It's time to cast a line!
On Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, any person* may fish without a license in Maine.
If you've never been fishing, this is your chance to get hooked on the Maine outdoors in a new way! If it's been too long since you wet a line, dust off your gear, and if you're already an avid angler, teach a friend!
All other laws and regulations apply during Free Fishing Weekend and can be found online at mefishwildlife.com/laws.
*Those whose license has been suspended or revoked cannot participate in Free Fishing Weekend.
Wondering where to go? We've got suggestions!
- Hear from the experts, our regional fisheries biologists, in the June Fishing Report! This monthly report features suggestions on where to fish and tips and tricks.
- View the stocking report to learn where we stocked trout and landlocked salmon near you!
- Use the Maine Fishing Guide for additional suggestions on waters to fish and which species are there.
- Download our new app, ME Outdoors, to have these tools and more at your fingertips! The app features a map of the stocking report, special fishing laws, and more. Learn how to download below.
No matter where you go, remember to always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. And remember, the air might be warm but the water is not - always wear a life jacket.
Download ME Outdoors, our new app!
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Find places near you to fish, hunt, trap, wildlife watch, and explore.
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Access detailed maps showing fish stocking locations, water access sites, wildlife management areas, game registration stations, wildlife management districts, expanded archery areas, and more.
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Purchase and store licenses, permits, and recreational vehicle registrations for yourself and others—right on your phone.
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Stay informed with quick access to Maine's outdoor laws.
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Enjoy offline capabilities for use even when you're out of service range.
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And much more!
Download today to better plan your next outdoor adventure in Maine. Available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Search "ME Outdoors" or click the button below to get started.
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Protect our waters from aquatic invasive species
CLEAN
- Clean off plants, animals, and mud from gear and equipment including waders, footwear, ropes, anchors, bait traps, dip nets, downrigger cables, fishing lines, and field gear before leaving water access.
- Scrub off any visible material on footwear with a stiff brush.
- Dispose of debris in a trash reciprocal or a responsible location away from the water.
DRAIN
- Drain water from the watercraft prior to entering a waterbody and when preparing to leave a launch site.
- Maine law requires that prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters must remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example, hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water (excluding live bait containers). This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state.
- Boats should NOT be drained on the boat launch ramp. Since the transfer of aquatic invasive species to new areas within a water body can worsen the infestation, especially in high traffic launch areas, the preferred practice is to prevent direct draining back into the water body even when leaving the water body
DRY
- Dry completely before reuse.
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Enjoy your time on the water, and remember:
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Leave no trace – Carry out all that you carry in.
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Park in public or designated areas – Don't block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy and soft roads.
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Respect private property – Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
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Be prepared – Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
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Take care of your catch – If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.
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