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Discover everything you need to know about Montana fishing licenses in 2025. Get expert tips on resident and non-resident fees, types, and how to buy online. Fish worry-free with Teenfish!
Montana’s untamed rivers and glacial lakes—from the iconic Madison River to the trout-rich waters of Flathead Lake—offer anglers unparalleled fishing adventures. But before casting a line into these blue-ribbon waters, every angler must navigate Montana’s licensing system. This guide delivers precise 2025 pricing, breaks down license types, and shares insider strategies to maximize your Montana fishing experience while staying fully compliant with state regulations.
Montana law mandates that all anglers aged 12 and older possess three critical components to fish legally:
These licenses directly support Montana’s $1.3 billion fishing economy and conservation programs that protect 169,000 miles of rivers and streams. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), over 287,000 fishing licenses were issued in 2024, with nonresident anglers contributing 58% of license revenue.
This fee funds Montana’s Fisheries Habitat Program, which has restored 42 miles of trout streams since 2020. Costs are non-negotiable and non-refundable:
Category | Cost |
---|---|
Resident (18–61) | $8 |
Resident Youth (12–17) | $4 |
Resident Senior (62+) | $4 |
Nonresident | $10 |
Key Exception: Children under 12 fish free but must adhere to all catch limits and gear rules.
Choose between full-season or short-term licenses. Prices reflect Montana’s commitment to accessibility for residents:
License Type | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost |
---|---|---|
Full Season (Mar 1–Feb 28) | $21 | $100 |
2-Day (Resident Only) | $5 | — |
1-Day (Nonresident) | — | $14 |
5-Day (Nonresident) | — | $56 |
Pro Tip: Nonresidents can extend short-term licenses at $14/day—ideal for anglers planning multiple trips.
Mandatory for all anglers, this pass funds boat inspection stations that intercepted 87 invasive mussel-fouled vessels in 2024:
Category | Cost |
---|---|
Resident | $2 |
Nonresident | $7.50 |
Critical Reminder: Fines for fishing without an AISPP start at $135.
Combine the three components to calculate your total expense:
Angler Profile | Conservation | Base License | AISPP | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Resident Adult (18–61) Full Season | $8 | $21 | $2 | $31 |
Nonresident 5-Day License | $10 | $56 | $7.50 | $73.50 |
Nonresident 1-Day License | $10 | $14 | $7.50 | $31.50 |
Note: Verify 2025 rates directly via the Montana FWP Licensing Portal before purchasing.
Montana offers three streamlined purchasing methods:
Insider Hack: Out-of-state anglers booking guided trips through providers like Montana Angler often get licensing assistance included in package deals.
Did You Know? Montana offers lifetime licenses for residents—explore how they compare to other states in our Guide to Lifetime Fishing Licenses.
How Much Is a Fishing License in Montana? 2025 Costs, Requirements, and Expert Tips
(Continued from Part 1)
Montana’s rivers demand strategic planning to maximize success. Local guides like Four Rivers Fishing Co. emphasize timing your trip during June–September for prolific hatches of Pale Morning Duns and Salmonflies on the Madison and Big Hole Rivers. For trophy brown trout, target the Missouri River near Craig during October’s cooler water temperatures.
Pro Strategies:
Strict regulations preserve Montana’s fisheries. Key rules for 2025:
Conservation Note: Purchase a Trout & Salmon Stamp ($10 residents / $20 nonresidents) to fund wild trout recovery efforts.
Yes—options range from 1-day ($31.50) to full-season ($117.50). Nonresidents account for 62% of Montana’s fishing revenue.
Yes—June 14–15, 2025, requires no license but mandates adherence to all other rules.
No—your standard license covers ice fishing, but auger holes larger than 12″ must be marked.
Reprint it instantly via the FWP Licensing Portal or visit any authorized vendor.
No—Glacier requires a National Park Service Permit ($15/week), available at visitor centers.