What a Montana resident fishing license covers
A Montana resident fishing license is a permit issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that allows you to fish in state waters for most species during open seasons. The license is valid for one calendar year — January 1 through December 31 — and costs $20.10 for residents age 16 and older. You must carry it with you while fishing and show it to a game warden if asked.
The license covers freshwater fishing in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs across Montana. It does not cover fishing on private land without permission, and it does not cover certain special fisheries that require additional permits or stamps. Some waters have their own rules beyond what the basic license allows.
Key Takeaways
- Montana resident fishing licenses cost $20.10 per year and are valid January 1 through December 31, regardless of when you purchase them.
- You must be a Montana resident — typically meaning you have lived in the state for at least six months and hold a Montana driver's license or ID — to buy a resident license.
- You can purchase a license online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website, by phone, or at authorized vendors including sporting goods stores and game wardens' offices.
- The license covers most freshwater species in most waters, but some rivers and lakes have special regulations, and certain fisheries like the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam require additional permits.
- If you fish without a valid license, you face fines starting at $75 and potential confiscation of equipment.
Who counts as a Montana resident
Montana defines a resident as someone who has lived in the state for at least six months and holds a current Montana driver's license or state ID card. If you moved to Montana recently and do not yet have a state ID, you can show proof of residency — such as a utility bill, lease, or property tax statement dated within the past 60 days — along with a photo ID from your previous state.
If you are a full-time student attending a Montana college or university, you may be considered a resident for licensing purposes even if you have not lived in the state for six months, provided you can show your student ID and proof of enrollment. Military personnel stationed in Montana are also treated as residents for fishing license purposes.
How to buy a resident license
You can purchase a Montana resident fishing license through three main channels. The easiest is online at fwp.mt.gov, where you can buy and print your license immediately. You will need your Montana driver's license or ID number, and the license arrives as a PDF you can print at home or display on your phone.
You can also buy a license by phone by calling Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-444-2535. A staff member will process your purchase and mail the physical license to you, which typically takes five to seven business days. If you need the license sooner, this method is slower than online purchase.
A third option is to visit an authorized vendor in person. These include most sporting goods stores, fly shops, and some grocery stores and gas stations across Montana. Game warden offices also sell licenses. Vendors can issue a temporary receipt valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed, so you can fish immediately.
What species and waters the license covers
A standard resident fishing license covers trout (including cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and brook trout), mountain whitefish, and kokanee salmon in most Montana waters. It also covers walleye, northern pike, and other warmwater species in lakes and reservoirs where they are found. The license is valid in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs managed by the state.
However, some waters have special regulations that override the basic license. The Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam, for example, requires a separate Missouri River permit in addition to your fishing license. The Yellowstone River has its own regulations. Before fishing a major river or famous lake, check the current regulations on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website or ask at a local fly shop, because rules change and some waters close to fishing during certain months.
If you want to fish for certain species — such as paddlefish in the Yellowstone River or sturgeon in the Missouri River — you need a special conservation license or tag in addition to your basic license. These are sold separately and have their own seasons and bag limits.
Seasons, bag limits, and daily catch rules
Montana fishing seasons vary by species and water. Trout fishing is generally open year-round in most rivers and streams, but some waters close during winter or have restricted seasons. Lakes often have different opening dates than rivers. The state publishes a detailed Fishing Regulations Guide each year that lists every water and its season dates.
Bag limits — the number of fish you can keep per day — also vary widely. Many trout streams allow you to keep five trout per day, but some catch-and-release-only waters allow zero. Some lakes have different limits for different species. Size restrictions are common too: you might be required to release any trout under 12 inches, or keep only trout over 15 inches.
The best way to know the exact rules for the water you plan to fish is to download the current Montana Fishing Regulations Guide from fwp.mt.gov before you go. Rules change annually, and violations carry fines starting at $75 plus potential loss of your license and equipment.
Special permits and stamps you might need
Beyond the basic resident license, Montana offers several add-on permits for specific waters or species. The Missouri River permit costs $10.10 and is required to fish the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam. The Yellowstone River permit is required for certain sections and costs $10.10. These are sold alongside your fishing license at the same vendors.
If you want to fish for paddlefish, you need a separate paddlefish conservation license ($15.10), which is only valid during the designated paddlefish season — typically a few weeks in spring. Sturgeon fishing requires a sturgeon tag ($25.10). These special permits are not included in your basic license and must be purchased separately.
Some waters also require a conservation license for warmwater species like walleye or northern pike in specific lakes. Check the regulations guide for your target water to see if an add-on permit is required before you buy your license.
What happens if you fish without a valid license
Fishing without a valid Montana resident license is a violation of state law. If a game warden checks you and you cannot show a current license, you face a fine of at least $75 for a first offense. Repeat violations carry higher fines and can result in suspension of your fishing privileges for a period of time.
Game wardens also have the authority to confiscate fishing equipment — rods, reels, tackle, and any fish you have caught — if you are fishing illegally. The equipment is not returned. In addition to the fine, you may be required to pay restitution for any fish taken illegally, calculated at a set value per fish depending on the species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish with a resident license on private land?
No. A resident fishing license only covers public waters and waters where you have permission from the landowner. If you want to fish on private land, you must get written permission from the owner first. Many landowners in Montana allow fishing by permission only, and some charge a fee.
Do I need a separate license for each family member?
Yes. Each person age 16 and older must have their own valid fishing license. Children under 16 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by a licensed adult. There is no family or household discount — each license costs $20.10 per person per year.
What if my license expires mid-year?
All Montana resident fishing licenses expire on December 31, regardless of when you purchase them. If you buy a license in June, it remains valid through the end of that calendar year. You must renew by January 1 of the following year to continue fishing legally.
Can I buy a short-term license instead of a full year?
Montana does not offer short-term resident licenses. The only option is the annual license valid for the full calendar year. If you fish only occasionally, you still pay the full $20.10 per year. Non-residents can purchase 2-day or 10-day licenses, but residents must buy the annual license.
Where can I find the current fishing regulations for a specific water?
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website at fwp.mt.gov publishes the annual Fishing Regulations Guide, which lists every public water in the state, its season dates, bag limits, and special rules. You can also call 406-444-2535 to ask about a specific river or lake, or visit a local fly shop or game warden office for current information.