Montana requires a valid fishing license for all anglers 12 years old and older fishing in state waters. To legally fish in Montana, most anglers need three components: a Conservation License, a Base Fishing License, and an Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. These licenses are managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and allow anglers to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state’s fishing regulations. Children 11 years old and younger may fish without a license but must observe all limits and regulations.
Quick Reference: Montana Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Season | $31.00 |
| Non-Resident Season | $117.50 |
| License Required Age | 12 and older |
| Youth Exempt | 11 and younger |
| Senior Discount | 62+ (reduced fees) |
| License Validity | March 1 through end of February following year |
| Buy Online | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks |
Who Needs a Montana Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
To qualify for a resident fishing license in Montana, you must meet specific criteria. You must have physically resided in Montana as your primary home for at least 180 consecutive days immediately before purchasing any resident license. Additionally, you must file Montana state income tax returns as a resident if you are required to file, have registered your vehicles in Montana, and if you are registered to vote, you must be registered in Montana. You may not possess or apply for any resident hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges in another state or country. At the time of purchase, you must present a valid Montana driver’s license, a valid Montana driver’s examiner’s identification card, or a tribal identification card.
Non-Resident Requirements
Non-residents are anglers who do not meet the residency requirements outlined above. Non-residents can purchase one-day, five-day, or season fishing licenses to fish Montana waters. All non-residents 12 years old and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in state waters. Non-residents who have been awarded a Purple Heart may fish and hunt upland game birds with a Conservation License issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks during expeditions arranged by a nonprofit organization that uses fishing and hunting as part of rehabilitation.
Montana Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
Montana offers two duration options for resident fishing licenses. All prices include the Conservation License, Base Fishing License, and Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass where applicable.
| Age Group | 2 Consecutive Days | Season |
|---|---|---|
| 12-15 | $9.00 | $14.50 |
| 16-17 | $11.00 | $16.50 |
| 18-61 | $15.00 | $31.00 |
| 62 and older | $11.00 | $16.50 |
| Disabled (18-61) | Not specified | $20.50 |
The resident two-day license is valid for two consecutive calendar days. The season license is valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.
Non-Resident Licenses
Non-residents have three duration options when purchasing Montana fishing licenses. Additional days can be added to short-term non-resident licenses for $14.00 per day.
| Age Group | 1 Day | 5 Consecutive Days | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-15 | $24.00 | $66.00 | $110.00 |
| 16 and older | $31.50 | $73.50 | $117.50 |
The one-day license is valid for one calendar day. The five-day license is valid for five consecutive calendar days. The season license is valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.
License Components Breakdown
Montana fishing licenses consist of three separate components that are typically purchased together. The Conservation License is required before you can buy any fishing or hunting license. The Base Fishing License allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state’s fishing regulations. The Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass is required for individuals 16 and older who fish in Montana and was initiated by the 2017 Montana Legislature to help fund the fight against aquatic invasive species.
Lifetime Licenses
Montana offers a lifetime fishing license for blind residents. A Montana resident who is blind can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $10.00 plus an annual $2.00 Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. The application for this license is available from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and requires medical certification. A Conservation License is not a prerequisite for this license.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Children 11 years old and younger are not required to have a fishing license, including a Conservation License or Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. Youth anglers must still observe all limits and regulations while fishing. This exemption applies to both residents and non-residents.
Free Fishing Weekends
By Montana law, each year on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends, any person (resident or non-resident) may fish for any fish within the state without obtaining a fishing license as long as they abide by the seasons, restrictions, and bag limits. The two exceptions to this are paddlefish and bull trout fishing, both of which require the purchase of a Conservation License, Fishing License, and Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. Fishing for paddlefish also requires a paddlefish tag, and a catch card is required to fish for bull trout.
Disability Exemptions
A Montana resident with a disability can purchase a Conservation License for $8.00, an Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass for $2.00, and a Fishing License for $10.50, for a total of $20.50. To qualify, a person must be permanently and substantially disabled. Applications are available online to print or at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices. These licenses are not available to non-residents.
