Montana Fishing License Cost 2026: Resident, Nonresident, AIS Pass and Conservation License Fees
Trying to calculate Montana fishing license cost before your trip? Montana is a little different because most anglers do not pay only one fishing license line. You usually need a Conservation License, a Fishing License and an Angler AIS Prevention Pass.
This guide explains 2026 Montana resident and nonresident fishing fees, 1-day, 2-day, 5-day and season options, youth rules, Conservation License costs, AIS Prevention Pass costs, watercraft AIS fees, online buying and common mistakes to avoid.
Use these shortcuts before checkout. Montana’s final fishing cost depends on the angler’s age, residency, trip length, Conservation License, Angler AIS Prevention Pass and whether you bring a nonresident watercraft into Montana.
How Much Is a Montana Fishing License in 2026?
For a Montana resident age 18-61, the commonly shown season total is $31: $8 Conservation License, $2 Angler AIS Prevention Pass and $21 season fishing license. Resident short-term and reduced age-group pricing is lower.
For a nonresident age 16 or older, the commonly shown season total is $117.50: $10 Conservation License, $7.50 Angler AIS Prevention Pass and $100 season fishing license. Nonresident short-term options include a 1-day total of $31.50 and a 5-day total of $73.50.
Montana Fishing License Cost Quick Facts for 2026
Montana fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. The license year matters because buying late in the year does not create a fresh 365-day fishing license.
What This Montana Fishing License Cost Guide Covers
Official Montana Fishing License Cost Links
Use official Montana FWP links before buying. Fees, AIS pass requirements, Conservation License costs, season dates and watercraft rules can change.
🎣 Montana Fishing Licenses
Official Montana FWP page explaining fishing license requirements, age rules and short-term license costs.
Check Fishing Licenses🌲 Conservation License
Official Montana FWP page with resident, youth, senior and nonresident Conservation License costs.
Check Conservation Cost🛶 AIS Prevention Passes
Official Montana FWP page for angler and watercraft AIS Prevention Pass information.
Check AIS Pass💳 Montana Online Licensing
Official Montana FWP online licensing service to purchase fishing licenses and related passes.
Buy Online📘 Montana Fishing Regulations
Official fishing regulation hub with current seasons, limits and fishing rules.
Read Regulations💵 State Cost Guide
Compare Montana fishing license cost with other state fishing license fees.
Compare State CostsMontana Fishing License Cost in 2026: Resident and Nonresident Fees
The table below shows common total fishing costs because Montana often requires three parts: Conservation License, Angler AIS Prevention Pass and Fishing License.
| Montana Angler Type | Conservation | AISPP | Fishing License | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident age 18-61, 2-day | $8.00 | $2.00 | $5.00 | $15.00 |
| Resident age 18-61, season | $8.00 | $2.00 | $21.00 | $31.00 |
| Resident age 16-17 or 62+, 2-day | $4.00 | $2.00 | $5.00 | $11.00 |
| Resident age 16-17 or 62+, season | $4.00 | $2.00 | $10.50 | $16.50 |
| Resident age 12-15, 2-day | $4.00 | No fee | $5.00 | $9.00 |
| Resident age 12-15, season | $4.00 | No fee | $10.50 | $14.50 |
| Nonresident age 16+, 1-day | $10.00 | $7.50 | $14.00 | $31.50 |
| Nonresident age 16+, 5-day | $10.00 | $7.50 | $56.00 | $73.50 |
| Nonresident age 16+, season | $10.00 | $7.50 | $100.00 | $117.50 |
| Nonresident age 12-15, 1-day | $10.00 | No fee | $14.00 | $24.00 |
| Nonresident age 12-15, season | $10.00 | No fee | $100.00 | $110.00 |
Montana Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Montana resident fishing fees change by age. The resident adult season total is commonly shown as $31, but younger and older residents may pay less.
$31 season total: $8 Conservation License, $2 AIS Prevention Pass and $21 season fishing license.
$15 for 2 days: $8 Conservation License, $2 AIS Prevention Pass and $5 two-day fishing license.
$16.50 season total: Reduced Conservation and fishing cost for eligible age groups.
$14.50 season total: Youth resident cost with Conservation License and fishing license; AISPP shows no fee for this age group.
