The “Big Sky Country” offers many fishing opportunities, so you won’t even know where to start. From cold to warm waters, crystal-clear mountain lakes to big rivers, Montana has everything a freshwater enthusiast could wish for. It’s the perfect place to spend a day hunting for trophy Trout and mastering your fly fishing skills.
Before you cast your line, though, you’ll need to get a Montana fishing license. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about the various types of fishing licenses available in the state, how much they cost, and who can fish without a license.
If you’re looking for info on neighboring states, or around the US in general, check out our full list of license guides here.
Who needs a license?
Both residents and visitors aged 12 and older need to buy a Montana fishing license in order to legally fish the state’s waters. This permit allows you to fish for and possess any fish that’s authorized by Montana’s fishing regulations. Please note that licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Types of Licenses
Generally speaking, most anglers over the age of 12 need two licenses in order to fish in Montana. These include a Conservation License and Base Fishing License that is available for 2 days, 10 days, or the full season.
A Conservation License includes the State Lands Recreation Use Permit, which covers a combination of fishing, hunting, and trapping. This license also allows both residents and visitors who are members of the Legion of Valor to fish, regardless of their age.
All anglers need to purchase an Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP) to fish in the state. Montana’s Legislature initiated this program in 2017 to protect the state’s waters from invasive species.
Finally, there are Resident Sportsman and Nonresident Combination licenses that include a fishing license for the season.
Special Montana Licenses
There’s a special Montana Resident with a Disability Conservation License available. In order to qualify for this license, Montanans need to be permanently and substantially disabled. Residents with disabilities can also purchase other licenses at a discounted price. More on this below.
Visually-impaired Montana residents can apply for a Lifetime Fishing License for the Blind. You’ll need to apply directly with the Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) and provide them the necessary medical certification. Please note that a Conservation License isn’t required with this permit.
In addition to that, the state also gives military veterans with a Purple Heart and/or Legion of Valor Medal the privilege to fish with just a Conservation License, regardless of their residency status and age. You’ll need to provide verification of your Purple Heart and DD 214 Form (or a Legion of Valor membership card) to qualify for this exemption. You can learn more about it by contacting an FWP office.
Finally, there’s a special Care Facility license for managers or directors of facilities such as homes for people with developmental or severe disabilities, and long-term and personal care homes in the state. This permit allows them to take supervised Montana residents fishing when approved by the facility.
Information for Residents
You’re considered a Montana resident if:
- You’ve lived in the state for at least 180 consecutive days
- You file your state income tax return as a resident (if required)
- You own and operate a vehicle registered in Montana
- You’re only registered to vote in Montana
- You haven’t applied for any resident fishing license in another state
- You don’t have resident fishing privileges in another state
There are exceptions for members of the armed forces, full-time students, and enrollees of job corps camps based in Montana. Please get in touch with your local FWP office to check if you qualify.
Information for Non-Residents
Visitors can choose from a selection of combination packages when applying for a Montana fishing license. These include seasonal fishing licenses and hunting permits. However, you’ll still need to obtain a Conservation License and AISPP, along with paying for the base hunting license – if you want to hunt.
For more details, feel free to call (406) 444-2950.
Cost of Montana Fishing Licenses
| License | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resident | Conservation License | $8.00 |
| Resident – Youth (10-17) | Conservation License | $4.00 |
| Non-Resident | Conservation License | $10.00 |
| Resident with a Disability | Conservation License | $8.00 |
| Resident | AISPP | $2.00 |
| Non-Resident | AISPP | $7.50 |
| Resident with a Disability | AISPP | $2.00 |
| Resident | Base Fishing (Full Season) | $21.00 |
| Resident – Youth (10-17) | Base Fishing (Full Season) | $10.50 |
| Resident – Senior (62+) | Base Fishing (Full Season) | $10.50 |
| Resident with a disability | Base Fishing (Full Season) | $10.50 |
| Non-Resident | Base Fishing (Full Season) | $100.00 |
| Resident | Base Fishing (2-Day Short-Term) | $5.00 |
| Resident – Youth (10-17) | Base Fishing (2-Day Short-Term) | $5.00 |
| Resident – Senior (62+) | Base Fishing (2-Day Short-Term) | $5.00 |
| Non-Resident | Base Fishing (1-Day Short-Term) | $14.00 |
| Non-Resident | Base Fishing (5-Day) | $56.00 |
| Visually-Impaired Resident | Lifetime Fishing License | $10.00 |
Who can fish without a license?
Any angler aged 11 or younger can fish without a Base Fishing License, an AISPP, and Conservation License. However, they’ll still be required to follow all the necessary fishing rules and regulations.
Fishing clinics and qualified educational events allow people to catch fish in Montana without a fishing license. These events must be educational and taught under the supervision and guidance of a certified fishing instructor or an FWP employee. You can call (406) 444-9943 for more information.
Free fishing permits are also available for residents of state institutions (except the state penitentiary) and residents of VA Hospitals.
Finally, there are free fishing days each year, when anglers don’t need to buy a fishing license. These take place around Father’s Day, however, you’ll still need a Conservation and a Base license if targeting Bull Trout, along with a Paddlefish tag if you’d like to target those, too.
Where to buy a Montana Fishing License?
Seasonal Montana fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through the last day of February the following year. 2-day and 10-day licenses are only valid for two or 10 consecutive days from the date of purchase.
There are a few simple ways to get your Montana license:
- Online at the Montana FWP website. You don’t have to print the license. Instead, you can show it on your smartphone or tablet, for example.
- In person at an FWP office or FWP License Providers.
When applying for special licenses, you should contact your local FWP office in advance.
We’ve tried to cover everything. However, If you still have questions, it’s best to get in touch with your local FWP office. Hopefully, you’re now ready to grab your rod, find a guide near you, and start fishing!
