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Massachusetts Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Massachusetts fishing license costs $40 and a nonresident annual license $50, with a 3-day nonresident option at $30.50, according to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife); saltwater permits by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Massachusetts fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing (annual) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $40 |
| Non-resident Fishing (annual) | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $50 |
| Resident 3-day Fishing | Resident | freshwater | 3-day | $20 |
| Non-resident 3-day Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | 3-day | $30.50 |
| Minor Fishing (15-17) | Resident | freshwater | annual | Free |
| Minor Fishing (15-17) | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $8 |
| Senior Fishing (65-69) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $20 |
| Senior Fishing (70+) | Resident | freshwater | annual | Free |
| Quabbin Reservoir 1-day Fishing | Resident/nonresident | freshwater (Quabbin Reservoir) | 1-day | $5 |
| Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit | Resident/nonresident | saltwater | annual | $10 |
Prices from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife); saltwater permits by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), checked October 2026. Some vendors add a small processing or agent fee. Prices change – confirm on the official license site before you buy.
Rules
Who needs a Massachusetts fishing license
- Who needs one: Freshwater anglers 15 and older need a freshwater fishing license (free for residents 15-17); saltwater anglers 16-59 need a recreational saltwater fishing permit.
- Kids: Freshwater: under 15 no license; residents 15-17 free license, nonresidents 15-17 pay $8. Saltwater: under 16 exempt.
- Seniors: Freshwater: residents 65-69 pay $20; residents 70+ free. Saltwater permit free at 60 and over (still required from private boat or shore).
- Saltwater: Separate DMF recreational saltwater fishing permit ($10, same for residents and nonresidents, ages 16-59). NOAA's National Saltwater Angler Registry no longer covers fishing in Massachusetts waters; the MA permit covers state and federal waters (tuna/billfish/swordfish/shark also need a NOAA HMS permit). Nonresidents may use a valid CT, NH or RI permit under reciprocity.
- On a charter: Anglers fishing on permitted for-hire vessels (head boats/charter boats) are exempt from the saltwater permit.
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Massachusetts
Charter captains and guides we list in Massachusetts, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Massachusetts fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Massachusetts?
A resident annual license is $40 and a nonresident annual license is $50, and a 3-day nonresident license is $30.50. Full list above, from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife); saltwater permits by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF).
Who needs a fishing license in Massachusetts?
Freshwater anglers 15 and older need a freshwater fishing license (free for residents 15-17); saltwater anglers 16-59 need a recreational saltwater fishing permit.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Massachusetts?
Anglers fishing on permitted for-hire vessels (head boats/charter boats) are exempt from the saltwater permit.
Where do I buy a Massachusetts fishing license?
Online from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife); saltwater permits by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) at massfishhunt.mass.gov, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
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