What a Massachusetts fishing license costs

A Massachusetts resident fishing license costs $27.50 for a one-year license. A three-year resident license costs $70. Non-residents pay $42.50 for a one-year license or $120 for a three-year license. These prices are set by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and have remained stable, though they can change year to year.

If you fish only in freshwater (ponds, lakes, rivers), you can buy a freshwater-only license for $17.50 as a resident or $27.50 as a non-resident for one year. A saltwater stamp costs an additional $10 if you want to fish both freshwater and saltwater with a single license.

Massachusetts also offers a one-day resident license for $10.50 and a one-day non-resident license for $16.50, which is useful if you are visiting or testing the hobby before committing to a full year.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Massachusetts resident fishing license costs $27.50; non-residents pay $42.50.
  • You can buy a freshwater-only license for less ($17.50 resident, $27.50 non-resident) if you do not plan to fish saltwater.
  • A one-day license costs $10.50 for residents and $16.50 for non-residents if you want to fish just once.
  • You can purchase licenses online through the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores.

Where to buy your license

The easiest way to buy a Massachusetts fishing license is online through the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website at mass.gov/fishing. You can print your license when ready after purchase or have it sent to you by mail. The online system accepts credit and debit cards.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife directly. Authorized retailers throughout the state—including Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, local bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations—sell licenses in person. Call ahead to confirm the retailer near you has licenses in stock.

If you buy online or by phone, you receive a license number when ready and can begin fishing right away while waiting for the physical copy to arrive. A printed or digital copy of your license number is all you need to carry while fishing.

Resident versus non-resident status

Massachusetts considers you a resident if you have lived in the state for at least one year and hold a valid Massachusetts driver's license or state ID. If you moved to Massachusetts within the past year, you must buy a non-resident license until you meet the one-year residency requirement.

Non-residents include anyone who does not hold a Massachusetts ID and has not lived in the state for a full year. If you own property in Massachusetts but do not live there year-round, you are considered a non-resident for licensing purposes.

Who does not need a license

Massachusetts exempts certain people from needing a fishing license. Children under 15 years old can fish without a license. Residents aged 65 and older can fish for free with proof of age (a driver's license or state ID). Massachusetts residents who are blind or have a disability that prevents them from working can fish without a license upon request.

You also do not need a license if you fish on your own private property (not shared with others) or on property where you have written permission from the owner. If you fish on public land or shared water, you need a license regardless of your age or status.

What your license covers

A standard Massachusetts fishing license allows you to fish in freshwater and saltwater throughout the state. It covers all species of fish you are legally allowed to catch, though some fish have special rules about size, season, or bag limits that are separate from the license itself.

Your license does not cover shellfish (clams, mussels, oysters, lobster). Harvesting shellfish requires a separate shellfish license or permit, which is managed differently and costs vary by town. Check with your local town clerk or the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for shellfish permit information.

A license is valid for the calendar year it covers (January 1 through December 31) or for the three-year period you purchase. You must renew before the expiration date to continue fishing legally.

License renewal and expiration

Your license expires on December 31 of the year you purchase it (or three years from the purchase date if you bought a three-year license). You can renew online, by phone, or at a retailer at any time before expiration. Many people renew in November or December to avoid the rush in January.

If your license expires while you are fishing, you are fishing without a valid license and can be cited. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife sends email reminders to people who purchased licenses online, but you are responsible for tracking your own expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Massachusetts with an out-of-state license?

No. You must have a valid Massachusetts fishing license to fish in Massachusetts waters, even if you hold a current license from another state. Buy a Massachusetts license before you fish, whether you are a resident or visiting.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Massachusetts law. Penalties include fines (typically $100 to $500 for a first offense) and possible confiscation of your fishing equipment. A conservation officer can stop you while fishing and check your license.

Do I need a separate license for saltwater fishing?

No. A standard Massachusetts fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater. If you want to fish only freshwater, you can buy a cheaper freshwater-only license, but the standard license includes saltwater at no extra cost.

Can I buy a license as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can purchase a license online or at a retailer and provide the license number to the person you are giving it to. If you buy online, you can have the license sent to their address or print it and give it to them in person.

Is there a discount for seniors or people with disabilities?

Massachusetts residents aged 65 and older fish for free with proof of age. Residents who are blind or have a disability that prevents them from working can also fish for free. Contact the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to learn how to register for a free license.