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Arctic Grayling. © 2005 Craig Hergert

Fishing License & Permit Applications

Big Salmon Lake

A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters. To fish in Montana, most anglers need two licenses: a Conservation License and a Fishing License.

A Conservation License is needed before you can buy any fishing or hunting license that Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) issues. Conservation license applicants are required to provide their social security number in addition to the information usually requested. A valid driver's license or a valid photo ID is required to purchase a license.

A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state's fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.

Fishing Licenses

Fishing License Application
The Miscellaneous License application may be used to apply for any fishing licenses as well as the following licenses: conservation, upland game bird, turkey, black bear, bow and arrow, and hunting access enhancement fee.

Resident

Residents must purchase any of the miscellaneous licenses, including a fishing license, at an FWP office, FWP License Provider, or online.

Nonresident

Nonresidents may fill in this application or purchase any of the miscellaneous licenses, including a fishing license, at an FWP office, FWP License Provider, or online.

 Nonresident Miscellaneous License Application (PDF file) 103 KB
 

Licenses for Resident with Disabilities

Resident Lifetime Fishing License for the Blind Application

 Resident Lifetime Fishing License Application 38 KB

Resident with a Disability Conservation License Application

 Resident with a Disability Conservation License Application 34 KB
 

Special Fishing Licenses
Special licenses are required for warm water game fish, paddlefish, and bull trout. This section of the fishing regulations defines what is required for each. Special Fishing Licenses 146 KB

Bull Trout Permit Application

Montana has regulated and experimental bull trout angling season. [Learn more]

 Bull Trout Permit Application 29 KB

Paddlefish

All anglers must purchase a paddlefish tag to fish for paddlefish. [Learn more]

Warm Water Game Fish Stamp

A Warm Water Game Fish Stamp is required for anglers to possess any warm water fish caught in designated areas. [Learn more]
 

License Information
The information below will help explain fees for fishing licenses and exemptions.

Resident & Nonresident Fishing License Fees

This section of the Fishing Regulations defines the fees associated with each type of license for residents and nonresidents.

 Resident and Nonresident Fishing License Fees 34 KB

Educational License Exemptions

Fishing license exemptions are available to qualified educational events and fishing clinics. [Learn more]

Fish Related Licenses, Permits, and Information

Commercial

Commercial Fishing Ponds Application

 Commercial Fish Pond Application 160 KB | Commercial Fish Pond Application 141 KB

Commercial Bait Seining Application

 Commercial Bait Seining Application (Word document) 119 KB | Commercial Bait Seining Application 209 KB

Commercial Whitefish Application

 Commercial Whitefish Application 79 KB | Commercial Whitefish Application 34 KB

Public

Fishing Contest Application

 Fishing Contest Application 92 KB | Fishing Contest Application 141 KB

Import Permit Application

 Import Permit Application 76 KB | Import Permit Application 37 KB

Private Fish Ponds

A person who owns or lawfully controls a private fish pond may obtain a license from FWP to stock the pond with fish. [Learn more]

Stream Permitting

If you are planning to do work on or near a waterway in Montana, one or several permits may be required.

Guidelines (Courtesy of DNRC)

Joint Application (Courtesy of DNRC)

Scientific

Aquatic Scientific Collectors Permit

 Scientific Collectors Permit Application 199 KB | Scientific Collectors Permit Application 148 KB

Reporting form for scientific collectors

 Report form for scientific collectors 150 KB
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