Build the Right Montana License Stack
Montana’s $14, $56 and $100 visitor prices are only the base fishing fees. Most nonresidents also need a Conservation License and an Angler AIS Prevention Pass.
This guide calculates the real total and explains age rules, selected fishing dates, online buying, national parks, tribal waters, Bull Trout, paddlefish, boats, private access and exact-water regulations.
Choose the Part of Your Trip You Need to Check
Start with the angler’s age and fishing dates. Then confirm the water, special species, watercraft and legal access before paying.
Which Montana Nonresident Fishing License Should You Buy?
Choose the base fishing duration that covers the real fishing dates—not the hotel stay. Then confirm whether the Conservation License, angler AIS pass and any special product are already included in another license.
Guide trip or quick stop
Choose the $14 one-day base fishing license. The common complete total for an angler age 16 or older is $31.50 before the online service fee.
Cabin, float or camping trip
Choose the $56 five-day base license. The common complete age-16-and-older total is $73.50.
Compare products carefully
A five-day license plus one or two one-day licenses may cost less than the season base fee. Include online transaction charges and possible later trips in the comparison.
Full season may be simpler
The $100 season base license usually becomes attractive by two five-day periods or roughly eight separate one-day licenses.
No angler AIS fee
The youth generally needs the $10 Conservation License and chosen base fishing license, but Montana does not charge the $7.50 angler AIS fee through age 15.
Check before buying twice
Montana nonresident Combination hunting licenses include season fishing. Confirm the Conservation License and AIS status instead of buying another season fishing license.
Best shortcut: one fishing day usually starts with the one-day product, two to five consecutive days starts with the five-day product, and repeat trips should be compared with the full-season option.
Montana Nonresident Fishing License Cost in 2026
The official total for an ordinary nonresident age 16 or older combines three items. The youth totals below remove the angler AIS fee because Montana charges no AISPP fee through age 15.
| Visitor choice | Base fishing | Conservation | Angler AISPP | Official total | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 16+: one day | $14.00 | $10.00 | $7.50 | $31.50 | One selected calendar day. |
| Age 16+: five days | $56.00 | $10.00 | $7.50 | $73.50 | Five consecutive calendar days. |
| Age 16+: full season | $100.00 | $10.00 | $7.50 | $117.50 | March 1 through the end of the following February. |
| Age 12–15: one day | $14.00 | $10.00 | $0 | $24.00 | One selected calendar day. |
| Age 12–15: five days | $56.00 | $10.00 | $0 | $66.00 | Five consecutive calendar days. |
| Age 12–15: full season | $100.00 | $10.00 | $0 | $110.00 | Montana license year. |
Online service fee: Montana’s official online system states that purchased items include a 2.9% plus $0.30 per-transaction service fee. Review the final cart rather than assuming the table total is the card charge.
Montana Visitor Cost Calculator
After understanding the price stack, use the official 2026 Montana licensing-fee PDF to confirm the current amount.
Understand the Three-Part Montana License Stack
Conservation License
The $10 nonresident Conservation License is a fishing prerequisite and also provides access to most Montana state lands for recreation. This includes many Fishing Access Sites, Wildlife Management Areas and Wildlife Habitat Protection Areas.
- Required for anglers age 12 or older on normal Montana state waters.
- Required for general recreation at most Montana state lands.
- Requires a valid driver’s license or photo identification.
- Requires the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.
- Montana State Parks do not require it merely for park access, although fishing-license rules still apply when fishing state water.
Use the official Conservation License page after reading these points to confirm state-land access and identity requirements.
Angler AIS Prevention Pass
The $7.50 nonresident Angler AIS Prevention Pass applies to the person fishing. Montana charges no angler AIS fee to youth age 15 or younger.
Do not confuse the two AIS products: the angler pass does not cover a kayak, drift boat or motorboat. A nonresident watercraft can require its own Vessel AIS Prevention Pass and inspection.
Base Fishing License
The base product determines the fishing dates. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable, so verify the customer and effective dates before submitting payment.
