Planning a fishing trip in Montana involves more than choosing a license. Depending on your age and residency, you may also need a Conservation License and an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Pass. The table below brings the available options together so you can see the required costs before heading out.
Montana fishing license fees
| License type | Fishing license | Conservation License | AIS Prevention Pass | Total |
| Resident adult (18–61) — season | $21 | $8 | $2 | $31 |
| Resident adult — 2-day | $5 | $8 | $2 | $15 |
| Resident youth (12–15) — season | $10.50 | $4 | Free | $14.50 |
| Resident youth (12–15) — 2-day | $5 | $4 | Free | $9 |
| Resident youth (16–17) — season | $10.50 | $4 | $2 | $16.50 |
| Resident youth (16–17) — 2-day | $5 | $4 | $2 | $11 |
| Resident senior (62+) — season | $10.50 | $4 | $2 | $16.50 |
| Resident senior (62+) — 2-day | $5 | $4 | $2 | $11 |
| Nonresident adult (16+) — season | $100 | $10 | $7.50 | $117.50 |
| Nonresident adult (16+) — 5-day | $56 | $10 | $7.50 | $73.50 |
| Nonresident adult (16+) — 1-day | $14 | $10 | $7.50 | $31.50 |
| Nonresident youth (12–15) — season | $100 | $10 | Free | $110 |
| Nonresident youth (12–15) — 5-day | $56 | $10 | Free | $66 |
| Nonresident youth (12–15) — 1-day | $14 | $10 | Free | $24 |
Fees shown are based on the 2026 schedule. Check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) licensing page before purchasing, as fees and requirements may change.
Which Montana fishing license do you need?
The right license depends mainly on your age and whether Montana considers you a resident.
Residents generally qualify for resident licenses after meeting the state’s residency requirements. Nonresidents need the appropriate out-of-state license, even if they are only visiting for a short fishing trip.
Montana’s license structure also includes a Conservation License and, for anglers aged 16 and older, an AIS Prevention Pass. These are separate from the fishing privilege itself, so make sure you account for them when planning your purchase.
Who needs a fishing license in Montana?
Anglers aged 12 and older generally need a Montana fishing license. Children under 12 can fish without one.
The age categories affect which license options are available:
- Under 12: No fishing license required.
- Ages 12–15: Youth license options are available.
- Ages 16–17: A fishing license is required, with youth pricing for eligible residents.
- Ages 18–61: Standard resident adult pricing applies.
- Ages 62 and older: Eligible Montana residents can purchase a discounted senior license.
Nonresident anglers aged 16 and older need a valid license. Nonresident children aged 12–15 also need the applicable youth license.
Montana fishing license for seniors
Montana residents aged 62 and older qualify for reduced fishing license fees. The senior option is designed for residents, so visitors from other states should check the nonresident rates instead.
If you’re purchasing a senior license, be prepared to provide proof of age and Montana residency when required.
Montana nonresident fishing license
If you’re visiting Montana from another state, you’ll need a nonresident fishing license. Options include short-term licenses for brief trips and a season license for anglers planning to fish throughout the year.
A nonresident license is particularly useful for travelers planning to explore several waters during one visit. Before buying, consider how many days you’ll actually fish, the forecast and local spots. A longer license can be more convenient if you’re planning multiple outings.
Montana day fishing license
Montana offers short-term fishing licenses for anglers who don’t need a full-season option.
Residents can choose a 2-day license, while nonresidents have 1-day and 5-day options. These are useful for weekend trips, holidays, or a single stop during a wider road trip.
If you’re planning to fish on several separate days, compare the short-term options with the season license before purchasing. The most suitable option depends on how long you’ll stay and how often you expect to fish.
Montana fly fishing license
There is no separate Montana fly fishing license. A standard fishing license covers fly fishing, provided you’re fishing in waters where your license is valid and following the applicable regulations.
Montana lifetime fishing license
Montana does not offer a general lifetime fishing license for all anglers.
There is a specific lifetime fishing license available to Montana residents who are legally blind. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and provide the required certification.
For other anglers, fishing licenses are purchased according to the available annual or short-term options.
How to buy a Montana fishing license online
You can purchase a Montana fishing license through the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
To buy online:
- Visit the Montana FWP licensing portal.
- Sign in or create an account.
- Select the appropriate resident or nonresident fishing license.
- Add the required Conservation License and AIS Prevention Pass, where applicable.
- Review the fees and complete your purchase.
- Keep your license available while fishing, either digitally or in the required printed format.
You can also purchase licenses through authorized license providers and Montana FWP offices.
Find fishing spots in Montana with Fishbox
Montana has plenty of water to explore, but choosing where to fish can be challenging when you’re unfamiliar with the area. A river that looks promising on a map may not suit your target species, fishing style, or the conditions on the day.
Fishbox helps you make that decision before you set off. Use its fishing spot map to discover waters near your destination, explore potential fishing locations, and plan outings around local conditions. Instead of spending your trip driving between unfamiliar access points, you can spend more time choosing where your next cast is worth making.