Montana Fishing License Cost: Resident & Nonresident Fees
Montana fishing license cost is not just one price. Most anglers need three pieces: a Conservation License, a base Fishing License, and an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. The total changes by residency, age, season length, short-term visitor choice, disability status, senior status, and whether you bring a watercraft into Montana. This guide explains the 2026 Montana fishing license cost in plain English so you can choose the right resident, nonresident, youth, senior, disabled resident, 1-day, 2-day, 5-day, or season option before buying through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Watch Before You Buy: Montana FWP Online License Help
Montana FWP has online license resources that help anglers buy, print, and carry proof. For visitors, the main planning step is understanding the full package cost before checkout: Conservation License + Fishing License + AIS Prevention Pass.
If the embedded video does not load, use Montana FWP’s official online license and fishing regulation links below.
Which Montana Fishing License Cost Applies to You?
Montana prices make more sense when you first sort the angler by age, residency, and trip length. A resident adult fishing all season, a nonresident fly-fishing for one day, a visiting teen, and a resident senior all have different totals.
Full Season
Best for Montana residents age 18–61 who fish more than a quick two-day trip.
1-Day, 5-Day or Season
Nonresidents compare $31.50, $73.50, and $117.50 total cost options.
No License Required
Children under 12 do not need a license but must follow all limits and regulations.
Age 62+
Senior residents receive reduced Conservation and season Fishing License pricing.
Reduced Option
Eligible resident anglers with disabilities have special reduced-cost license options.
AIS Vessel Pass
Nonresident watercraft may need separate motorized or non-motorized AIS vessel passes.
Montana Fishing License Cost: 2026 Resident and Nonresident Fees
The most useful number is the total cost, because most anglers do not buy only the base fishing license. Montana normally requires a Conservation License, base Fishing License, and AIS Prevention Pass for anglers in the applicable age groups.
Resident Adult Full-Season Total: Ages 18–61
Includes $8 Conservation License, $2 AIS Prevention Pass, and $21 full-season Fishing License.
Resident Adult 2-Day Total
Includes $8 Conservation License, $2 AIS Prevention Pass, and $5 Fishing License for 2 consecutive calendar days.
Nonresident Adult Full-Season Total: Ages 16+
Includes $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and $100 full-season Fishing License.
Nonresident Adult 1-Day Total: Ages 16+
Includes $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and $14 1-day Fishing License.
Nonresident Adult 5-Day Total: Ages 16+
Includes $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and $56 Fishing License for 5 consecutive calendar days.
Nonresident Youth Season Total: Ages 12–15
Includes $10 Conservation License, no AIS Prevention Pass, and $100 season Fishing License.
Why Montana Fishing License Cost Has Three Main Parts
A lot of confusion comes from quoting only the base Fishing License. In Montana, the practical total usually includes these three items.
Conservation License
Required for most anglers and also connected to access on many state lands and wildlife areas. Resident adult cost is $8; nonresident cost is $10.
Base Fishing License
The actual fishing privilege. In 2026, resident adult season base fishing is $21 and nonresident season base fishing is $100.
AIS Prevention Pass
Required for individuals 16 and older who fish in Montana. Resident cost is $2 and nonresident cost is $7.50.
Montana Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Resident costs are lower than nonresident costs, but the total still changes by age. Resident seniors and youth receive reduced Conservation License and Fishing License prices.
| Resident Category | Conservation License | AIS Pass | Fishing License | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 0–11 | No license required | No fee | No license required | $0 |
| Age 12–15 season | $4 | No fee | $10.50 season | $14.50 |
| Age 16–17 or 62+ season | $4 | $2 | $10.50 season | $16.50 |
| Age 18–61 season | $8 | $2 | $21 season | $31 |
| Resident adult 2-day | $8 | $2 | $5 for 2 consecutive days | $15 |
| Resident with disability season | $8 | $2 | $10.50 season | $20.50 |
Montana Nonresident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Nonresidents usually compare one-day, five-day, and full-season options. Adult nonresidents age 16+ must include Conservation License and AIS Prevention Pass in the total.
| Nonresident Category | Conservation License | AIS Pass | Fishing License | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 0–11 | No license required | No fee | No license required | $0 |
| Age 12–15: 1 day | $10 | No fee | $14 | $24 |
| Age 12–15: 5 days | $10 | No fee | $56 | $66 |
| Age 12–15: season | $10 | No fee | $100 | $110 |
| Age 16+: 1 day | $10 | $7.50 | $14 | $31.50 |
| Age 16+: 5 days | $10 | $7.50 | $56 | $73.50 |
| Age 16+: season | $10 | $7.50 | $100 | $117.50 |
Montana Youth, Senior and Disability Fishing License Prices
Montana gives reduced pricing to certain resident groups and exempts children under 12 from needing a license. Nonresident youth still need licenses starting at age 12.