Checkout warning: do not buy only the product labelled “1 Day Fishing $14” and assume the trip is complete. Confirm that every required prerequisite appears in the cart or existing customer record.
Age Rules and Reduced-Price Exceptions
Children Age 11 or Younger
A child age 11 or younger does not need the state fishing license, Conservation License or Angler AIS Prevention Pass. The child must still follow legal methods, water closures, species limits and possession rules.
Youth Age 12–15
A nonresident age 12–15 generally needs the $10 Conservation License and the same base fishing product chosen for the trip. The Angler AIS Prevention Pass carries no fee through age 15.
Nonresident College Students
Some full-time students carrying at least 12 credits at a Montana college or university may qualify for reduced pricing after FWP certification. Eligibility depends on current documentation and reciprocity with the student’s home state.
Student warning: do not choose resident pricing during ordinary checkout merely because the student attends college, rents a home or has a Montana mailing address.
Purple Heart and Legion of Valor
Montana lists special privileges for qualifying nonresident Purple Heart and Legion of Valor members. Proof is required, and certain products are available only through an FWP office or Helena headquarters.
Confirm before paying full price: call FWP Licensing when a special veteran, student or institutional category may apply. Do not make an independent eligibility assumption from a third-party summary.
How to Buy a Montana Nonresident Fishing License
List Every Angler and Fishing Date
Write down each angler’s age and each day that person will actually fish. Do not count travel, sightseeing or hotel days.
Confirm Who Controls the Water
Determine whether the destination is ordinary Montana state water, Yellowstone, Glacier, tribal water, a licensed private pond or a border water.
Choose One Day, Five Days or the Season
Select the shortest product that safely covers the planned dates. Compare the season product when planning repeat visits.
Use the Existing ALS Record
If the angler bought a Montana license during the past 20 years, an ALS number may already exist. Look it up rather than creating inconsistent records.
- Use the angler’s full legal name.
- Enter the correct date of birth.
- Use the existing ALS number when known.
- Update the mailing and email address.
- Contact FWP when the date of birth or another locked field is wrong.
Review Prerequisites and Special Products
The online system may add required prerequisites to the cart. Confirm Conservation, AIS, vessel, Bull Trout, paddlefish or destination-specific items before payment.
Pay and Save Field-Ready Proof
The official system accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. After payment, save the emailed license receipt, print the license or make sure it is accessible in MyFWP.
Information to Prepare Before Checkout
- Legal name and date of birth
- Valid driver’s license or photo ID
- Last four digits of the Social Security number
- Existing ALS number, when known
- Current address, email and phone number
- Exact fishing dates
- Exact waterbody and fishing district
- Watercraft and special-species plans
After preparing these details, use the official Montana FWP Online Licenses Service.
Buying From an FWP Office or License Provider
An in-person provider can help when an old ALS record cannot be located or a special product requires document review. Call before visiting because hours and product availability vary.
Use Montana FWP’s official license-provider map to find a certified seller.
How Montana Short-Term and Season Dates Work
| Product | Date rule | Practical checkout check |
|---|---|---|
| One-day nonresident | Valid for one selected calendar date. | Confirm the printed date, especially when purchasing before midnight for the following day. |
| Five-day nonresident | Valid for five consecutive calendar days. | Choose the first day carefully because unused days inside the five-day block do not move later. |
| Multiple one-day licenses | Several selected dates may be purchased; the dates do not have to be consecutive. | Compare the combined cost with the five-day or season product. |
| Multiple five-day licenses | Each block covers five consecutive days, but separate five-day blocks do not have to touch each other. | Two base five-day products cost $112, already more than the $100 season base license. |
| Full-season fishing | March 1 through the end of February of the following year. | It is not a twelve-month license beginning on the purchase date. |
Midwinter tip: a season license purchased near the end of February may have very little time remaining. Check the displayed license year and expiration before paying.
