{"id":33043,"date":"2022-01-24T16:39:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T15:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/?p=33043"},"modified":"2026-04-07T08:56:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T08:56:02","slug":"montana-fishing-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/montana-fishing-license\/","title":{"rendered":"Montana Fishing License: The Complete Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

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<\/a> 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. <\/p>

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. <\/p>

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If you’re looking for info on neighboring states, or around the US in general, check out our full list of license guides here<\/a>.<\/p>

Who needs a license?<\/h2>

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. <\/p>

Types of Licenses <\/h2>

Generally speaking, most anglers over the age of 12 need two licenses in order to fish in Montana. These include a Conservation License <\/strong>and Base Fishing License<\/strong> that is available for 2 days, 10 days, or the full season. <\/p>

A Conservation License <\/strong>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. <\/p>

All anglers need to purchase an Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass<\/strong> (AISPP) to fish in the state. Montana’s Legislature initiated this program in 2017 to protect the state’s waters from invasive species. <\/p>

Finally, there are Resident Sportsman<\/strong> and Nonresident Combination<\/strong> licenses that include a fishing license for the season.<\/p>

Special Montana Licenses<\/h3>

There’s a special Montana Resident with a Disability Conservation License<\/strong> 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.  <\/p>

Visually-impaired Montana residents can apply for a Lifetime Fishing License for the Blind.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>

In addition to that, the state also gives military veterans with a Purple Heart<\/strong> and\/or Legion of Valor Medal<\/strong> 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. <\/p>

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. <\/p>

Information for Residents <\/h3>

You’re considered a Montana resident if:<\/p>