Idaho vs Montana fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Idaho is $22.75 cheaper than Montana. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Montana is $0.50 cheaper than Idaho. You need a license from age 14 in Idaho and from 12 in Montana.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Idaho | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $22.75 | $31.50 |
| 3 days | $36.75 | $59.50 |
| 7 days | $64.75 | $101.50 |
| 1 year | $118 | $117.50 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $35.50 | $31 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026-27 |
Rules side by side
| Idaho | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 14 | 12 |
| Senior residents | Resident senior combination license (hunting and fishing, 65+): $13.75 (ages 65+) Resident lifetime fishing license (age 51+): $481.75 (ages 51+) | Resident base fishing license (senior 62+): $10.50 (ages 62+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Access/depredation fee (resident adult): $5 Access/depredation fee (resident junior): $2 Access/depredation fee (resident senior): $2 Access/depredation fee (non-resident adult): $10 Access/depredation fee (non-resident junior or DAV): $4 | Conservation License (resident): $8 Conservation License (resident youth 12-17): $4 Conservation License (resident senior 62+): $4 Conservation License (non-resident): $10 Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (resident): $2 Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (non-resident): $7.50 |
| Next free fishing day | Sat, Jun 12, 2027 Not yet announced | Jun 19–20, 2027 Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Not applicable | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | – | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | To 12-31 | To End of February |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Idaho fishing license · Montana fishing license
Shared waters
Neither state lists a special agreement for waters shared with the other. Where you fish decides which license you need.
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Idaho | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Trout |
Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, brown, lake trout and hybrids, combined) Brook trout |
Trout (rivers and streams) Trout (lakes and reservoirs) |
| Walleye |
bag 6 (Magic Valley; 1 more) |
Walleye and sauger |
| Crappie |
Other fish (crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, catfish) |
bag 15 (30 in possession) (Central and Eastern districts; 1 more) |
| Catfish |
Other fish (crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, catfish) |
Channel catfish |
| Northern pike |
bag No limit; harvest encouraged |
bag 15 (Western District; 1 more) |
| Salmon |
Kokanee Chinook and coho salmon (ocean-run): set each year |
Kokanee salmon |
Questions
Is a Idaho fishing license valid in Montana?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Idaho or Montana?
1 day (fresh water): Idaho $22.75, Montana $31.50. 1 year (fresh water): Idaho $118, Montana $117.50.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Idaho and Montana?
You need a license from age 14 in Idaho and from 12 in Montana.