$20.50 season total: Reduced resident disabled season option appears in Montana fishing license fee tables.
No license required: No Conservation License or AIS Prevention Pass is required, but regulations still apply.
Montana Nonresident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Nonresident fishing license cost depends mostly on trip length and age. Adults 16 and older usually need Conservation License, Angler AIS Prevention Pass and the selected fishing license.
Short nonresident trip
Nonresident age 16+ 1-day total is $31.50, and 5-day total is $73.50.
Best for vacation tripsSeason nonresident trip
Nonresident age 16+ season total is $117.50 including Conservation, AISPP and season fishing license.
Best for repeat visits$31.50 / $73.50 / $117.50: One-day, five-day and season totals for most adult visitors.
$24 / $66 / $110: One-day, five-day and season totals for youth visitors in this age band.
$14 per day: Additional nonresident fishing days may be added depending on the license product and rules.
Separate issue: Nonresident boats launching in Montana may need a separate Vessel AIS Prevention Pass.
Montana Conservation License Cost and Why It Matters
Montana’s Conservation License is a required prerequisite for most fishing license purchases. This is why the final Montana fishing license cost is higher than the fishing license line by itself.
$8: Standard resident Conservation License cost.
$4: Reduced resident youth Conservation License cost.
$4: Reduced resident senior Conservation License cost.
$10: Standard nonresident Conservation License cost.
Montana Angler AIS Prevention Pass Cost in 2026
Montana FWP says the Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass helps fund the fight against aquatic invasive species. It is required for individuals who fish in Montana, with youth exemptions reflected in the fee table.
$2: Angler AIS Prevention Pass for most resident anglers who need it.
$7.50: Angler AIS Prevention Pass for nonresident anglers age 16 and older.
Age matters: Montana fishing fee tables show no AISPP fee for younger youth groups.
Different product: The angler AISPP is separate from the Vessel AIS Prevention Pass for nonresident watercraft.
Montana Nonresident Watercraft AIS Prevention Pass Cost
Montana FWP says nonresident watercraft launching in Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass. This is separate from an angler’s fishing license and Angler AIS Prevention Pass.
$30: Required for nonresident watercraft with a motor, including fuel or electric motors.
$10: Required for nonresident nonmotorized watercraft launching in Montana.
Electronic or paper: FWP says proof can be electronic or paper receipt; there is no decal.
Important: Watercraft inspection and decontamination rules may apply before launching.
Who Needs a Montana Fishing License?
Montana FWP says anyone 11 years old or younger is not required to have a fishing license, including a Conservation License or AIS Prevention Pass. Youth anglers must still follow all limits and regulations.
No license required: No fishing license, Conservation License or AIS Prevention Pass required.
Youth pricing: Montana has youth fee categories for resident and nonresident anglers.
Reduced cost: Montana resident ages 16-17 have reduced resident season and short-term totals.
Reduced cost: Montana resident seniors age 62 and older have reduced Conservation and fishing costs.
Montana Fishing License Year and Expiration Rules
Montana FWP says a valid fishing license enables you to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. This is important if you buy late in the license year.
Before buying, check these dates
- Montana fishing license year starts March 1.
- The license year runs through the end of February of the following year.
- Short-term licenses are for the number of calendar days purchased.
- A season license is not a 365-day license from your purchase date.
- New season licenses become available around the start of the license year.
How to Buy a Montana Fishing License Online
The safest route is Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks online licensing. You can also purchase through FWP offices or approved license providers, but online is usually fastest before a trip.
Open Montana FWP online licensing
Start with Montana FWP Online Licensing or the official Fishing Licenses page.
Choose resident or nonresident
Select the correct residency because Montana resident and nonresident totals are very different.
Select the right age group
Choose the correct age category: 11 and under, 12-15, 16-17, adult, senior or disabled if applicable.
Choose trip length
Pick resident short-term or season coverage, or nonresident 1-day, 5-day or season coverage.
Add AIS and watercraft items if needed
Make sure the Angler AIS Prevention Pass is included, and buy a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass if you bring nonresident watercraft.
Save proof before fishing
Keep a digital and paper copy of your license, especially if you will fish remote rivers, lakes or backcountry waters.
