Montana fishing seasons offer some of the best opportunities for anglers in this Treasure State.” With its clear rivers, vast lakes, and a variety of fish species, fishermen of all skill levels can enjoy world-class fishing experiences.
To ensure sustainable fisheries and a successful, legal fishing experience, it’s important to know the fishing seasons, species, regulations, and licensing requirements. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your fishing trip in Montana.
Fishing Seasons in Montana
Fishing seasons in Montana vary depending on the region and the type of waterbody. The state is divided into three fishing districts: Western, Central, and Eastern. Each district has its own set of standard regulations, with exceptions for specific waters.
General Fishing Seasons
- Western Fishing District
- Rivers/Streams: Open from the third Saturday in May through November 30 (unless specified otherwise).
- Lakes/Reservoirs: Open year-round.
- Exceptions: Some streams may close early due to environmental concerns (e.g., drought).
- Central Fishing District
- Rivers/Streams: Open year-round unless noted in exceptions.
- Lakes/Reservoirs: Open year-round.
- Eastern Fishing District
- Rivers/Streams: Open year-round unless noted in exceptions.
- Lakes/Reservoirs: Open year-round.
| Districts | Rivers & Streams | Lakes & Reservoirs |
| Western District | Open third Saturday in May through November 30 (Exception applies in some specific waters) | Open all year |
| Central District | Open all year (Exception applies in some specific waters) | Open all year |
| Eastern District | Open all year | Open all year |
Ice Fishing Seasons
During the winter, ice fishing is also allowed on many lakes and reservoirs, making it a great way to enjoy the outdoors even in the colder months.
Free Fishing Days
In Montana, there are some special fishing days when everyone can join in for free! On Mother’s Day weekend (May 10-11) and Father’s Day weekend (June 14-15) in 2025, anyone can fish without a license.
This applies to both local residents and visitors, as long as they follow the rules about what types of fish can be caught and how many.
Fish Species and Catch Limits
Montana is home to a wide variety of fish species, including both game and non-game fish. Some of the most popular game fish species include:
- Trout: Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, and Brook Trout
- Salmon: Kokanee Salmon
- Arctic Grayling
- Whitefish
- Walleye
- Northern Pike
- Bass: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
- Paddlefish
- Sturgeon
- Yellow Perch
- Crappie
- Channel Catfish
Below are the standard regulations for each key species:
Western District
- Trout
- Combined Trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat, golden, arctic grayling):5 daily, 10 in possession in lakes/reservoirs; and 3 daily, 1 over 18 inches (Central/Eastern) or 14 inches (Western) in rivers/streams.
- Cutthroat Trout: Catch-and-release is required in many waters (e.g., Bitterroot River).
- Bull Trout: Federally protected; catch-and-release only unless authorized (e.g., Lake Koocanusa with a special permit).
- Lake Trout: Limits vary (e.g., 3 daily in Central District, 100 daily in Flathead Lake).
- Brook Trout: 20 daily and in possession.
- Cutthroat Trout: Lakes/Reservoirs: 3 daily and in possession, no size limit in Lakes/Reservoirs. 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches in Rivers/Streams.
- Northern Pike
- Western/Central: No limit in most waters (e.g., Clark Fork River, Tiber Reservoir).
- Eastern: Check local exceptions for spearing or ice fishing rules.
- Walleye & Sauger
Walleye: 10 daily (1 over 15 inches) in Central/Eastern waters (e.g., Canyon Ferry Reservoir).
Sauger: 2 daily (Central District).
- Bass
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass: 5 daily (Central/Eastern). Invasive smallmouth in Western waters (e.g., Bitterroot River) must be killed and reported.
- Whitefish & Kokanee Salmon
- Mountain Whitefish: 20 daily (Western District).
- Kokanee Salmon: 10–50 daily, depending on location (e.g., Lake Koocanusa).
- Protected Species such as Pallid Sturgeon and Paddle fish are strictly regulated; tags and permits are required.
Montana Key Fishing Regulations
Montana has a comprehensive set of fishing regulations designed to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
When you plan to fish in this state, there are some key regulations to keep in mind or you can result in fines up to $1,000 or loss of fishing privileges.
Gear Restrictions
- Artificial Lures: Some waters are restricted to artificial lures only. Artificial lures include flies, hard plastic or wood lures, soft plastic imitations, metal spoons, lead head lures, bladed lures, spinners, and spinner baits.
