Montana vs South Dakota fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Montana is $10.50 cheaper than South Dakota. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, South Dakota is $12.50 cheaper than Montana. You need a license from age 12 in Montana and from 18 in South Dakota.
- 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 | Montana | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $31.50 | $26 |
| 3 days | $59.50 | $70 |
| 7 days | $101.50 | $105 |
| 1 year | $117.50 | $105 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $31 | $41 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Montana | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 12 | 18 |
| Senior residents | Resident base fishing license (senior 62+): $10.50 (ages 62+) | Resident senior annual fishing license (65+): $17 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | 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 | Habitat stamp (resident): $10 Habitat stamp (non-resident): $25 |
| Next free fishing day | Jun 19–20, 2027 Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | It depends on the boat and where you fish |
| License on your phone | Accepted | – |
| Annual licenses last | To End of February | To January 31 after the license year |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Montana fishing license · South Dakota 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 | Montana | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Trout |
Trout (rivers and streams) Trout (lakes and reservoirs) |
Trout, salmon and splake Lake trout (Black Hills) |
| Walleye |
Walleye and sauger |
Walleye and sauger |
| Crappie |
bag 15 (30 in possession) (Central and Eastern districts; 1 more) |
No minimum; bag 15 (possession 30) |
| Catfish |
Channel catfish |
Channel and flathead catfish White bass, rock bass and bullhead |
| Northern pike |
bag 15 (Western District; 1 more) |
No minimum; bag 6 (possession 12) |
| Salmon |
Kokanee salmon |
Trout, salmon and splake |
Questions
Is a Montana fishing license valid in South Dakota?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Montana or South Dakota?
1 day (fresh water): Montana $31.50, South Dakota $26. 1 year (fresh water): Montana $117.50, South Dakota $105.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Montana and South Dakota?
You need a license from age 12 in Montana and from 18 in South Dakota.