Montana Fishing and Hunting

Montana Fishing: Both residents and nonresidents of Montana are required to purchase two licenses before fishing in Montana. A valid fishing license issued by the Fish, Wildlife and Parks department, is required for all types of fishing on state waters. A valid photo ID, like a driver?s license, is required to purchase a Conservation or Fishing license.

Before buying a Hunting or Fishing license you must first purchase a Conservation license.

After buying your conservation license you then be able to purchase a Fishing license. A fishing license is required to fish for or possess and fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by Montana's fishing regulations. A fishing license is good from March 1st through the end of February of the following year.

For 2010 Montana's general fishing season opens on the third Saturday of May and closes Nov 30. Fishing on Montana's lakes and reservoirs is generally open year round. Montana has three different fishing districts, each with its own specific fishing regulations. For more information on the rules and limits its best to pick up Montana's fishing regulations when you get your licenses.

Fishing licenses can be purchased from the Fish, Wildlife and Parks department (FWP) by visiting the FWP office, going to a FWP License provider or online.

Fishing Access: Montana's fish, Wildlife and Parks department (FWP) maintains 320 fishing access sites on rivers, streams, ponds and lakes in the state of Montana. Some sites like Swinging, Bridge, Jeffrey's Landing and Absarok are for day use only and do not provide camping. To add to this list is Fisherman's point at Still water will not allow overnight camping during the 2010 season due to its heavy use for whitewater rafting, kayakers and day use fishing. Some of the sites offering free camping are Itchkepe, Cliff Swallow, Moraine, Buffalo Jump, and Rosebud isle. Montana also has fee based camping at several location like Whitebird and Castle rock. During the 2010 season these fees are $7 per night if you have a current Montana fishing license and $12 for those who do not.

You can find more information on getting a Montana fishing license at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website. fwp.mt.gov/fishing/license/