Yellowstone, Glacier, Tribal Water and Private Ponds
| Fishing location | Likely license route | Visitor warning |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone National Park | Yellowstone park fishing permit. | Montana state fishing licenses are not valid or required inside the park. |
| Yellowstone River below Gardiner | Montana state fishing-license stack. | The permit requirement changes after leaving the park boundary. |
| Most Glacier National Park waters | No Montana state fishing license inside most park waters. | Park closures, gear restrictions and native-fish release rules still apply. |
| Middle Fork Flathead from Glacier park land or bridges | Montana fishing license required. | This is a key exception to Glacier’s general no-license rule. |
| Reservation or tribal water | Tribal permit, state license or a combination depending on the exact water. | Do not assume the Montana license covers reservation water. |
| Licensed privately stocked pond | A state fishing license may not be required. | Other private ponds and natural waters on private land can still require a license. |
Yellowstone Uses a Separate Permit
Anglers age 16 or older need a Yellowstone permit. The park currently lists $40 for three days, $55 for seven days and $75 for the season. Children age 15 or younger may fish under the park’s supervised-child or free-permit rules.
Use the official Yellowstone fishing page to buy the correct permit and review barbless-hook, lead-free tackle, bait and bear-safety rules.
Glacier Usually Does Not Require the State License
No fishing license is required for most waters inside Glacier. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a major exception, while Lower Two Medicine Lake follows Blackfeet Nation rules.
Use the official Glacier fishing page to check the exact riverbank, bridge, lake or closure.
Crossing into Wyoming? The Wyoming Fishing License Guide 2026 explains Wyoming visitor fees, Conservation Stamp rules, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and AIS decals.
Find the Fishing District and Exact-Water Exception
Montana’s official process is district first, standard regulation second and named-water exception third. A listed exception replaces the district’s general rule.
Western District
Rivers and streams are generally open from the third Saturday in May through November 30. Lakes and reservoirs are generally open all year unless an exception applies.
Central District
Rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs are generally open all year unless the exact water has a different season or closure.
Eastern District
Rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs are generally open all year, subject to species and named-water exceptions.
Use This Exact-Water Check
- Search the complete lake, reservoir, creek or river name.
- Identify the Western, Central or Eastern District.
- Read the district standard season and limits.
- Find the exact named water in the exceptions.
- Read bridge, tributary, dam and mileage boundaries carefully.
- Check current emergency restrictions on the day of the trip.
Hoot-owl restriction: during warm-water or drought conditions, FWP can prohibit fishing during part of each day. A valid license does not override a current time-of-day restriction or full closure.
Use FishMT to identify the water and access site, then read the official 2026 Montana fishing regulations.
Immediately before fishing, check Montana FWP’s current waterbody restrictions and closures.
Bull Trout, Paddlefish and Live-Bait Rules
Bull Trout Catch Card
Intentional Bull Trout fishing is allowed only in Lake Koocanusa, Hungry Horse Reservoir and an authorized portion of the South Fork Flathead River. The angler may select only one Bull Trout area and must carry the correct water-specific catch card.
- Catch cards are free.
- A digital card is not available.
- Allow mailing time before the fishing trip.
- Record the date, zone and estimated fish length immediately.
- Lake Koocanusa is catch-and-release only.
- All other Montana waters are closed to intentional Bull Trout fishing.
Before targeting Bull Trout, read the official 2026 Bull Trout regulations PDF.
Paddlefish
The regular fishing-license stack does not by itself authorize paddlefish harvest. Montana uses separate areas, tags, validation and harvest-reporting requirements.
2026 tag warning: plastic paddlefish tags are no longer issued. The tag must be validated immediately upon harvest, and mandatory reporting still follows the tag area’s deadline.
Use the official paddlefish regulations and area dashboard before applying or fishing.
Out-of-State Leeches and Live Bait
Do not transport live bait or leeches into Montana simply because they were legal in the state where they were purchased. Montana identifies approved out-of-state leech dealers and regulates bait movement by district and species.
Check the approved-dealer list and bait brochures on the official fishing-regulations page before travelling with live bait.
