Free Fishing Weekend

Grab a friend, neighbor, family member, colleague … it’s time to go fishing! Free Wishing Weekend will be Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15-16.

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 the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife’s monthly fishing report at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fishing-report.html or view the stocking report to see where we stocked fish this fall.

Wondering where to buy baitfish or smelts? Find a bait retailer at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/bait-fish-smelt-retailer.html (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 (https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/ice-fishing-guide.html).

Have other questions about ice fishing? Check out these frequently asked questions and answers (https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/mdifw-blog/ice-fishing-laws-frequently-asked-questions).

Is a learn to ice fish clinic more your style? Join us at our Winter Outdoor Extravaganza on 

Saturday, Feb. 15 at Range Pond State Park in Poland. 

Want to freshen up your ice safety knowledge? View these ice safety tips (https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/outdoor-safety/ice-safety-tips.html) and remember to always check the ice for yourself.