Children Under 12
No fishing license, Conservation License, or AIS Prevention Pass required. Limits and regulations still apply.
Resident Youth
Resident youth season total is $14.50: $4 Conservation License plus $10.50 season Fishing License.
Resident Senior
Resident seniors age 62+ pay $16.50 season total: $4 Conservation License, $2 AIS Pass, and $10.50 Fishing License.
Resident with Disability
Eligible resident anglers with disabilities pay $20.50 season total and must meet FWP qualification rules.
Resident Lifetime Blind License
Montana residents who are blind may qualify for a $10 lifetime fishing license with medical certification.
VA Patients
Some Veterans Administration patient situations have special rules. Verify with Montana FWP before assuming eligibility.
Montana Short-Term Fishing License Cost Math
Short-term licenses are useful for visitors, guided float trips, family vacations, and residents who rarely fish. The key is that Conservation License and AIS costs are added once for the license year where required.
Resident Short-Term Decision
- Resident adult 2-day total: $15.
- Resident adult season total: $31.
- If you might fish two separate short trips, season is often simpler.
- You still need to follow district and waterbody rules.
Nonresident Short-Term Decision
- Adult nonresident 1-day total: $31.50.
- Adult nonresident 5-day total: $73.50.
- Adult nonresident season total: $117.50.
- If you may return during the license year, season can be worth comparing.
Montana AIS Prevention Pass and Watercraft Costs
Montana’s AIS rules are important because aquatic invasive species can spread through boats, waders, nets, bait buckets, trailers, and wet gear. Anglers age 16+ need the individual AIS Prevention Pass, and nonresident watercraft can trigger separate vessel pass costs.
Resident Individual AIS Pass
Required for resident anglers age 16 and older who fish in Montana.
Nonresident Individual AIS Pass
Required for nonresident anglers age 16 and older who fish in Montana.
Nonresident Motorized Vessel Pass
Nonresident motorized watercraft prevention pass is $30 per vessel and good through Dec. 31.
Nonresident Non-Motorized Vessel Pass
Nonresident non-motorized watercraft prevention pass is $10 per vessel and good through Dec. 31.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Clean, drain, and dry boats, boots, waders, nets, tubes, and gear between waters.
Inspection Rules
Watercraft inspection stations and decontamination rules may apply. Check before towing into Montana.
When Is a Montana Fishing License Valid?
Montana’s fishing license year is not the same as a normal calendar year. FWP states that the license enables a person to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.
Starts March 1
The new Montana license year begins March 1.
Ends End of February
Full-season licenses run through the end of February of the following year.
Short-Term Dates Matter
Short-term licenses are tied to specific consecutive calendar days. Confirm dates before checkout.
How to Buy a Montana Fishing License Online
Montana FWP’s online license system is the official place to buy directly. You can also buy through FWP offices and participating license providers, but online is easiest if you know your category and trip dates.
Open FWP Online Licenses
Start at Montana FWP’s official online license service. Avoid lookalike sites before entering payment details.
Select resident or nonresident
Choose the correct residency category. Do not buy resident pricing unless you legally qualify.
Add Conservation License
Most anglers need a Conservation License before or with the Fishing License.
Choose Fishing License length
Select 2-day resident, 1-day nonresident, 5-day nonresident, or full season depending on your trip.
Add AIS Prevention Pass
Anglers age 16 and older generally need the AIS Prevention Pass.
Save license proof
Print your license or save a digital copy. FWP says license proof on a smartphone is acceptable.
Montana Fishing License Proof, Phone Copy and Reprint
Montana FWP says you must have your Fishing License in your possession while fishing, and a license on your smartphone is acceptable. Still, a backup is smart for remote water.
Phone Proof
Save your license on your smartphone where you can open it without searching email at the river.
Paper Backup
Print a copy for your wallet, guide pack, vehicle, or dry bag.
Offline Access
Many Montana waters have weak signal. Save proof offline before leaving town.
A Montana Fishing License Is Not Permission to Fish Every Water
The license gets you legal to fish, but Montana’s actual rules are controlled by district regulations, waterbody exceptions, seasons, species limits, possession limits, bait rules, closures, and special regulations.
