Photo credit
Fly fishing Meadow Creek in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Brandan W. Schulze, US Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Montana fishing license
You need one to fish in Montana. Buy it from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Where to buy it
Online from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Many fly shops and sporting goods stores sell them too.
Buy a license on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website (opens in a new tab)
Where this link comes from
The agency's license store, opened Nov 8, 2026.
Before you go
| License | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resident annual fishing license | $21 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident annual fishing license | $100 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident 1-day license | $14 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Conservation License + Angler AIS Prevention Pass (resident) | $10 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
Free fishing days
- Mother's Day and Father's Day weekends (May 9-10 and June 20-21, 2026), residents and nonresidents Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Who needs one
- No license needed under 12 Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Extra permits
- Conservation License + Angler AIS Prevention Pass: needed for all anglers Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
- Carry it while you fish, on paper or on your phone if the state allows.
- Fishing for trout? Some states also need a trout stamp or permit; the agency's page says.
- Read the special regulations for the water you pick: seasons, lures and limits can differ.
- Veteran or service member? Montana concessions, quoted from the agency.