Fishing
Fishing rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the appIn Maine, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW).
Maine restricts small lead fishing tackle, and the rules expanded on September 1, 2026. It is illegal to use, sell, or offer for sale lead sinkers and unpainted lead jigs measuring 2.5 inches or less in length or weighing one ounce or less. Painted lead jigs of that same size are illegal to sell — and since September 1, 2026, using them has been prohibited too. Sale restrictions are statewide; use restrictions apply on inland waters. Size is measured including all components permanently manufactured to the lead itself. Items the law names as not covered include lead-core line, weighted line, weighted flies, ice-fishing sounders, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, poppers, plugs, and flies. See 12 M.R.S. §§ 12663-B and 12664.
Informational only — not legal advice.