While preparing for an upcoming fly fishing trip to Montana I needed to purchase a fishing license, but I wasn’t sure how much they were and where to buy one. So I did some research and here is what I found.
So how much does a Montana Fishing License cost? A Montana resident fishing license total cost is $31 for a season and $15 for 2 consecutive calendar days. Non Montana residents can expect to pay a total of $103.50 for a season and $42.50 for 2 consecutive calendar days.
In order to fish in Montana most anglers need to have a Conservation License and a Fishing License as well as a AIS Pass which are all included in the price above.
If you would like more detailed information about the specific cost of each license, where to buy one and some other important fishing information in Montana please continue reading below.
Fishing License Cost in Montana
As I mentioned previously in order to fish in Montana you’ll be required to purchase a Conservation License, Fishing License and an AIS Pass.
Here is a table and breakdown of all the Montana Fishing Licenses and how much they cost for both residents and non-residents.
Montana Seasonal Fishing License
| Age | Conser-vation License | AIS Prevention Pass 16 & Older | License Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-11 | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Resident 12 – 17, 62 and older, or disable | $4 | $2 | $10.50 | $16.50 |
| Resident 18-61 | $8 | $2 | $21 for season | $31 |
| Nonresident 12 and older | $10 | $7.50 | $86 for season | $103.50 |
Montana Calendar Day Fishing License
| Age | Conser-vation License | AIS Prevention Pass 16 & Older | License Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-11 | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Resident 12 – 17, 62 and older, or disable (2 Day) | $4 | $2 | $5 | $11 |
| Resident 18-61 (2 Day) | $8 | $2 | $5 | $15 |
| Nonresident 12 and older (2 Day) | $10 | $7.50 | $25 | $42.50 |
| Nonresident 12 and older (10 Days) | $10 | $7.50 | $56 | $73.50 |
Montana Resident Fishing License
An adult (18-61) Resident Fishing License in Montana total cost is $31 for a season (Conservation License $8, AIS Prevention Pass $2, Season License $21)
A consecutive calendar day resident fishing license total costs is $15 (Conservation License $8, AIS Prevention Pass $2, Season License $5)
For Montana residents that are 12-17, 62 and older, or disabled a seasonal fishing license costs $16.50 and $11for 2 consecutive calendar days.
Montana Nonresident Fishing License
If you are not a Montana resident, you can expect to pay a total of $103.50 per season (Conservation License $8, AIS Prevention Pass $7.50, Season License $86) for an adult fishing license.
For those that are 0-11 years old, no fishing license is required. However, you still must observe all limits and regulations.
It’s also extremely important to understand and stay up with the regulations and rules in Montana. You can find out more information and details on the Montana Official Website.
Who needs a fishing license in Montana?
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on Montana state waters. However, anglers that are 0-11 years’ old are not required to have a license but must observe all rules and regulations. Any angler 12 years or older much have the proper licenses to be able to fish.
Where Can You Purchase a Montana Fishing License?
While researching license requirements for Montana I wasn’t sure where I could buy one. So I did some research and this is what I found.
Montana Fishing License can be conveniently purchased online at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Online Licensing Site. Fishing licenses can also be purchased at a local tackle shop or convenient store.
Montana Fishing Regulations & Information
In the State of Montana there are many rules and regulations when it comes to fishing. There are many things outside of just buying a fishing license that you need to need to understand.
Below are some general guidelines. You can find more detailed information on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
General Fishing Regulations & Information
In Montana anyone fishing, whether it be in a river, stream, pond, lake or reservoir must have a valid fishing license, conservation license, and AIS prevention pass.
Montana has over 338 fishing access sites to choose from all across the state. Anglers can easily access many streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. If you wish to view all of the fishing access sites, check out the Montana Wildlife website.
The Fishing season in Montana typically runs from the beginner of March through around November. These are considered the prime fishing months but fishing can be done year round.
If you have any more questions or want more information about the rules and regulations of fishing in Montana. Please check out the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Online Licensing Site.
Montana Game Fish Species
Montana is well known for its fly fishing, but this state also offers a ton of other great fishing opportunities. Here is a list of some of the most popular game fish in Montana so you can know what kind of fish you can target.
Popular Game Fish to Target in Montana
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout
- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
- Bull Trout
- Columbia River Redband Trout
- Artic Grayling
- Northern Pikeminnow
- Mountain Whitefish
- Rainbow Trout
- Lake Trout
- Brown Trout
- Brook Trout
- Golden Trout
- Lake Whitefish
- Kokanee
- Pallid Sturgeon
- Shovelnose Sturgeon
- Paddlefish
- Burbot
- Channel Catfish
- Sauger
- Walleye
- Yellow Perch
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Black Crappie
- Northern Pike
- Black Bullhead
Related Montana Fishing License Questions
How Much is a 2 Day Fishing License in Montana? A Montana 2 days fishing license costs a total of $15 for residents and $42.50 for nonresidents.
How old do you have to be to need a fishing license in Montana? In Montana anglers that are 12 or older need to have a valid fishing license, conservation license and AIS prevention pass (only for 16 & older). Kids that are 0-11 do not need a fishing license but must observe all regulations.
Can I get a Montana fishing license online? Yes, a Montana fishing license can be purchased online at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Online Licensing Site.
Is it legal to fish at night in Montana? In Montana fishing is allowed at all hours during open fishing season unless otherwise specified.
How much is the fine for fishing without a license in Montana? In Montana most fish and game violations are misdemeanors that includes a fine that does not exceed $1000 and imprisonment for longer than six months.
Final Thoughts
Montana is a fantastic fishing state that is on my fly fishing and anglers bucket list. It has one of the best trout fishing in the United State and perhaps in the world.
If you are live in or planning on making a fishing trip to Montana I would highly recommend checking out the rules, regulations and licenses required before you head out on the water.
I hope you have found the information in this article to be insightful and that it helps you get setup with the right licenses for your next Montana fishing trip.
Tight lines.
