Maine has dozens of fishing waters where adults can’t fish

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 11, 2026

Maine also makes it easy to get the next generation of anglers started. Youngsters do not require a fishing license until age 16 and this year Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 are Free Fishing Weekend days, meaning resident and nonresident adults and teens age 16 and older can fish statewide without a fishing license. There is also a list of Special Opportunity Waters. There are 50 scattered throughout the state in each of the seven fishery regions, including 10 in the Sebago region, 11 in the Rangeley region and a dozen in the Penobscot region. These waters are specifically restricted to young anglers under age 16. Most are stocked with trout. ~ Al Raychard