Montana Fishing Licenses

As of March 1, 2026, every Montana fishing license is sold through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Online Licensing System. The old in-store license machines have been retired, so even in-person sales now happen on the online system.

Buy online, anywhere. Go to ols.fwp.mt.gov, choose resident or nonresident, sign in with your driver's license or state ID, and add a Conservation License, an AIS Prevention Pass and a Fishing License to your cart. It takes about five minutes. Save your license on your phone with the MyFWP app or print a copy.

Need help? Call us at (406) 682-4293.

Tip: When you add your Conservation License, you can choose the version without the $0.25 voluntary search and rescue donation. The prices below use that option.

Every angler 12 and older needs three things: a Conservation License, an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Pass, and a Fishing License. Here is what each costs for the 2026–27 license year.

RESIDENT
Conservation License: $7.75
AIS Prevention Pass: $2.00
Fishing License (season): $21.00
Season total: $30.75  |  2-day total: $14.75

NONRESIDENT
Conservation License: $9.75
AIS Prevention Pass: $7.50
Fishing License (season): $100.00
Season total: $117.25  |  1-day total: $31.25  |  5-day total: $73.25

• Licenses run from March 1 through the end of February. A license bought in October expires February 28, just like one bought in March.
• The Conservation License also covers access to most state lands, including fishing access sites, so you need it even on days you don't fish.
• Read the Montana Fishing Regulations before you go. The Madison has its own rules on several stretches.
• Montana residents with a qualifying disability, Purple Heart recipients and Legion of Valor members have special licenses; see FWP's Fishing License Basics.
• Going on a guided trip with us? Licenses are not included in the trip price, so buy yours before you meet your guide.