Military and Veterans
Permits are available for patients residing at Veterans Administration Hospitals and residents of state institutions, except the state penitentiary. These free permits are available on-site at the VA Hospital or state institution. Residents who have been awarded a Purple Heart, regardless of age, may fish and hunt upland game birds with a Conservation License issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Verification of Purple Heart and DD 214 Form is required to qualify. Residents can only obtain this special license at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices. Non-residents who have been awarded a Purple Heart, regardless of age, may fish and hunt upland game birds with a Conservation License during expeditions arranged by a nonprofit organization. This is only available at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Headquarters in Helena.
Legion of Valor
A Conservation License allows both residents and non-residents, regardless of age, to fish. Legion of Valor membership card is required to qualify. This license is available only at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices.
Care Facility Exemptions
The manager or director of an eligible facility licensed in Montana may apply for permission to take supervised residents fishing during activities approved by the facility. Licensed facilities include long-term care, personal care, home for persons with developmental disabilities, and home for persons with severe disabilities. Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-444-2452 for more information.
Educational Exemptions
Free fishing license exemptions are available to qualified educational events and fishing clinics for a specific date and location. In general, the event must be educational in nature and instruct participants on fish identification, regulations, ethics, fishing techniques, and water safety. It must be held at times and locations that do not substantially conflict with other recreationalists, must be taught under the guidance of a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks employee or certified fishing instructor, and must not be part of a profit-making activity. Typically, a minimum two-week advance notice is required for an educational exemption. Call 406-444-9943 to receive an application and for more information.
Special Permits and Endorsements
Paddlefish Tags
All anglers must purchase a paddlefish tag to fish for paddlefish. To purchase a tag, all anglers must have a valid Conservation License, an Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass, and a Fishing License. Montana has three unique paddlefish seasons, and anglers may select only one area to fish for paddlefish. Resident paddlefish tags cost $6.50 each, and non-resident tags cost $15.00 each. The limit is one paddlefish tag (one fish) per person. Paddlefish harvest-only tags are available via lottery draw with a $5.00 drawing fee for the Upper Missouri River paddlefish season only. Any paddlefish harvested anywhere in Montana must be reported to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks within 48 hours of harvest by calling 877-FWP-WILD or 406-444-0356.
Bull Trout Catch Cards
Lake Koocanusa, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and part of the South Fork Flathead River are open for a regulated and experimental bull trout angling season. When fishing for bull trout, each angler must have in possession a valid bull trout catch card for the specific water he or she is fishing. Anglers may select only one of the following areas: Lake Koocanusa, or Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River. All other waters in Montana are closed to intentional fishing for bull trout. Catch cards are free of charge and are available at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 office in Kalispell and the U.S. Forest Service Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Applications for a catch card are available at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 office or online. Completed applications must be presented at the regional headquarters or mailed to FWP Bull Trout Permit, 490 North Meridian, Kalispell MT 59901.
Vessel Prevention Passes
Non-residents must also purchase vessel prevention passes for boats used on Montana waters. A non-resident motorized vessel prevention pass costs $30.00 per vessel and is good through December 31 of each year. A non-resident non-motorized vessel prevention pass costs $10.00 per vessel and is good through December 31 of each year.
How to Buy Your Montana Fishing License
Online Purchase
The most convenient way to purchase your Montana fishing license is through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licenses Service. The online system allows you to purchase all your Montana fishing licenses without having to visit a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office or license provider location. Once you complete your purchase online, you can print your license immediately or use the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks mobile app to keep your license digitally on your smartphone. A license on your smartphone is acceptable and must be in your possession while fishing.
In-Person Purchase
Montana fishing licenses can also be purchased at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and authorized license provider locations throughout the state. Many local fly shops and sporting goods retailers are authorized to sell Montana fishing licenses. When purchasing in person, you will need to provide identification. Conservation License applicants are required to provide the last four digits of their social security number in addition to the information usually requested. A valid driver’s license or a valid photo identification is required to purchase a license.
License Validity and Expiration
Montana fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year for season licenses. The two-day resident license is valid for two consecutive calendar days from the date of purchase. The one-day non-resident license is valid for one calendar day. The five-day non-resident license is valid for five consecutive calendar days from the date of purchase. All fishing licenses are nontransferable and nonrefundable. You must have your fishing license in your possession while fishing. A license displayed on your smartphone is acceptable.
