Montana vs Wyoming fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Wyoming is $17.50 cheaper than Montana. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Montana is $6 cheaper than Wyoming. You need a license from age 12 in Montana and from 14 in Wyoming.
- 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 | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $31.50 | $14 |
| 3 days | $59.50 | $42 |
| 7 days | $101.50 | $84 |
| 1 year | $117.50 | $123.50 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $31 | $48.50 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Montana | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 12 | 14 |
| Senior residents | Resident base fishing license (senior 62+): $10.50 (ages 62+) | No senior discount |
| 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 | Conservation stamp (12 months): $21.50 |
| 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 | Not applicable |
| License on your phone | Accepted | – |
| Annual licenses last | To End of February | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Montana fishing license · Wyoming 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 | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (brown, cutthroat, grayling, golden, rainbow, salmon, tiger trout and hybrids) Brook trout |
| Walleye |
Walleye and sauger |
No statewide size limit; bag 6 |
| Crappie |
bag 15 (30 in possession) (Central and Eastern districts; 1 more) |
Crappie, yellow perch and sunfish (including rock bass) |
| Catfish |
Channel catfish |
Channel catfish |
| Northern pike |
bag 15 (Western District; 1 more) |
See area rules; bag No statewide limit; see drainage area exceptions |
| Salmon |
Kokanee salmon |
Trout (brown, cutthroat, grayling, golden, rainbow, salmon, tiger trout and hybrids) |
Questions
Is a Montana fishing license valid in Wyoming?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Montana or Wyoming?
1 day (fresh water): Montana $31.50, Wyoming $14. 1 year (fresh water): Montana $117.50, Wyoming $123.50.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Montana and Wyoming?
You need a license from age 12 in Montana and from 14 in Wyoming.