Maine § 12503. - Permitted fishing without license
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 12503. — Permitted fishing without license, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12503.. Permitted fishing without license
1. Resident and nonresident under 16. A resident and nonresident under 16 years of age may fish without a license.
2. Land legally possessed by resident; domicile; 10 or more contiguous acres in size. Notwithstanding section 12501, subsection 1 and subject to all other applicable laws and rules, any resident and any member of the resident's immediate family, as long as the angler's license to fish is not under suspension or revocation, may fish without a license in open inland waters from land:
A. To which they are legally entitled to possession; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
B. On which they are actually domiciled; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
C. [PL 2025, c. 126, §6 (RP).]
D. That is 10 or more contiguous acres in size. [PL 2025, c. 126, §6 (NEW).]
3. Free fishing days; limitations. The following 2 free fishing periods are established. No more than 2 free fishing periods may be established under this subsection.
A. Except when Memorial Day falls on a Friday, the Saturday and the Sunday immediately following Memorial Day are designated "Family Fishing Days." If Memorial Day falls on a Friday, the Saturday and the Sunday subsequent to Memorial Day weekend are designated "Family Fishing Days." The days designated "Family Fishing Days" are free fishing days. [PL 2003, c. 662, §2 (NEW).]
B. The Saturday and the Sunday immediately preceding Presidents' Day are free fishing days. [PL 2003, c. 662, §2 (NEW).]
Notwithstanding section 12501, it is lawful during a free fishing day established under this subsection for a person to fish without a license in inland waters, except that this subsection does not apply to a person whose license to fish is under suspension or revocation. All other provisions of this Part relating to fishing apply during a free fishing day.
4. Groups of students. The commissioner may permit student or youth groups to fish without licenses for periods of not more than 3 days as long as the fishing activity is conducted as part of an educational program and is under the direct supervision of a teacher or instructor.
A. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §249 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
B. A permit holder:
(2) May not allow any fishing activity that is not conducted as part of an educational program; and
(3) Shall provide direct supervision. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §249 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
C. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection.
(2) A person who violates paragraph B after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.
Each day a person violates paragraph B is a separate offense. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §249 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
5. Patients at Veterans Administration Hospital. The commissioner may permit inpatients at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Togus to fish without a license in the inland waters within a 25-mile radius of Togus. Patients not under the direct supervision of hospital staff or volunteer supervisors shall have in their possession while fishing a valid pass issued by the Veterans Administration Hospital.
A. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §249 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
B. An inpatient at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Togus permitted under this subsection:
(2) Shall have supervision while fishing or have in that inpatient's possession a valid pass issued by the hospital. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §249 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
C. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection.
(2) A person who violates paragraph B after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.
Each day a person violates paragraph B is a separate offense. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §249 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
6. Fishing during event sanctioned by department. A person who does not hold a fishing license may assist a child or a person who is disabled who is a participant in a fishing event sanctioned by the department.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 12503.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 12503. cover?
Section 12503. ("Permitted fishing without license") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 12503.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 12503." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 12503. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.