident of Maine.

Maine Resident Fishing License Cost

For Maine residents aged 16 and older, the cost of a season fishing license is $25. This license is required for anyone who wishes to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters.

Senior Lifetime License Cost

Maine offers a special license for residents who are 70 years of age or older. Known as the Senior Lifetime License, it costs a one-time fee of $8. This license entitles the holder to all privileges they are qualified to receive, including hunting, trapping, archery, and fishing.

Combination Fishing and Hunting License Cost

For those interested in both fishing and hunting, Maine offers a Combination Fishing and Hunting License. For residents, this license costs $43, while for non-residents, the cost is $150.

Maine Non-Resident Fishing License Cost

Non-residents aged 16 and older who wish to fish in Maine’s inland waters will need to purchase a non-resident fishing license. The cost for a season fishing license for non-residents is $64.

It’s important to note that these fees do not include the agent fee, and the licenses can be obtained from agents throughout the state, online, or from the Department office in Augusta.

In addition to these licenses, Maine also offers a Super Pack License for $201 which permits an eligible person to hunt and fish for all legal game and fish species, subject to all of the laws governing fishing, hunting, and archery.

Remember, a valid fishing license is required at all times while fishing or transporting fish, and must be kept with the angler.

Here is a summary of the license costs:

These license fees contribute to the conservation and management of Maine’s fish and wildlife, ensuring that these resources can be enjoyed by current and future generations.

Fishing Regulations

Fishing regulations are essential for maintaining fish populations and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources. In Maine, these regulations are governed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and cover a wide range of topics, including General Fishing Laws and Regulations, Transporting and Introducing Fish, Fishing Seasons and Limits, and Length and Bag Limits.

General Fishing Laws and Regulations

General Fishing Laws

apply to all inland waters in Maine. These laws cover any legal terminal gear, daily bag and possession limits, season dates, and species. For example, it is unlawful to deposit any meat, bones, dead fish, or other food material in inland waters for the purpose of luring fish. However, it is lawful to place food particles in a baitfish trap for the purpose of luring baitfish.

It is also unlawful to import any live freshwater fish or eggs into the state without written permission from the Commissioner. Furthermore, a person shall not possess at any time more fish than may lawfully be taken in one day.

Transporting and Introducing Fish

The transportation and introduction of fish are strictly regulated to prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases. It is unlawful to keep bass, landlocked salmon, togue (lake trout), or trout at any sporting camp, hotel, public lodging place, or any place other than a person’s residence without attaching the name and address of the person who caught the fish.

Fishing Seasons and Limits

Fishing seasons and limits vary depending on the species and the location. For example, in the North Zone, open water fishing is allowed from April 1 to September 30, and it is closed to all fishing from October 1 to March 31. In the North and South Zones, open water fishing is allowed from April 1 to August 15, and from August 16 to September 30, it is open to open water fishing using artificial lures or flies only.

Length and Bag Limits

Length and bag limits are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish populations. For instance, the daily bag and possession limits for brook trout in the North Zone are 5 fish with a minimum length of 6 inches. For brown trout, the daily bag limit is 2 fish with a minimum length of 14 inches.

Understanding and adhering to fishing regulations is crucial for the conservation of our aquatic resources. Always remember to check the most up-to-date regulations before heading out to fish.

How to Obtain a Fishing License in Maine

Obtaining a fishing license in Maine is a straightforward process that involves understanding the requirements, knowing the fees, and following the application process. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to obtain your fishing license in Maine.

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. These agents can be found in sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks, and turnpike service centers. Licenses can also be obtained online or from the Department office in Augusta.

Online Purchase

You can purchase licenses any time of the day or night, and print your license out in your home or office in just minutes.

Special Licenses

Maine offers special licenses for certain groups. For example, anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed at a military base in Maine (including spouse and dependent children if they permanently reside with that person) may purchase a resident license to hunt, trap, or fish.

Maine Lifetime License

Maine offers a lifetime license for residents. This license allows the bearer to fish, trap, and/or hunt for their lifetime, regardless of where they will live in the future. For a senior lifetime license, you can pay a one-time fee of about $8 and fish for free for the rest of your life.

Free Fishing Days

Maine offers free fishing days on February 18-19, 2023 and June 3-4, 2023. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days.

Important Note

You are required to keep an electronic and/or paper copy of your fishing license with you while fishing or transporting fish, and if requested to do so, must present it for inspection to any warden, law enforcement officer, MDIFW employee, guide or landowner upon whose land you are fishing.

By following these steps and understanding the requirements, you can easily obtain a fishing license in Maine and enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities.

Fishing Seasons

Understanding the fishing seasons in Maine is crucial for planning your fishing trips and ensuring you’re fishing legally. The fishing seasons vary depending on the type of water and the fish species.

Open Water Fishing Season

Open water fishing season typically begins on April 1st and ends on September 30th. However, the exact dates can vary depending on the specific body of water and the species of fish. For example, the open-water fishing season on boundary waters between Maine and New Brunswick runs from April 1st to September 30th.

Ice Fishing Season

Ice fishing season in Maine typically begins on January 1st and ends on March 31st. However, these dates can vary depending on the specific body of water and the species of fish. It’s important to note that ice fishing is not allowed on all bodies of water, so it’s essential to check the specific regulations for the body of water where you plan to fish.

Species-Specific Seasons

Certain fish species have specific seasons during which they can be legally caught. For example, the season for landlocked salmon and lake trout typically runs from April 1st to September 30th. The season for brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout typically runs from April 1st to October 31st. Again, these dates can vary depending on the specific body of water, so it’s important to check the specific regulations.

Free Fishing Days

Maine also offers “Free Fishing Days” during which anyone (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. These days typically occur once in the winter and once in the summer. All other laws and regulations apply on these days.

Checking the Regulations

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife provides a comprehensive list of fishing seasons and regulations on their website. It’s important to check these regulations before you go fishing to ensure you’re following all the rules and regulations.

Understanding the fishing seasons in Maine can help you plan your fishing trips and ensure you’re fishing legally. Always remember to check the most up-to-date regulations before heading out to fish.

In conclusion, obtaining a Maine fishing license is a crucial step for any angler planning to fish in the state’s abundant waters. By understanding the license requirements, fees, regulations, and fishing seasons, you can ensure a responsible and enjoyable fishing experience in Maine.