Fishing Licenses Fees
BASE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS & AIS PREVENTION PASS
From cold water to warm water, big prairie rivers to high mountain lakes and fly-fishing to trolling, Montana offers angling opportunities for all to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking solitude, fish for the supper table or the trophy of a lifetime, you can find it here.
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters for anyone 12 or older. A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state's fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable.
To fish in Montana, most anglers need two licenses:
- Conservation license
- Base fishing license
Additionally, the Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP) is required for all individuals who fish in Montana. This program was initiated by the 2017 Montana Legislature to help fund the fight against aquatic invasive species.
Anyone 11 years old or younger is not required to have a fishing license, including a Conservation or AIS Prevention Pass. Youth anglers (11 or younger) must still observe all limits and regulations.
Resident Sportsman and Nonresident Combination licenses include a season fishing license.
To qualify for a resident license, a person must meet the criteria set out in MCA 87-2-102 and 202.
Conservation License
- Resident Cost: $8
- Youth 12-17 Resident Cost: $4
- Senior 62+ Resident Cost: $4
- Nonresident Cost: $10
Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP)
- Resident Cost: $2
- Nonresident Cost: $7.50
- Learn more about AISPP
Base Fishing License
Full Season
The Full Season Fishing license enables you to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.
- Resident Cost: $21
- Youth 12-17 Resident Cost: $10.50
- Senior 62+ Resident Cost: $10.50
- Nonresident Cost: $100
Short-Term Resident License for 2 Consecutive Calendar Days
- Resident Cost: $5
- Youth 12-17 Resident Cost: $5
- Senior 62+ Resident Cost: $5
1 Day Nonresident License
- Nonresident Cost: $14
Short-Term Nonresident License for 5 Consecutive Calendar Days
- Nonresident Cost: $56
