mefishwildlife.com

Free Fishing Weekend is February 15-16, 2025

Grab a friend, neighbor, family member, colleague... it's time to go fishing!

During Free Fishing Weekend, any person may fish without a license. Those whose license has been suspended or revoked cannot participate in Free Fishing Weekend.

It's a perfect weekend to try ice fishing for the first time! Or maybe you haven't fished in years or since you were a child... Leave the excuses at home and go fishing. You'll be glad you did! Here is some helpful information to help you plan your fun day on the ice: 

Looking for a place to go? Check out our monthly fishing report or view the stocking report to see where we stocked fish this fall.

Wondering where to buy baitfish or smelts? Find a bait retailer (be sure to check the water you are fishing allows live baitfish and smelts to be used).

Wondering what gear you need to get started and what to do when you arrive? View our Beginner's Guide to Ice Fishing in Maine.

Have other questions about ice fishing? Check out these frequently asked questions and answers.

Is a learn to ice fish clinic more your style? Join us at our Winter Outdoor Extravaganza on Saturday, February 15 at Range Pond State Park in Poland. 

Want to freshen up your ice safety knowledge? View these ice safety tips and remember to always check the ice for yourself. 

We hope to see you out on the ice!

Beginner’s guide to ice fishing in Maine Starting a new hobby can be both exciting and intimidating. Luckily ice fishing is a winter hobby that can be enjoyed with a few pieces of equipment and there are endless opportunities throughout the state. Learn what gear you need to get started and more in our beginner's guide.

Enjoy your day on the ice, and remember these tips There is no question, ice fishing is a large part of Maine's outdoor heritage. Enjoy your ice fishing trip, and remember:   Leave no trace – Carry out all that you carry in.  Park in public or designated areas - Don't block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy, soft road conditions. Respect private property – Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access. Be prepared – Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Take care of your catch  – If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.

Ice safety tips Winter is one of the greatest seasons to enjoy the Maine outdoors but to do so safely, you must keep in mind that ice conditions are always changing. There are many factors to consider when determining whether the ice conditions are safe, and they can vary from day-to-day and from one water body to the next. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep in mind when judging ice conditions.

More information

Buy a fishing license
Monthly fishing report
Beginner’s guide to ice fishing in Maine
Find a bait fish and smelt retailer Ice safety tips
Search Maine fishing laws
2025 Fishing Law Book (PDF)
Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT)
Protect our Waters from Invasive Species
Fishing resources
Current stocking report
Maine Fishing Guide
Fishing with soft plastic lures