Montana fishing license: cost, who needs one and how to buy

What will it cost? Calculator

Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.

Prices for 2026-27. License prices shown separately: the calculator adds the required Conservation License and AIS Prevention Pass.

How long annual licenses last: The license year runs March 1 to the end of February. Official source

Non-residents (visitors)

Residents

Some of these are required: the calculator adds them automatically.

• Conservation License (resident)

  $8

  Required for residents who needs a license (ages 18–61)

  Required for most anglers 12 and over.

  Residents Official source

• Conservation License (resident youth 12-17)

  $4

  Required for residents who needs a license (ages 12–17)

  Required for most anglers.

  Residents Official source

• Conservation License (resident senior 62+)

  $4

  Required for residents who needs a license (ages 62+)

  Required for most anglers.

  Residents Official source

• Conservation License (non-resident)

  $10

  Required for non-residents who needs a license (ages 12+)

  Required for most anglers 12 and over.

  Non-residents Official source

• Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (resident)

  $2

  Required for residents who needs a license (ages 12+)

  Required for everyone who fishes, 12 and over.

  Residents Official source

• Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (non-resident)

  $7.50

  Required for non-residents who needs a license (ages 12+)

  Required for everyone who fishes, 12 and over.

  Non-residents Official source

• Anyone 11 or younger (limits still apply)

  Fresh Everyone Official source

• Veterans Administration patients and residents of state institutions (free permits on site)

  Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source

• People at FWP-approved educational events and clinics

  Fresh Everyone Official source

• Anglers on Montana's free fishing weekend (Father's Day weekend)

  Fresh Everyone Secondary source: Montana Outdoor (republished FWP release)

Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Montana.

The rule: Father's Day weekend.

No license needed. All other rules apply, and boats must still stop at AIS inspection stations. FWP's release says Montanans; check whether non-residents are covered.

Secondary source: Montana Outdoor (republished FWP release)

Who counts as a resident

To buy resident licenses you must have lived in Montana as your main home for at least 180 consecutive days just before buying. To stay a resident you must live there at least 120 days a year. You must also register your vehicles in Montana, be registered to vote in Montana if you vote anywhere, and file Montana income tax returns as a resident if you have to file. You can't hold or apply for resident hunting, fishing or trapping privileges anywhere else. Owning property in Montana without living there doesn't make you a resident. FWP calls this a guideline: the full rule is in Montana Code 87-2-102. (at least 180 days)

Military

Service members stationed in Montana on active duty can buy resident licenses after living in Montana for at least 30 days, showing official assignment orders and proof of a hunter safety course. Members who already met the general residency rules also qualify. The 30-day requirement is waived in wartime.

Official source

Sold online and at license providers (not in the MyFWP app). Most anglers buy a Conservation License, the AIS Prevention Pass and a base fishing license together.

Online

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks license sales

Phone

(406) 444-2950

App

MyFWP

License on your phone

Accepted

ID needed

For resident licenses: a valid Montana driver's license, Montana ID card or tribal ID card. An out-of-state driver's license isn't accepted for resident purchases. If your Montana license or ID was issued less than six months ago, you may be asked for more proof.

Licenses are sold through FWP's Online Licenses Service, at FWP offices and at license providers, not in the app. Online prices include a service fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction. The free MyFWP app stores digital licenses, which count when an officer asks to see your license. The phone number is the one listed on the Online Licenses Service.

Official source23

Fishing without a license: Most fish and game violations are misdemeanors, with a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. A court can also take away hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for a set time. Secondary source: Montana fishing regulations (eRegulations)

Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.

Montana is landlocked, so this is about fishing outfitters and guides. Only licensed outfitters can offer fishing services for pay, and it's illegal to hire an unlicensed outfitter or guide. No outfitter license covers the clients, and Montana's rules don't single out guided anglers. The general rule applies: everyone 12 or over who fishes needs a valid fishing license (usually a Conservation License and a base fishing license), and everyone who fishes needs the AIS Prevention Pass.

Official source23

Standard limits for Montana's three fishing districts (Western, Central, Eastern). Many waters have exceptions. Shown per district; possession often equals the daily limit.

Compare Montana with other states

Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.

• Montana vs Idaho
• Montana vs North Dakota
• Montana vs South Dakota
• Montana vs Wyoming

Questions

Sources and checks

Every fact on this page comes from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.

Licenses and prices

Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026-27)

Free fishing days

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Seasons and limits

Checked Nov 4, 2026

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