Fish For Free This Weekend on Maine’s Lakes and Ponds

Twice a year, the State of Maine holds a free fishing weekend where anyone can fish on Maine waterways without needing a fishing license. Grab your gear, because the first of those two weekends for 2022 is here.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, on Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20, any person may fish for free without a license on Maine’s waterways, except those who have had their license suspended or revoked. All other rules and regulations, including bag and possession limits, apply.

I'm not much for fishing, but I do like going out on the ice with friends who set traps. IT's more of a social thing for me sitting in the warming hut as we wait for a flag to pop up in hopes of catching a big one.

My son and I went out with friends on Keoka Lake on a free ice fishing weekend when he was 8 and he was pretty excited when this largemouth bass was hauled up weighing in at 4.6 pounds.

Now he's 15 and still loves to go fishing on the ice or just go to his favorite fishing spot in the warmer months all on his own to see what he can catch.

So get out there and catch yourself a fish! Be sure the be cautious, and be safe out on the ice, but enjoy the free fishing this weekend. If you'd rather take advantage of a free fishing weekend in warmer weather, the next free weekend will be June 4 and 5.