It’s fast and easy to get a Montana fishing license
If you’re reading this article, you must be planning to do some fishing in Montana.
Well, lucky you.
Now you need to figure out how to get a fishing license and what it’s going to cost.
To purchase a Montana fishing license right now, head over to Montana’s online licensing system.
It’s simple to use and you can print your license out or install the app to keep licenses digitally.
If you’re looking for more information about Montana fishing licenses, this rest of this article is for you.
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Montana Fishing Licenses Overview
If you are 12 years or older, you’ll need two licenses to fish anywhere on Montana state lands.
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.
If you are over 15, you’ll also need an AISPP pass.
AISPP passes cost $2 for residents and $7.50 for non-residents.
When you purchase a fishing license online or at a retailer, these will all be included together for you.
Montana fishing licenses can be purchased anytime, and full season licenses expire at the end of February.
Here’s some common license scenarios for residents and non-residents.
What Happens on the River Stays on the River / Bitterroot Info
Montana Fishing Licenses for Residents
Here are the most common fishing license scenarios for Montana residents.
| RESIDENT | AGE | TOTAL COST |
|---|---|---|
| FULL SEASON | 12 – 15 | $14.50 |
| FULL SEASON | 16 – 17 | $16.50 |
| FULL SEASON | 18 – 61 | $31 |
| FULL SEASON | 62+ | $16.50 |
| 2 DAY | 12 – 15 | $9 |
| 2 DAY | 16 – 17 | $11 |
| 2 DAY | 18 – 61 | $15 |
| 2 DAY | 62+ | $11 |
Updated February, 2024
Here’s the math for residents:
FULL SEASON / 12-15 — $4 conservation license + $0 AISPP + $10.50 base fishing license = $14.50
FULL SEASON / 16-17 — $4 conservation license + $2 AISPP + $10.50 base fishing license = $16.50
FULL SEASON / 18-61 — $8 conservation license + $2 AISPP + $21 base fishing license = $31
FULL SEASON / 62+ — $4 conservation license + $2 AISPP + $10.50 base fishing license = $16.50
2 DAY / 12-15 — $4 conservation license + $0 AISPP + $5 base fishing license = $9
2 DAY / 16-17 — $4 conservation license + $2 AISPP + $5 base fishing license = $11
2 DAY / 18-61 — $8 conservation license + $2 AISPP + $5 base fishing license = $15
2 DAY / 62+ — $4 conservation license + $2 AISPP + $5 base fishing license = $11
Montana Fishing Licenses for Non-residents
Here are the most common fishing license scenarios for non-residents.
| NON-RESIDENT | AGE | TOTAL COST |
|---|---|---|
| 1 DAY | 12 – 15 | $24 |
| 1 DAY | 16+ | $31.50 |
| 5 DAY | 12 – 15 | $66 |
| 5 DAY | 16+ | $73.50 |
| FULL SEASON | 12 – 15 | $110 |
| FULL SEASON | 16+ | $117.50 |
Updated February, 2024
Here’s the math for non-residents:
1 DAY / 12-15 — $10 conservation license + $0 AISPP + $14 base fishing license = $24
1 DAY / 16+ — $10 conservation license + $7.50 AISPP + $14 base fishing license = $31.50
5 DAY / 12 -15 — $10 conservation license + $0 AISPP + $56 base fishing license = $66
5 DAY / 16+ — $10 conservation license + $7.50 AISPP + $56 base fishing license = $73.50
FULL SEASON / 12 -15 — $10 conservation license + $0 AISPP + $100 base fishing license = $110
FULL SEASON / 16+ — $10 conservation license + $7.50 AISPP + $100 base fishing license = $117.50
Additional days can be added to short-term non-resident licenses for $14 per day.
Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
Special Licenses & Rates
If you’re a member of any of the following groups, you may qualify for special fishing licenses or rates.
— Members of the armed forces, and their families, stationed in Montana
— People born in Montana, who aren’t currently residents, but have family who are residents
— Non-resident students enrolled in a Montana college or university
— Montana resident with a disability
— Veteran’s Administration patients residing at Montana hospitals
— Purple Heart recipients, Legion of Honor members
— Eligible care facilities, and qualified educational events
For details on special licenses and rates, begin at the online licensing system and select your group.
What is the Conservation License & AISPP Pass?
Conservation licenses are required for everyone age 12 and over who access Montana state lands.
Examples of state land include fishing access sites, state trust lands, and wildlife management areas.
Examples of access include fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, launching boats, and wildlife viewing.
Montana fishing licenses have required the conservation license for years, but since 2023, other state land users are required to purchase them.
Conservation licenses were established to help spread the cost of maintaining state land facilities to users besides hunters, trappers and fishermen.
AISPP stands for ‘Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass’.
These passes were established to fund the fight against aquatic invasive species in Montana waters.
AISPP passes are required when purchasing a fishing license, and are also required for motorized and non-motorized vessels launched on Montana waters.
Image / Bitterroot Info
Free Fishing Weekends
Montana offers two free fishing weekends each year.
This generous tradition applies to all fish in all state waters.
Free fishing weekends are held each year on Father’s Day and Mother’s Day weekends.
During these weekends, a person may fish without obtaining a Montana fishing license.
All other fishing regulations remain in place during free fishing weekends.
That’s a Good Question
No, Montana fishing licenses are non-transferrable.
Anyone 12 years old or older is required to purchase a Montana fishing license to fish on state waters.
Additional Resources
Current Montana Fishing Regulations can be found here.
Montana Fishing licenses can be purchased here.
More info on Montana Conservation licenses
More info on Montana AISPP passes