District Rules
Montana fishing is divided into districts. If not listed in exceptions, district standard regulations apply.
Waterbody Exceptions
Individual rivers, lakes, and stream reaches can have special rules that override the standard district rule.
Bull Trout Rules
Bull trout have special regulations and closures. Check the official bull trout rules before targeting or keeping fish.
Paddlefish Rules
Paddlefish are controlled by special regulations, seasons, tags and harvest rules.
Bait and Leeches
Montana has bait fish and approved out-of-state leech dealer rules. Check before bringing bait into the state.
Limits and Possession
Daily limits and possession limits vary by district, species, and waterbody.
Montana Fishing License Cost Mistakes to Avoid
Most cost mistakes come from quoting only the base Fishing License, forgetting Conservation License or AIS costs, buying short-term when season is better, or ignoring watercraft AIS rules.
Before Buying
- Do not compare Montana prices without including Conservation License and AIS Prevention Pass.
- Do not buy resident pricing unless you qualify as a Montana resident.
- Do not buy a nonresident 1-day license if your trip may extend to several days.
- Do not forget youth and senior resident discounts where eligible.
- Do not forget separate nonresident vessel AIS Prevention Pass requirements if bringing a boat or other watercraft.
Before Fishing
- Carry license proof on your phone or printed copy.
- Check the current Montana Fishing Regulations PDF.
- Review the exact district and waterbody exceptions.
- Check bait, leech, bull trout, paddlefish and AIS rules if relevant.
- Clean, drain and dry gear before moving between Montana waters.
Official Montana Fishing License Cost Links
Use these official sources for final decisions. This guide explains Montana fishing license costs in plain English, but Montana FWP controls current fees, regulations, AIS rules, license validity and online checkout.
Montana Fishing License Cost FAQ
How much is a Montana resident fishing license in 2026?
A Montana resident adult age 18–61 pays $31 total for a full-season fishing setup: $8 Conservation License, $2 AIS Prevention Pass, and $21 season Fishing License.
How much is a Montana nonresident fishing license in 2026?
A Montana nonresident adult age 16 or older pays $117.50 total for a full-season fishing setup: $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and $100 season Fishing License.
How much is a Montana nonresident 1-day fishing license?
The adult nonresident 1-day total is $31.50 for anglers age 16 or older. That includes $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and $14 1-day Fishing License.
How much is a Montana nonresident 5-day fishing license?
The adult nonresident 5-day total is $73.50 for anglers age 16 or older. That includes $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and $56 Fishing License for 5 consecutive calendar days.
Do kids need a Montana fishing license?
Children age 0–11 do not need a Montana fishing license, Conservation License, or AIS Prevention Pass. They still must follow all fishing limits and regulations.
What is the Montana Conservation License?
The Conservation License is part of the required license setup for most anglers and is also tied to access on many Montana state lands and wildlife areas. In 2026 it costs $8 for resident adults and $10 for nonresidents.
What is the Montana AIS Prevention Pass?
The AIS Prevention Pass helps fund aquatic invasive species prevention and is required for individuals age 16 and older who fish in Montana. In 2026 it costs $2 for residents and $7.50 for nonresidents.
When is a Montana fishing license valid?
A Montana full-season fishing license runs from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. Short-term licenses are tied to specific consecutive calendar days.
Can I show my Montana fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Montana FWP states that your Fishing License must be in your possession while fishing and that a license on a smartphone is acceptable. A printed backup is still smart for remote water.
Where should I verify Montana fishing license fees?
Verify current Montana fishing license fees, Conservation License requirements, AIS Prevention Pass rules, watercraft pass costs, license validity, district exceptions and regulations through Montana FWP, FWP Online Licenses and the official Montana fishing regulations.
Final Take: Montana Fishing License Cost Depends on Conservation, Fishing and AIS
The easiest way to understand Montana fishing license cost is to separate the total into three parts: Conservation License, base Fishing License, and AIS Prevention Pass. For 2026, the resident adult full-season total is $31 and the nonresident adult full-season total is $117.50. Visitors can also choose short-term options, including $31.50 for one day and $73.50 for five consecutive days for nonresident adults age 16 or older.
Before checkout, confirm age, residency, trip length, license year, AIS requirements, and whether a vessel pass is needed. After buying, save proof on your phone and print a backup. A Montana fishing license gets you legal to fish, but it does not override district regulations, waterbody exceptions, species limits, closures, bait rules, bull trout rules, paddlefish rules, AIS inspections, or private-access restrictions.
Select a state on the left + fill in the form + click the button to see your result here.