Massachusetts fishing licenses are issued by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Massachusetts fishing license online through the official MassFishHunt system, what licenses cost in 2026, how saltwater permits work, and what Massachusetts fishing rules require.
Visit the official MassFishHunt licensing system →
Quick Massachusetts Fishing License Information
| Category | Massachusetts Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) |
| Online System | MassFishHunt (massfishhunt.mass.gov) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Minimum Freshwater License Age | 15 years old |
| Saltwater Permit Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Freshwater Annual License | $40.00 (plus $5 Wildlands Stamp on first purchase of year) |
| Nonresident Freshwater Annual License | $50.00 (plus $5 Wildlands Stamp) |
| Saltwater Permit | $10.00 under age 60; free for age 60+ |
| License Year | January 1 – December 31 |
Always verify current pricing and rules through the official Mass.gov licensing page before purchasing. Massachusetts license fees, permits, and administrative charges can change. 2026 is the final year of a planned five-year fee schedule that increased fees annually from 2022–2026.
How to Buy a Massachusetts Fishing License Online
Massachusetts fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official MassFishHunt system at massfishhunt.mass.gov. You can also call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM) for assistance. MassFishHunt is used for freshwater fishing licenses, recreational saltwater permits, hunting licenses, trapping licenses, stamps, and related outdoor permits.
Online purchase fees: An administrative fee of $2.75 per license plus a 4.95% convenience fee on the total transaction applies to all online purchases.
- Visit massfishhunt.mass.gov — Go to the official MassFishHunt portal.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your personal and residency information.
- Select your license or permit — Choose freshwater, saltwater, resident, nonresident, senior, youth, or short-term options.
- Complete payment online — Pay through the MassFishHunt system. Online purchases include a $2.75 per-license administrative fee plus a 4.95% convenience fee.
- Save your confirmation — Print or save your license or permit information. Licenses are accepted displayed on smartphones or as a printed copy.
Access the official MassFishHunt system →
What Is MassFishHunt?
MassFishHunt is the official online licensing system used for Massachusetts fishing licenses, hunting licenses, trapping licenses, recreational saltwater permits, stamps, and related outdoor permits. The system is operated by a third-party vendor on behalf of MassWildlife.
If you are searching for “MassFishHunt,” “MassFishHunt login,” “MassFishHunt license renewal,” or “MassFishHunt website,” the official portal is massfishhunt.mass.gov.
Massachusetts Fishing License Costs (2026)
Massachusetts fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, license type, and whether you are fishing freshwater or saltwater. A $5.00 Wildlands Conservation Stamp is added to the first resident license purchased each year and to all nonresident licenses — this is in addition to the base license fee. Administrative and convenience fees also apply depending on purchase method.
| License or Permit Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License | $40.00 | $50.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Freshwater Minor License (Age 15–17) | Free | $8.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Senior Freshwater License (Age 65–69) | $20.00 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Freshwater License (Age 70+, or paraplegic / blind / intellectually disabled) | Free | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Resident Fishing (3-day) | $20.00 | N/A | 3 consecutive days |
| Nonresident Fishing (3-day) | N/A | $30.50 | 3 consecutive days |
| Quabbin Reservoir 1-Day Fishing License | $5.00 | $5.00 | 1 day |
| Saltwater Fishing Permit (under age 60) | $10.00 | $10.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Saltwater Fishing Permit (age 60+) | Free | Free | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Sporting License (Resident — fishing + hunting + 2 deer tags) | $75.00 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Sporting License (Age 65–69) | $37.50 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Sporting License (Age 70+ — includes trapping) | Free | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Notes on fees:
- The $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp is added to the first resident license purchased each year and all nonresident licenses (in addition to the base fee)
- Free and discounted licenses for seniors (age 65+) and disabled individuals are only available to U.S. citizens
- Free licenses for paraplegic, blind, or intellectually disabled residents require pre-approval and cannot be purchased online — contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Massachusetts Fishing License Purchase Fees by Channel
Administrative and convenience fees are added on top of the base license price depending on where you purchase:
- Online (MassFishHunt) — $2.75 per license + 4.95% convenience fee on the total transaction
- License vendor (sporting goods store, bait shop) — $2.75 per license + up to $1.50 agent fee
- City or town clerk office — $2.75 per license + $1.00 agent fee
- MassWildlife or Division of Marine Fisheries offices — No additional fees; cash or check payments only
Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Permit
Massachusetts handles saltwater fishing separately from freshwater fishing. A freshwater fishing license does not cover saltwater fishing. Anglers age 16 and older who fish Massachusetts coastal waters generally need a Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit, issued by the Division of Marine Fisheries.
The Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit costs $10.00 for anglers under age 60 and is free for anglers age 60 and older, though registration is still required. Permit purchases go into the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund, administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries.
Saltwater permits apply to recreational finfishing in Massachusetts coastal waters, including Cape Cod, the North Shore, the South Shore, Buzzards Bay, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and other coastal areas.
Massachusetts has saltwater permit reciprocity with several nearby states. Rules can vary by state and waterbody, so always verify current reciprocity rules before relying on another state’s permit.