- Live Bait: Live bait is allowed in designated waters in Central/Eastern Districts. However, in the Western Fishing District, no live fish can be used as bait, and Sculpins may not be used as bait, live or dead.
- Setlines: Setlines are not allowed in the Western Fishing District.
- Snagging: Snagging is illegal in all districts.
- Hook Limits:1 line with 2 hooks (rivers/streams), and 2 lines with 2 hooks (lakes/reservoirs).
- Spearing & Bow Fishing: Allowed for nongame fish (e.g., carp) or designated species (e.g., northern pike through ice).
Catch-and-Release Rules
When catch and release fishing, it is recommended to do the following to minimize the harm to fish:
- Use Barbless hooks for easier release.
- Always keep fish in water, avoid squeezing, and release quickly.
- Tag your fish and report catches to the official website FWP (mt.gov/fish/report-your-catch).
Ice Fishing Rules
- The hole for ice fishing should be no larger than 144 square inches (about 12 inches in diameter) if you’re not using a spear.
- For spear fishing, there is no size limit for the hole.
- On certain waters, you must remove your fishing shelter each day.
If you don’t follow these specific fishing rules, you could face penalties, which could include fines of up to $1,000 or even imprisonment. If you catch more fish than allowed, you will have to pay fines and restitution to the state, which can be quite high for certain species.
Fishing Licenses: Costs and Requirements
To fish in Montana, except for ages 0-11, most anglers need a Conservation License, a Fishing License, and an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Pass. Here’s a breakdown of the licensing requirements and fees:
Resident Licenses
| Age | Conservation License | AIS Prevention Pass 16 & Older | License Fee | Total Cost |
| Resident 12 – 15 | $4.0 | No Fee | $5.00 for 2 consecutive days | $9 |
| $10.50 for season | $14.5 | |||
| Resident 16 – 17,62 and older | $4.0 | $2.0 | $5.00 for 2 consecutive days | $11.0 |
| $10.50 for season | $16.5 | |||
| Resident Disabled 18-61 | $8.0 | $2.0 | $10.50 for season | $20.5 |
| Resident 18-61 | $8.0 | $2.0 | $5.00 for 2 consecutive days | $15.0 |
| $21.00 for season | $31.0 |
Nonresident Licenses
| Age | Conservation License | AIS Prevention Pass 16 & Older | License Fee | Total Cost |
| Nonresident 12-15 | $10.00 | No Fee | $14.00 for 1 day | $24.00 |
| $56.00 for 5 consecutive days | $66.00 | |||
| $100.00 for season | $110.00 | |||
| Nonresident 16 and older | $10.00 | $7.50 | $14.00 for 1 day | $31.50 |
| $56.00 for 5 consecutive days | $73.50 | |||
| $100.00 for season | $117.50 | |||
| Nonresident Motorized Vessel Prevention Pass: $30 per vessel good through Dec. 31 of each year | ||||
| Nonresident Non-Motorized Vessel Prevention Pass: $10 per vessel good through Dec. 31 of each year | ||||
Special Fishing License Programs
- Montana Resident With Disability: Disabled residents can purchase a Conservation License for 8.00, an AIS PreventionPass for 2.00, and a Fishing License for $10.50.
- Lifetime Fishing License for the Blind: 10.00 plus an annual 00 AIS Prevention Pass.
- Veterans Administration Patients: Free permits are available for patients residing at VA hospitals.
- Legion of Valor: Both residents and non-residents with a Legion of Valor membership card can fish with a Conservation License.
- Purple Heart Recipients: Residents and nonresidents awarded a Purple Heart can fish only with a Conservation License.
Where to Buy Licenses?
In Montana, getting a fishing license is easy and convenient. You can buy your license online at the official website or visit local FWP offices, sporting goods stores, or other authorized vendors.
If you prefer using your smartphone, digital licenses are also accepted, and you can easily keep your license on hand.
There are some documents required, such as proof of residency, like your driver’s license, and your Social Security number if you’re getting a Conservation License.
Final Tips
Fishing in Montana is a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be well-informed about seasons and regulations requirements. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing trip in the Treasure State.
So grab your gear, get your licenses, and head out to explore the best fishing spots here in the state!
Recommended for Hunters and Anglers
Leave a reply