What a Montana Paddlefish Tag Is and Who Needs One
A paddlefish tag is a permit issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that allows you to fish for paddlefish in designated Montana waters during the open season. You must have a valid tag before you fish for paddlefish, even if you already hold a Montana fishing license. The tag is separate from your regular license and costs money each year.
Paddlefish are prehistoric-looking fish found in a few Montana reservoirs and river sections. They are large, slow-growing, and can live for decades, which is why Montana limits how many can be taken each year. The tag system controls that harvest by capping the number of permits sold.
Montana residents and nonresidents both need a paddlefish tag. You cannot transfer a tag to another person, and you cannot fish for paddlefish without one, even in a catch-and-release situation.
Key Takeaways
- You must buy a paddlefish tag each year from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, separate from your regular fishing license.
- Tags are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and often sell out weeks before the season opens, so buying early matters.
- The tag costs differ for Montana residents and nonresidents, and the price changes year to year.
- Paddlefish season runs at different times in different waters — check the current year's regulations before you plan your trip.
- You can buy a tag online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website or at authorized vendors across the state.
Where to Buy a Paddlefish Tag
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks sells paddlefish tags through their online system at fwp.mt.gov. You can purchase a tag on their website using a credit or debit card. The online system is open during the sales period, which typically begins in late winter or early spring for the upcoming season.
You can also buy a tag in person at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional offices and at hundreds of authorized vendors statewide, including sporting goods stores, fly shops, and some grocery stores. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has tags in stock, since they do sell out.
Tags are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the annual quota is reached, no more tags are sold until the next year. In recent years, tags have sold out by mid-spring, so waiting until late spring or summer means you will not be able to fish for paddlefish that year.
Cost and Who Pays What
The paddlefish tag price varies by residency status and changes annually. Montana residents pay one rate; nonresidents pay a higher rate. The exact dollar amount depends on the current year's fee schedule set by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks directly or visit their website to confirm the current year's tag price before you buy. Some vendors may charge a small processing fee on top of the tag cost.
Paddlefish Season Dates and Open Waters
Paddlefish season is not the same everywhere in Montana. Different reservoirs and river sections open on different dates, and some waters are closed to paddlefish fishing entirely. The most commonly fished paddlefish waters are Fort Peck Reservoir and Lake Mary Ronan, but other waters may be open depending on the year.
Season dates typically run from spring through early summer, but the exact opening and closing dates vary by water. Some waters have a short season of just a few weeks; others stay open longer. You must check the current year's Montana Fishing Regulations before you plan your trip to confirm which waters are open, when they open, and any special rules that apply.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks publishes a detailed paddlefish fishing guide each year that lists all open waters, season dates, and catch limits. You can download this guide from their website or pick up a printed copy at any regional office or vendor.
What You Need to Know Before You Fish
Paddlefish are caught by snagging — using a weighted hook or treble hook to snag the fish as it swims past, rather than by traditional hook-and-line angling. This method is legal only for paddlefish and only in designated waters. You must follow all snagging rules in the current regulations, including hook size, line weight, and rod specifications.
Each paddlefish tag allows you to keep one fish per season, with rare exceptions. You must immediately tag any paddlefish you keep with the tag number provided when you buy your permit. Failure to tag your fish or fishing without a tag is a violation of Montana law.
Paddlefish are large and powerful. Bring appropriate gear, plan for a long fight, and be prepared to land a fish that may weigh 40 to 100 pounds or more. Many anglers fish from boats in reservoirs, though some shore access exists at certain locations.
How to Check Regulations and Get More Information
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintains the official paddlefish regulations and season information on their website at fwp.mt.gov. You can also call their regional offices directly — the office that covers your fishing area can answer questions about current season dates, open waters, and any changes to rules.
The annual Montana Fishing Regulations booklet includes a full paddlefish section with maps, season dates, and catch-and-release rules. This booklet is free and available online or in print at any vendor or regional office.
If you are planning a trip from out of state, contact the regional office nearest your destination water. Staff can tell you what to expect, where to launch, and whether the season will be open during your planned dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a regular Montana fishing license to buy a paddlefish tag?
Yes. A paddlefish tag is a separate permit and does not replace your regular fishing license. You must have both a valid Montana fishing license and a valid paddlefish tag to fish for paddlefish.
What happens if I catch a paddlefish but do not have a tag?
You must release the fish immediately. Keeping a paddlefish without a tag is a violation of Montana law and can result in fines and loss of fishing privileges. If you hook a paddlefish while snagging and do not have a tag, cut the line or carefully release the fish without removing it from the water.
Can I buy a paddlefish tag after the season starts?
Only if tags are still available. Tags are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and often sell out before the season opens. Once sold out, no more tags are issued until the next year. Check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website to see if tags are still available before you travel.
Do paddlefish tags carry over to the next year if I do not use mine?
No. Paddlefish tags are valid only for the calendar year or season in which they are issued. If you do not fish for paddlefish during that season, you must buy a new tag the following year.
What is the difference between a paddlefish tag and a conservation license?
A paddlefish tag is a species-specific permit that allows you to fish for paddlefish only. A conservation license is a general fishing license that allows you to fish for most other species in Montana. You need both if you want to fish for paddlefish and other fish during the same trip.