Maine Gov. Proposes Fishing License Fee Hike

Fly fishing in Maine. Photo/Tom Richardson.

Brook trout. Photo/Tom Richardson.

Maine Governor Janet Mills is proposing to raise the state’s fishing license fees as part of her two-year budget proposal to lawmakers. Under the proposal, license fees would increase by $7 across Maine’s various fishing licenses. The increase would be the first in 15 years.

All license fee funds would continue to be dedicated to fisheries conservation and enhancement of Maine’s sport fish and native fish, including maintaining and enhancing existing management programs and public access. One dollar of the new fees will also fund a federally mandated property-use compliance program and maintenance at public water-access sites.