Montana Fishing License

It’s fast and easy to get a Montana fishing license

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If you’re reading this article, you must be planning a trip to do some fishing in Montana.

Well, lucky you.

Whether you’ll be fly fishing on one of our blue ribbon streams, or hiking to one of our high mountain lakes, you’re in for a treat.

Now you need to figure out how to get a fishing license and what it’s going to cost.

That’s where we come in with our handy calculator, and lots of information about Montana fishing licenses.

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Montana Fishing License Quick Facts

✓ Individuals 12 years or older need a valid fishing license to legally fish anywhere on Montana state lands.

✓ Adult resident licenses cost $15 for two days, and $31 for a full season.

✓ Adult non-resident licenses cost $31.50 for one day, $73.50 for five days, and $117.50 for a full season.

✓ Youth and senior licenses are available for discounted fees.

✓ Fishing licenses can be purchased online, at local retailers, and local fly shops.

✓ Special exemptions apply to certain groups, such as military personnel and veterans.

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License Costs for Residents

To qualify for a resident license, residents need to have physically resided in Montana as their primary home for 180 consecutive days.

Here’s the cost of the most common fishing license fees for residents.

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Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info

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License Cost for Non-residents

Here’s the cost of the most common fishing license fees for non-resident visitors.

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Montana Fishing License Details

Technically, you need to purchase multiple licenses to fish on Montana waters.

If you’re over 12, you’ll need a conservation license and a base fishing license.

Conservation licenses cost $4 to $10, depending on your age and residency.

Base fishing licenses cost $5 to $100, depending on age, residency, and number of fishing days.

What Happens on the River Stays on the River / Bitterroot Info

If you are over 15, you’ll also need an AISPP pass.

AISPP passes cost $2 for residents and $7.50 for non-residents.

Conveniently, when you purchase a fishing license online or at a retailer, these licenses will all be combined into one purchase at a single cost.

Montana fishing licenses can be purchased anytime of the year, and full season licenses expire at the end of February.

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Get Your Montana Fishing License Online

To purchase your license right now, head over to Montana’s online licensing system on the Montana FWP website.

It’s simple to use and you can print your license out or install their app to keep licenses digitally.

Remember, most anglers will need a conservation license, a base fishing license, and an AISPP pass to fish in Montana, which are conveniently included in your online purchase.

With your online license in hand, you’re ready to explore Montana’s abundant angling opportunities while adhering to the state’s fishing regulations.

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Special Licenses & Rates

If you’re a member of any of the following groups, you may qualify for special fishing licenses or rates.

For details on special licenses and rates, begin at the online licensing system and select your group.

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Free Fishing Weekends and Fishing Clinics

Montana offers two free fishing weekends each year.

This generous tradition applies to all types of fish in all state waters.

Free fishing weekends are held each year on Father’s Day and Mother’s Day weekends.

Cutthroat trout on the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info

During these weekends, anglers may fish without obtaining a Montana fishing license.

All other fishing regulations remain in place during free fishing weekends.

Fishing clinics and qualified educational events allow anglers to fish without a fishing license any time of the year.

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What is a Conservation License?

Conservation licenses are required for everyone age 12 and over who access Montana state lands.

These licenses were established to help spread the cost of maintaining state land facilities to users besides hunters, trappers and fishermen.

Montana fishing licenses have required the conservation license for years, but since 2023, other state land users are now required to purchase them.

Salmonfly on a fisherman’s finger / Bitterroot Info

Examples of state land include fishing access sites, state trust lands, parks, and wildlife management areas.

Examples of access include fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, launching boats, and wildlife viewing.

If you are over 12 and recreating on state land in Montana, you need to purchase a conservation license.

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What is the AISPP Pass?

AISPP stands for ‘Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass’.

AISPP passes are required for anglers 15 and over when purchasing a fishing license, and are also required for motorized and non-motorized vessels launched on Montana waters whether you will be fishing or not.

Image / Bitterroot Info

The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass was established in 2017 as part of a comprehensive effort to protect the state’s waterways from the growing threat of aquatic invasive species.

This initiative was introduced to provide necessary funding for prevention, inspection, and education programs aimed at stopping the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.

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