Fishing Regulations and Seasons
General Season Information
Fishing is allowed at all hours during open fishing seasons unless otherwise specified in District Exceptions to Standard Regulations. Fishing regulations are valid from March 1 through February 28 of the following year. Montana is divided into three fishing districts: Western, Central, and Eastern. Each district has different standard regulations, and specific waters may have exceptions to these standard regulations.
Western District
In the Western District, rivers and streams are open from the third Saturday in May through November 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. Lakes and reservoirs are open all year.
Central District
In the Central District, rivers and streams are open all year, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. Lakes and reservoirs are open all year.
Eastern District
In the Eastern District, rivers and streams are open all year. Lakes and reservoirs are open all year.
Before Fishing
Before fishing, you need to identify which fishing district you will be fishing (Eastern, Central, or Western), read the standard regulations that apply to all waters in that district, and look up the specific water you will be fishing to see if it is listed as an exception to the standard regulations. If that water is identified in the exceptions, these regulations take the place of the standard regulations. If not listed in the exceptions, the district standard regulations apply.
Additional Requirements and Permits
State School Trust Lands
Your Conservation License provides anglers access to legally accessible State School Trust Lands for fishing. Overnight use must not exceed two consecutive days on leased land or 16 consecutive days within designated campgrounds or on unleased land. Motorized travel is only allowed on public roads or on designated roads. No open fires are allowed except in designated campground fire pits, though contained mechanical heat sources are allowed.
Commercial Fishing Licenses
A commercial bait fish seining license is available for $10.00 per year for persons 15 years of age or older to seine for or trap and transport bait fish for commercial purposes in Montana. A permit is required to sell whitefish. Hook and line permits allow whitefish to be taken by hook and line for sale in Flathead Lake north of the Flathead Reservation boundary, Flathead River north of Flathead Lake, Fisher River, Kootenai River, and Whitefish Lake. Net and seine permits for whitefish require a $200.00 fee plus a $1,000.00 bond per year.
Fishing Contests
Any event where an entry fee is charged or where people may win prizes for catching fish in Montana is considered a fishing contest. Fishing contests involving fewer than 30 people and cash prizes or merchandise worth $500.00 or less do not require a permit but must comply with all fishing contest regulations. All other contests must submit an application and be permitted. No contests will be permitted for holiday weekends.
Private Fish Ponds
A person who owns or lawfully controls a private fish or ornamental pond may obtain a license from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to stock the pond with fish for a $10.00 application fee. Only lawfully purchased fish may be planted. No fishing license is required to fish on licensed, privately stocked fish ponds. Fishing license requirements apply to all other ponds and waters on private land. Koi and goldfish ponds must be registered with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Registration forms are available online or from all Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices. There is no fee for registering a pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a non-resident Montana fishing license?
A non-resident Montana fishing license for adults 16 and older costs $31.50 for one day, $73.50 for five consecutive days, and $117.50 for a full season. Non-residents ages 12-15 pay $24.00 for one day, $66.00 for five consecutive days, and $110.00 for a full season. These prices include the Conservation License, Base Fishing License, and Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass.
Can I buy my Montana fishing license online?
Yes, Montana fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licenses Service. Once you complete your purchase, you can print your license immediately or use the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks mobile app to keep your license digitally on your smartphone. A digital license is acceptable and must be in your possession while fishing.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Montana?
Yes, seniors need a fishing license in Montana, but residents 62 years old and older qualify for reduced fees. A two-day license for seniors costs $11.00 and a season license costs $16.50, compared to $15.00 and $31.00 respectively for adults ages 18-61. Children 11 years old and younger do not need a license.
When does the Montana fishing license expire?
Montana season fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. Short-term licenses are valid for the specified number of consecutive days from the date of purchase: two consecutive calendar days for resident short-term licenses, one calendar day for non-resident one-day licenses, and five consecutive calendar days for non-resident five-day licenses.
What is the Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass?
The Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass is required for all individuals 16 and older who fish in Montana. This program was initiated by the 2017 Montana Legislature to help fund the fight against aquatic invasive species. The pass costs $2.00 for residents and $7.50 for non-residents and is included in the total fishing license price. Anglers ages 15 and younger do not need to purchase this pass.
For the most current information, complete fishing regulations, and to purchase your license, visit the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.