Maine Fishing License Requirements

The ice is melting on the lakes and the the summer fishing gear is showing up in the area stores. Fishermen and women are counting the days for the April 1st opening of the season. Any adult fishing in Maine must have a fishing license. You can count on meeting a game warden who will check to see if you are legally fishing.

Requirements:
1. You must be a legal resident of the United States or an alien that has been in residence for one year. You must have proof of residency when you purchase a Maine fishing license.
2. You must have a license to fish in Maine if you are 16 years of age or older. If you are a non-resident in Maine you must have a license at age 13 or older.
3. You must have a valid January 1st to December 31st license to fish in Maine during the current year.

Free Licenses: The following people will be issued free licenses with proof of eligibility. Those who have had a brain injury, are legally blind, disabled veterans, mentally handicapped, age is over 70, paraplegic, complimentary special circumstances military and Native American with certification from a tribal governor.

There are free fishing days in Maine on February 14, 15 and May 30, 31 for anyone who wishes to join in. Maine has beautiful streams, rivers and lakes that are abundant with a large variety of fish. Fishermen will find Black Bass, Northern Pike,Brown, Rainbow,Brook and Lake (Togue) Trout. There is also White or Yellow Perch, Landlocked Salmon and Splake which is a hybrid cross between Brook and Lake Trout.

Fishing licenses cost twenty-one dollars for the full year for a resident. A combination hunting and fishing license is thirty-eight dollars. A non-resident can expect to pay fifty-two dollars for a season and lower costs for three day to fifteen day licenses.

It is essential that a licensed fisherman read the accompanying book that is available for rules and regulations. There are length limits, daily length, bag and possession limits that can differ in various regions of the state. Fines are levied when someone breaks the law. It is important to be informed.
There is great beauty in Maine. There is nothing like a day on the water for a fisherman and in Maine there are plenty of places to fish to your hearts content.