Nonresident Boat, Kayak and Watercraft AIS Rules
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launching. The nonresident vessel pass is separate from the $7.50 angler AIS pass.
| Watercraft type | Nonresident vessel AIS fee | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| Motorized watercraft | $30 | Buy the vessel pass and complete inspection before launching. |
| Nonmotorized watercraft | $10 | Applies to qualifying kayaks, canoes, paddle craft and drift boats. |
| Ballast or bladder boat | Motorized fee normally applies | Decontamination is required before launching. |
| Guide or rental vessel | Confirm with the owner | Ask who purchased the pass and whether the vessel was inspected. |
- Stop at every open inspection station encountered.
- Inspection is required before launching.
- The vessel pass expires December 31.
- The pass is not transferable between vessels.
- No decal is issued; carry electronic or paper proof.
- Keep the boat clean, drained and dry during transport.
Use the official Montana AIS pass and inspection page before towing or carrying watercraft into the state.
Stream Access, State Land and Private Property
Montana Stream Access Law
The public may generally use rivers and streams for recreation up to the ordinary high-water mark. That rule does not allow an angler to cross posted private property merely to reach the water.
Access rule: enter through a legal public access point, public bridge or permitted route. Do not climb a private fence or walk across a field because the river itself is public.
Fishing Access Sites and State Lands
The Conservation License is required for people age 12 or older using most state lands, including many Fishing Access Sites, Wildlife Management Areas and Wildlife Habitat Protection Areas.
Licensed Private Fish Ponds
A state fishing license is not required on a properly licensed, privately stocked fish pond. Fishing-license requirements continue to apply to other private ponds and natural waters on private land.
Use Montana FWP’s official Stream Access Law explanation when the bank, bridge or property boundary is unclear.
Use MyFWP and Paper Proof Correctly
The MyFWP app can store and display current fishing licenses without cellular service. It does not sell licenses.
Correct MyFWP Workflow
- Buy through Online Licenses, an FWP office or a certified provider.
- Create or open the MyFWP account.
- Link the correct ALS customer record.
- Open the app while internet service is available.
- Confirm the fishing license and permits appear.
- Remain logged in before entering a remote area.
- Carry a charged phone or printed backup.
Offline test: place the phone in airplane mode before leaving the hotel or campground and confirm that the license still opens.
Lost ALS Number or Missing License
The ALS number appears on previous Montana licenses. FWP also provides an ALS lookup service. Do not create another record merely because an old number is unavailable.
Use the official ALS-number lookup or call FWP Licensing when the existing customer cannot be matched.
Use the official MyFWP setup instructions for app requirements and offline display.
Common Montana Nonresident License Mistakes
| Mistake | Why it fails | Safer action |
|---|---|---|
| Budgeting only $14 | That is only the one-day base fee. | Budget $31.50 for the normal age-16+ stack before the service fee. |
| Using hotel nights as fishing days | Short-term licenses cover selected calendar dates. | List the actual days the line will enter the water. |
| Buying a state license for Yellowstone | Yellowstone uses a separate park permit. | Buy through the National Park Service route. |
| Assuming Glacier never needs a state license | The Middle Fork and other boundary situations create exceptions. | Check the exact bank, bridge and water section. |
| Using the angler AIS pass for a boat | The person and vessel products are separate. | Buy the vessel pass and complete inspection. |
| Ignoring the named-water exception | The exception overrides the district standard. | Search the exact water in the current regulation. |
| Crossing private property | Stream access does not authorize private-land trespass. | Use a legal access point or obtain permission. |
| Waiting for signal at the river | Remote water may have no cellular service. | Log in, download and test proof before leaving. |
Planning a multistate road trip? Use the USA Fishing License Cost and State Rules Guide to compare age, residency, validity and add-on rules before crossing another border.
Montana FWP Links and Licensing Help
This is an independent guide and is not operated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Use the official source that matches the task you need to complete.
Verify Fishing Fees
Use this to confirm Conservation, AIS and base fishing-license prices.
Review the 2026 Fee PDF
Use the official chart to verify the complete visitor totals.
Buy Online
Use this after choosing the angler, duration, jurisdiction and add-ons.
Find a License Provider
Use an in-person provider for record problems or personal buying help.
