What an Alien Season License Covers in Maine
Maine's Alien Season fishing license is a full-year license for non-residents who want to fish freshwater in Maine. It costs less than buying separate licenses for each season and covers all species and methods — rod and reel, fly fishing, ice fishing, and most other legal gear — for the entire calendar year from January through December.
The license is valid only for freshwater fishing. If you want to fish saltwater, you need a separate saltwater license. The Alien Season license does not cover hunting, trapping, or any other outdoor activity; it is fishing only.
You can fish any public freshwater body in Maine where fishing is open to the public, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Some private waters and certain management areas have additional rules, so check the specific water before you go.
Key Takeaways
- The Alien Season license covers freshwater fishing for a full calendar year and costs significantly less than buying separate seasonal licenses.
- Non-residents must carry the license on them while fishing and be prepared to show it to a Maine warden or game officer.
- You can purchase the license online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, by phone, or at authorized vendors throughout the state.
- The license does not cover saltwater fishing, which requires a separate non-resident saltwater license if you plan to fish coastal waters.
- Maine residents do not need an Alien Season license; they purchase resident licenses, which have different costs and rules.
Who Needs an Alien Season License
You need an Alien Season license if you are a non-resident of Maine and plan to fish freshwater. Non-resident status means you do not have a Maine driver's license, do not own property in Maine, and have not established residency there. If you are unsure whether you count as a resident, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife can clarify your status before you buy.
Certain people are exempt from needing a license. Children under 12 can fish without a license. Residents of other states who are 65 or older may be may be able to access for a reduced-cost senior license. Native Americans with tribal enrollment may have different rules; contact the department directly if this applies to you.
If you are a resident of another country visiting Maine, you still need the Alien Season license. The term "alien" in Maine fishing regulations refers to anyone who is not a Maine resident, regardless of citizenship.
How to Buy an Alien Season License
You can purchase an Alien Season license through three main routes. The fastest is online at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, where you can buy and print or download your license immediately. You will need a valid form of ID and a credit or debit card.
You can also call the department's licensing office during business hours to buy over the phone. They will mail the license to you or, in some cases, email it. Phone purchases take longer than online but work if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
Authorized vendors throughout Maine — including sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some general stores — sell licenses in person. Vendors can issue the license on the spot, but not all carry all license types, so call ahead if you are looking for a specific one.
Cost and What It Covers
The Alien Season license costs a flat rate for the full calendar year. The exact price varies by year and is set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Check the department's website or call their licensing office for the current price before you buy.
For comparison, Maine also sells non-resident licenses for shorter periods — 7-day and 15-day options — which cost less upfront but are more expensive per day if you fish regularly. If you plan to fish more than a few times during the year, the Alien Season license is usually the better value.
The license covers all freshwater species in Maine: trout, salmon, bass, pike, perch, and panfish. It covers all legal methods of fishing during open seasons. Some waters have special rules or closures; those are separate from the license and are listed in the Maine Fishing Digest.
What You Must Carry and Show
You must have your license with you at all times while you are fishing. If you printed it or downloaded it to your phone, either version is acceptable. A Maine warden or game officer can ask to see your license at any time, and you must show it immediately.
Fishing without a license or without your license on you is a violation. Penalties include fines and possible loss of fishing privileges. If you lose your license, you can buy a replacement through the same channels where you bought the original.
Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get damaged. If it becomes unreadable, contact the department for a replacement.
Saltwater Fishing and Other Restrictions
The Alien Season license covers freshwater only. If you want to fish in Maine's coastal waters — the Atlantic Ocean and tidal rivers — you need a separate non-resident saltwater license. Some species, like striped bass, live in both freshwater and saltwater; the license you need depends on where you are fishing.
Certain freshwater areas have special rules even with a valid license. Some waters are catch-and-release only, some have gear restrictions, and some are closed during certain months. The Maine Fishing Digest lists these rules by water body. Download it free from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website before you go.
Ice fishing is legal with an Alien Season license during the open season, which typically runs from December through March, but check current dates because they shift slightly each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish with someone else's license?
No. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. You cannot share a license or fish under someone else's name. If you are fishing with family or friends, everyone 12 and older needs their own license.
What happens if I fish without a license?
Fishing without a license is a violation of Maine law. Penalties include fines ranging from around $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on the violation and whether it is a repeat offense. You may also lose fishing privileges for a period of time.
Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?
No. The Alien Season license covers all freshwater species and all legal fishing methods. You do not buy separate licenses for trout, bass, or any other species. One license covers everything in freshwater.
Can I buy an Alien Season license if I am visiting for just one week?
Yes, but a 7-day non-resident license may be cheaper for a short trip. Compare the cost of the 7-day license to the Alien Season license before you buy. If you think you might return to Maine within the same calendar year, the Alien Season license is usually the better choice.
Where can I find out which waters are open to fishing?
The Maine Fishing Digest lists all public waters open to fishing, their seasons, and any special rules. Download it free from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website. You can also call the department or visit their office for a printed copy.