These events must be educational and taught under the guidance of a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks employee or certified fishing instructor. Depending on how long you plan to fish in Montana waters, there are different license types available to residents and non-residents alike. Fishing contests involving fewer than 30 people and cash prizes or merchandise worth $500 or less do not require a permit; but must comply with allfishing contest regulations. All other contests must submit an application and be permitted. All other waters in Montana are closed to intentional fishing for bull trout.
To legally fish in Montana you must hold a valid fishing license, $10 conservation license ($8 for MT residents), and $7.50 invasive species pass ($2 for MT residents). Licenses can be purchased online at theMontana Fish Wildlife and Parks Online Licensing Site. Licenses can also be purchased upon arrival at local fly shops. Our guides generally stop at a shop on the first morning of fishing to pick up flies for the day so adding a license only adds about 10 more minutes.
If you have any updated information, please write us on the comments form below or the contact us page. In the state of Montana, anyone at the age of 12 or above, needs to get a fishing license. In this page you will find the most up to date information for Montana fishing license, cost, age and how to get a fishing license in Montana.
A valid fishing license enables you to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. With modern technology, the number of online applications continues to steadily grow. Eighty-six percent of Montana hunters now choose this method. The small percentage of mail-in applications creates a time-consuming, expensive and inefficient delay in the license-drawing process.
Increase in Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Additionally, the Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass is required for all individuals who fish in Montana. This program was initiated by the 2017 Montana Legislature to help fund the fight against aquatic invasive species. Yellowstone National Park fishing permits are now available online and at YNP visitor centers. Additionally, in 2020, hunters applying for licenses or permits will be able to do so online or at an FWP office. FWP recommends that people carry small plastic bags with them while hunting, and place validated carcass tags in the bags before attaching them to an animal.
Outdoor recreation in Montana is among the state’s top industries, generating $7.1 billion dollars and providing over 71,000 jobs. Fishing is a major contributor to these numbers for obvious reasons given the fact that we have around 34 million acres of public land hosting some of the world’s best trout fisheries. Residents who have been awarded a Purple Heart, regardless of age, may fish and hunt upland game birds with a Conservation License issued by FWP. Fishing is allowed at all hours during open fishing seasons unless otherwise specified in District Exceptions to Standard Regulations.
Local Spots to Buy your Fishing License
It is best to notify the local Regional Fisheries Manager of the date and contact info for the event, just as a heads-up for all parties concerned. Any paddlefish harvested anywhere in Montana MUST be reported to FWP within 48 hours of harvest. Fishing regulations are valid March 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023. The Full Season Fishing license enables you to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.
A Montana fishing license can be purchased through the state’s Online Licenses Service or in-person at a Fish, Wildlife, and Parks office or License Provider location. However, DoNotPay simplifies the process for obtaining a Montana fishing license online with just a few steps. Children under 12 years old DO NOT need a Montana fishing license. During the license buying process you’ll be asked to provide some basic personal information including contact information & the last 4 of your social. Your license validity will be based on how many days you plan on fishing.
A Conservation License is not a prerequisite for this license. Anyone 11 years old or younger is not required to have a fishing license, including a Conservation or AIS Prevention Pass. Youth anglers must still observe all limits and regulations.
Mail-in applications must be entered manually in the licensing system, leaving room for human error and delays. Conservation License ($10) + MT Fishing License ($25 for 2 consecutive days, $56 for 10 consecutive days or $86 for season). Anglers should obtain the appropriate license for the state in which they are fishing.
Bonny Fryer has always been interested in animals, even since she was born. This interest led her to get a degree in Veterinary Medicine and start working as a veterinarian when she was only 22 years old. She is now 44 years old and still works as a veterinarian. She loves her job and finds it very fulfilling to help animals stay healthy and happy.