Montana Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
How much is a fishing license in Montana?
A resident annual Montana fishing license costs $33.50, and a non-resident annual license is $117.50. Montana also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
🎫 Buy a Montana Fishing License →Fishing in Montana
Montana is blue-ribbon trout, plain and simple. The Madison, Missouri, Bighorn, Yellowstone and Beaverhead draw fly anglers from around the world for wild rainbow, brown and native cutthroat trout, with famous summer hatches and a strong catch-and-release ethic. Out east, the reservoirs and Fort Peck add pike, walleye and lake trout. Summer is the marquee season, though the tailwaters fish well into the cold.
Montana Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$33.50
$8 Conservation + $21 fishing + $2.50 AIS
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$117.50
Non-Resident 2-Day
Freshwater
$22.50
Senior (62+)
Freshwater
$16.50
MT resident 62+ total ($4 + $10.50 + $2)
Youth (under 12)
FreeComponent-priced (Conservation License + fishing license + AIS Pass); figures are the buyer-pays total. The prior in-code NR 10-Day appears discontinued — current schedule shows a 5-Day (~$73.50 total); removed pending confirm.
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Montana fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Montana. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 12 do not need a license. Anyone 11 years old or younger needs no fishing license (they must still observe all regulations). Resident youth 12–17 buy a reduced Conservation License plus fishing license.
- Seniors (62+)
- Residents 62 and older pay a reduced rate — about $16.50 total: a $10.50 fishing license, a reduced $4 Conservation License and a $2 AIS Prevention Pass — versus roughly $33.50 for a resident adult. Not free.
- Anglers with disabilities
- A Montana resident with a permanent, substantial disability buys the standard fishing package (~$20.50). A Montana resident who is BLIND may buy a one-time $10.00 Lifetime Fishing license (FWP application + medical certification required).
- Veterans & military
- FREE fishing for Montana resident disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 60% or higher. Veterans who are patients at a VA hospital may fish without a license while carrying VA-signed documentation of current patient status. Purple Heart holders get a reduced Conservation License.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Montana waives the license on Mother's Day weekend and Father's Day weekend each year — in 2026 the Father's Day free weekend is June 20–21 (Mother's Day weekend was May 9–10). Any person, resident or non-resident, may fish without a license; all other regulations apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Montana Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Montana species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutHighly water-specific; many blue-ribbon rivers are catch-and-release | No limit | No limit | Varies by district |
| WalleyeNo statewide limit — varies by district (Western kill-all, Eastern 5/10 combined); Fort Peck differs | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
| Northern PikeVaries by district (Western 15/day, Central/Eastern 10/day) — confirm your district | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Montana Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Montana?
A resident annual fishing license in Montana costs $33.50, and a non-resident annual license costs $117.50. Montana also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Do you need a fishing license in Montana?
Yes. Montana requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 12 are exempt. Residents 62 and older pay a reduced rate — about $16.50 total: a $10.50 fishing license, a reduced $4 Conservation License and a $2 AIS Prevention Pass — versus roughly $33.50 for a resident adult. Not free. Always confirm current rules with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before you fish.
Where do you buy a Montana fishing license?
Buy directly from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Montana.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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