Find the Exact Water
Use FishMT for waterbody, access-site and species information.
Read Current Rules
Use the regulations for district standards, named-water exceptions and special species.
FWP Licensing Support
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks LicensingPhone: (406) 444-2950
Email: fwplic@mt.gov
Licensing support hours listed by FWP: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Visitor Help Script
“Hello, I am a nonresident planning to fish [exact water] on [dates]. The anglers are ages [ages], and we will bring [boat type or no boat]. I need help confirming the fishing duration, Conservation License, AIS passes and any park, tribal, Bull Trout or paddlefish requirement.”
Montana Nonresident Fishing License FAQs
How much is a Montana nonresident fishing license in 2026?
For a nonresident age 16 or older, the official 2026 total is $31.50 for one day, $73.50 for five consecutive days or $117.50 for the full season. Each total includes the $10 Conservation License, $7.50 Angler AIS Prevention Pass and selected base fishing license.
How much is a one-day Montana nonresident fishing license?
The one-day base fishing license is $14. A typical nonresident age 16 or older also needs the $10 Conservation License and $7.50 Angler AIS Prevention Pass, producing an official total of $31.50 before the online service fee or watercraft pass.
How much is a five-day Montana nonresident fishing license?
The five-consecutive-day base fishing license is $56. Adding the $10 Conservation License and $7.50 Angler AIS Prevention Pass produces an official age-16-and-older total of $73.50 before the online service fee or special permit.
Do children need a Montana fishing license?
Anyone age 12 or older generally needs a license on Montana state waters. Children age 11 or younger do not need the fishing license, Conservation License or Angler AIS Prevention Pass, but they must obey all seasons, methods and limits.
Do youth ages 12 to 15 pay the Montana AIS fishing fee?
No fee is charged for the Angler AIS Prevention Pass for youth age 15 or younger. A nonresident age 12 to 15 still generally needs the $10 Conservation License and the selected base fishing license.
Does a Montana fishing license work inside Yellowstone National Park?
No. Yellowstone requires its own park fishing permit for anglers age 16 or older. State fishing licenses are not valid or required inside Yellowstone National Park.
Do I need a Montana fishing license inside Glacier National Park?
No state fishing license is required for most waters completely inside Glacier National Park. Important exceptions apply, including the Middle Fork of the Flathead River when fishing from park lands or bridges.
Can I buy a fishing license through the MyFWP app?
No. MyFWP stores and displays licenses but does not sell them. Buy through Montana FWP’s Online Licenses Service, an FWP office or a certified license provider, then link the ALS record to MyFWP.
Can a nonresident intentionally fish for Bull Trout in Montana?
Only in specifically authorized Western District waters and only with the correct free, water-specific Bull Trout Catch Card. All other Montana waters are closed to intentional Bull Trout fishing.
Does the angler AIS pass cover a nonresident boat?
No. The angler AIS pass applies to the person fishing. A nonresident watercraft also needs a separate Vessel AIS Prevention Pass when required and must be inspected before launching.
Final Montana Visitor Fishing Checklist
- Every angler’s age has been checked.
- The actual fishing dates are listed.
- One-day, five-day or season pricing has been compared.
- The correct jurisdiction controls the destination water.
- The Conservation License is active where required.
- The Angler AIS Prevention Pass is active where required.
- The correct base fishing license and dates appear in the record.
- The existing ALS record was used.
- The final online service fee was reviewed.
- The fishing district has been identified.
- The exact named-water exception has been read.
- Current emergency closures have been checked.
- Yellowstone, Glacier and tribal rules have been checked when applicable.
- Bull Trout or paddlefish documents are carried when required.
- Live-bait transport rules have been checked.
- The vessel pass and inspection are complete when bringing watercraft.
- A legal public access point or landowner permission is available.
- The license opens inside MyFWP without cellular service.
- A charged phone or printed backup is carried.
Final authority: the live Montana FWP customer record, current fishing regulations, emergency restrictions, National Park Service rules and applicable tribal authority control over any third-party guide.