Nearly 200 classrooms across Montana participate in the Hooked on Fishing Program. The program focuses on cultivating responsible, informed, and ethical behavior among upper elementary and middle school students to help them better understand and enjoy the aquatic environment, improve angling skills, and increase user safety. Lessons will advocate the sustained and appreciative use of Montana’s fisheries and water resources. Lessons will primarily be about water, fish, fisheries management, with opportunities to provide lifelong outdoor angling skills. The program provides fishing equipment for students, training and curriculum for teachers, and in-class assistance by FWP staff and volunteer instructors.
To find out more about Hooked on Fishing, contact the nearest FWP office or call 406-444-9945.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has fishing tackle available for loan at several FWP regional offices. There is no charge to borrow the equipment, which is typically used by groups.
While lures and live bait are not provided, there are usually closed-face rods and reels, bobbers, and hooks available for loan on a first-come basis.
Contact your nearest FWP office for more information.
Numerous locations across the state provide excellent fishing opportunities for young and beginning anglers, and a few waters have even been set aside strictly for use of those 14 years old and younger. While such sites may not offer trophy fish, they do typically provide a reasonable expectation for success, often coupled with good access and other facilities.
Free fishing license exemptions are available to qualified educational events and fishing clinics.
In general, the event must be educational in nature, and instruct participants on fish id, regulations, ethics, fishing techniques, and water safety. It must be held at times and locations that do not substantially conflict with other recreationalists, must be taught under the guidance of an FWP employee or certified fishing instructor, and must not be part of a profit making activity.
Typically, a minimum 2 week advance notice is required for an educational exemption.
For information on these educational exemptions, call 406-444-9944
If you have a question about FWP Angler Education, please contact Laurine Wolf, Education Bureau Chief at LWolf@mt.gov; 406-444-9945.