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more information on coastal fishing requirements by state.
How to Renew a Massachusetts Fishing License Online
Massachusetts fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through MassFishHunt at massfishhunt.mass.gov. The process is similar to buying a new license, and returning users can renew through their existing account.
- Visit massfishhunt.mass.gov
- Log in to your MassFishHunt account
- Select the license or permit you want to renew
- Complete payment online if a fee applies (remember: $2.75 + 4.95% convenience fee for online purchases)
- Save or print your confirmation for proof while fishing
Massachusetts saltwater permits also expire on December 31 and must be renewed each calendar year, even when the permit is free for eligible anglers age 60 and older.
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide, renew fishing license online guide, and fishing license expiration guide.
How to Reprint a Massachusetts Fishing License
If you lose your Massachusetts fishing license or need another copy, you can log in to your MassFishHunt account to view license details, purchase history, and available reprint options. Licenses purchased online can be displayed on smartphones or printed.
- Log in to your MassFishHunt account at massfishhunt.mass.gov
- Review your current license or permit information
- Print or save available license records
- Contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300 (M–F, 8 AM–4 PM) if a replacement card or special assistance is needed
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide for more detail.
Who Needs a Massachusetts Fishing License?
Most anglers age 15 and older need a valid Massachusetts freshwater fishing license while fishing freshwater public waters. Massachusetts has a lower minimum freshwater license age than many states, where the requirement often begins at 16 or 17.
- Massachusetts residents age 15+ generally need a freshwater fishing license unless an exemption applies
- Nonresidents age 15+ generally need a nonresident Massachusetts freshwater fishing license
- Children under 15 do not need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license
- Residents age 15–17 can obtain a free freshwater fishing license (U.S. citizens only)
- Residents age 65–69 qualify for a reduced-fee senior freshwater license ($20.00; U.S. citizens only)
- Residents age 70+ can obtain a free freshwater fishing license (U.S. citizens only)
- Paraplegic, blind, or intellectually disabled residents may qualify for a free license; requires pre-approval and cannot be purchased online — call (508) 389-6300
- Saltwater anglers age 16+ generally need a recreational saltwater permit ($10.00 under 60; free age 60+)
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Massachusetts Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing Massachusetts freshwater generally need a nonresident freshwater fishing license. Massachusetts attracts nonresident anglers for trout fishing, bass fishing, coastal trips, Cape Cod fishing, the Berkshires, and fishing throughout New England.
A nonresident annual freshwater fishing license costs $50.00 in 2026 (plus the $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp and purchase fees). A 3-day nonresident freshwater license costs $30.50, and a nonresident minor license costs $8.00. Saltwater permits cost $10.00 for anglers under age 60 and are free for anglers age 60 and older.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Massachusetts Fishing License Expiration
Massachusetts fishing licenses and recreational saltwater permits expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. All licenses and permits are valid for the calendar year.
Anglers who purchase late in the year — such as October, November, or December — receive less than a full year of coverage. A 3-day freshwater license or the Quabbin 1-day license may be more cost-effective for short or late-year freshwater trips.
Related guides:
Massachusetts Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Freshwater license age starts at 15 — most anglers age 15 and older need a freshwater license unless exempt
- Saltwater permit age starts at 16 — recreational saltwater anglers age 16 and older generally need a permit
- Saltwater permit is separate — freshwater licenses do not replace saltwater permits; both are required if fishing both water types
- No combo freshwater + saltwater license — Massachusetts does not offer a single combined freshwater/saltwater fishing license; they must be purchased separately
- Youth and senior exemptions exist — age 15–17 and age 70+ freshwater licenses are free for resident U.S. citizens
- $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp required — automatically added to the first resident license each year and all nonresident licenses
- Free Fishing Days — Massachusetts designates Free Fishing Days each year; see our free fishing days guide
- Follow species regulations — bag limits, size limits, seasons, and waterbody rules vary by species
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official MassWildlife website.
Related guides:
- Fishing Regulations by State
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- What Happens If You Fish Without a License?
Where to Buy a Massachusetts Fishing License In Person
Massachusetts fishing licenses may also be purchased in person at authorized license agents throughout the state. Fees vary by purchase location.
- MassWildlife offices and Division of Marine Fisheries offices — no additional fees; cash or check only
- Town and city clerk offices ($2.75 + $1.00 agent fee)
- Sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and other licensed vendors ($2.75 + up to $1.50 agent fee)
- Walmart sporting goods counters where participating
- Dick’s Sporting Goods where participating
- Bass Pro Shops
- Local bait and tackle shops
Vendor participation varies by location, so calling ahead before visiting is recommended. For the lowest total cost, purchasing directly at a MassWildlife or Division of Marine Fisheries office avoids all additional fees.
See our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
How This Massachusetts Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Massachusetts fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, saltwater permit rules, and licensing procedures can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), Division of Marine Fisheries, and Mass.gov information. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with MassWildlife, MassFishHunt, or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Related Massachusetts Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- Saltwater Fishing License Guide
- How Much Is a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Cost by State
- Fishing License Renewal
- Reprint Fishing License
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide