Montana · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Montana.

Montana is the Western trout fishing benchmark — the Madison, Missouri, Big Hole, and Yellowstone are routinely listed among the best trout rivers in the world.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Montana. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the MFWP and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the MFWP before purchase.

Freshwater

Trout dominate — rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, lake, and bull trout (catch-and-release only) across thousands of miles of streams and hundreds of lakes. Smallmouth bass and walleye live in select reservoirs and rivers in eastern Montana. Most waters open year-round with regional season variations.

Rivers

Montana's rivers are world-class — the Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, Big Hole, Beaverhead, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Smith, and Blackfoot. Each has unique character: the Missouri is a tailwater fishery; the Madison is freestone; the Big Hole holds native fluvial Arctic grayling.

Special

Bull trout are catch-and-release only statewide. Several rivers have catch-and-release-only sections (Madison reach, parts of the Beaverhead). Yellowstone Park rules differ from Montana state rules within the Park boundary. Whirling disease and aquatic invasive species inspections apply.

Popular species

Rainbow trout · Brown trout · Cutthroat trout · Brook trout · Bull trout (CR only) · Lake trout · Arctic grayling

State agency

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Agency site →

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