How much is a fishing license in Montana?

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 Fishing License Requirements for 2025

Montana law mandates that all anglers aged 12 and older possess three critical components to fish legally:

1. A Conservation License (funds habitat protection)
2. A Base Fishing License (varies by residency and trip duration)
3. An Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP) (combats ecological threats).

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.

2025 Montana Fishing License Costs

Conservation License: Mandatory for All Anglers

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.

Base Fishing License: Options for Every Angler

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.

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP)

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.

Total License Costs for Common Scenarios

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.

How to Buy a Montana Fishing License

Montana offers three streamlined purchasing methods:

1. Online

• Visit the FWP Online Licensing System.
• Create an account (save 8 minutes by pre-registering).
• Select licenses, pay via credit/debit, and store digital copies on your smartphone.

1. In-Person

• Purchase at 400+ authorized vendors, including Walmart stores and fly shops like Four Rivers Fishing Co..

1. Phone

• Call FWP at (406) 444-2950 (weekdays, 8 AM–5 PM MT).

Insider Hack: Out-of-state anglers booking guided trips through providers like Montana Angler often get licensing assistance included in package deals.

Special Discounts and Exemptions

• Military Veterans: Purple Heart recipients and 100% disabled vets qualify for free resident licenses. Submit a Veteran Certification Form to FWP.
• College Students: Enrolled at Montana universities? You may qualify for resident rates—contact FWP’s Licensing Bureau at (406) 444-2950.
• Disabled Residents: Paraplegic anglers receive 50% off base licenses. Requires Physician Certification.

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)

Expert Tips for Fishing in Montana

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:

• Gear Up: Use 5–6 weight rods with nymphing rigs in spring and switch to dry flies in summer. Local shops like Four Rivers provide free hatch charts and Winston rod demos.
• Avoid Crowds: Opt for lesser-known gems like the Ruby River, where wade-fishing access points yield 18–22″ rainbow trout with minimal competition.

Montana Fishing Regulations and Best Practices

Strict regulations preserve Montana’s fisheries. Key rules for 2025:

• Catch-and-Release Zones: The Yellowstone River’s Paradise Valley section (Livingston to Yankee Jim Canyon) requires barbless hooks and artificial lures only.
• Invasive Species Compliance: All watercraft must pass mandatory inspections at 32 FWP checkpoints. Failing to declutter your boat risks a $485 fine.
• Daily Limits: Most rivers allow 5 trout daily, but check exceptions (e.g., the Bitterroot River permits only 1 brown trout over 18″).

Conservation Note: Purchase a Trout & Salmon Stamp ($10 residents / $20 nonresidents) to fund wild trout recovery efforts.

Montana’s Top 5 Fishing Destinations for 2025

Madison River

• Best For: Dry fly fishing during the Salmonfly hatch (June–July). Local guides report 18–22″ brown trout in the Upper Madison near Quake Lake.
• Regulations: Catch-and-release only in the $1.3 million restoration zone near Ennis.

Missouri River

• Prime Time: October’s cooler waters yield trophy rainbow trout averaging 16–20″.
• Insider Tip: Use nymphing rigs near Holter Dam for consistent action.

Yellowstone River

• Access Points: Paradise Valley section (Livingston to Yankee Jim Canyon) requires barbless hooks and artificial lures only.
• Conservation: Purchase a Trout Stamp to support native cutthroat recovery.

Ruby River

• Hidden Gem: Wade-fishing access near Sheridan yields 14–18″ rainbow trout with minimal crowds.
• Gear: 4-weight rods with Pale Morning Dun imitations recommended.

Flathead Lake

• Unique Catch: Pursue lake trout (20–30 lbs) in deep waters. Nonresidents need a Lake Trout Endorsement ($10).

How to Support Conservation Efforts

1. Purchase a Trout & Salmon Stamp

• Funds wild trout habitat restoration, including the Clark Fork River Superfund cleanup.
• Cost: $10 residents / $20 nonresidents.

1. Participate in Volunteer Programs

• Join FWP’s River Cleanup Days (April–May) or adopt a “Leave No Trace” ethic on backcountry streams.

1. Report Poaching

• Use FWP’s 1-800-TIP-MONT hotline. In 2024, tips led to 143 convictions for illegal fishing.

2025 Regulatory Updates

• New Invasive Species Rules: All felt-soled waders banned statewide to prevent New Zealand mudsnail spread.
• Ice Fishing: Auger holes >12″ diameter must be marked with brightly colored flags.
• Glacier National Park: Separate National Park Service Permit ($15/week) required.

Local Angler Insights

• Four Rivers Fishing Co.: Recommends Euro-nymphing on the Bitterroot River for 20+ trout days.
• Montana Fly Company: Hosts free fly-tying workshops in Bozeman every Saturday.