Montana Fishing Rules to Check After Paying License Cost
A Montana fishing license gives you license coverage, but it does not replace the fishing regulations. You still need to check district rules, species limits, possession limits, closures and waterbody-specific restrictions.
Before fishing Montana, check this list
- Are you resident or nonresident?
- Are you in the correct age category?
- Did you buy the Conservation License?
- Did you include the Angler AIS Prevention Pass?
- Are you bringing nonresident watercraft into Montana?
- Did you buy the Vessel AIS Prevention Pass if needed?
- Is your license valid for the current March-February license year?
- What fishing district are you in?
- Are there special limits, closures or catch-and-release rules?
- Can you show digital or paper proof if asked?
Common Montana Fishing License Cost Mistakes
Most Montana license mistakes happen because anglers look only at the fishing license price and forget the required Conservation License, Angler AIS Prevention Pass or nonresident Vessel AIS Prevention Pass.
Montana totals often include Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass and Fishing License. Compare the full total.
Most anglers need the Angler AIS Prevention Pass, and nonresident watercraft may need a separate Vessel AIS Prevention Pass.
Visitors should compare 1-day, 5-day and season pricing before buying.
Youth, seniors and adults can have different totals. Choose the correct age band.
Montana fishing licenses run March 1 through the end of February, not always 365 days from purchase.
A license does not override closures, special regulations, district rules or species limits.
How This Montana Fishing License Cost Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared using official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fishing license pages, Conservation License information, AIS Prevention Pass pages, online licensing resources and 2026 fishing regulation materials. The focus is cost because that is the main search intent behind “montana fishing license cost.”
- Resident adult season fishing total.
- Resident youth, senior and disabled fishing fee groups.
- Nonresident 1-day, 5-day and season totals.
- Conservation License cost for residents, youth, seniors and nonresidents.
- Angler AIS Prevention Pass cost for residents and nonresidents.
- Nonresident Vessel AIS Prevention Pass cost for motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.
- Age 11 and under fishing license exemption.
- License year from March 1 through the end of February.
- Online licensing and official buying routes.
- Fishing regulation and water-specific rule reminders.
Find Montana Fishing License Providers Near You
If you do not want to buy online, Montana FWP licenses are also available through offices and approved license providers. Call before visiting because hours and license support can vary by location.
Search Montana Fishing License Providers
Use this map for a general search, then confirm through Montana FWP before relying on a vendor location.
Montana Fishing License Cost FAQs: Resident, Nonresident and AIS Fees
How much is a Montana resident fishing license in 2026?
For a resident age 18-61, the season total is commonly shown as $31, including $8 Conservation License, $2 AIS Prevention Pass and $21 season fishing license.
How much is a Montana nonresident fishing license in 2026?
For a nonresident age 16 or older, the season total is commonly shown as $117.50, including $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass and $100 season fishing license.
How much is a Montana nonresident 1-day fishing license?
For nonresidents age 16 and older, the 1-day total is commonly shown as $31.50, including Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass and the 1-day fishing license.
How much is a Montana nonresident 5-day fishing license?
For nonresidents age 16 and older, the 5-day total is commonly shown as $73.50, including Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass and the 5-day fishing license.
What is the Montana Conservation License cost?
Montana FWP lists the Conservation License at $8 for residents, $4 for resident youth ages 12-17 and resident seniors age 62+, and $10 for nonresidents.
What is the Montana AIS Prevention Pass cost?
The Angler AIS Prevention Pass is commonly listed at $2 for residents and $7.50 for nonresidents age 16 and older. Nonresident watercraft may need a separate Vessel AIS Prevention Pass.
Do kids need a Montana fishing license?
Montana FWP says anyone 11 years old or younger is not required to have a fishing license, Conservation License or AIS Prevention Pass, but must still follow all limits and regulations.
When is a Montana fishing license valid?
Montana FWP says a valid fishing license enables fishing from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.
Do nonresident boats need an AIS pass in Montana?
Yes. Montana FWP says nonresident watercraft launching in Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass. Motorized watercraft cost $30 and nonmotorized watercraft cost $10.
Where should I verify Montana fishing license fees?
Use the official Montana FWP fishing license page, Conservation License page, AIS Prevention Pass page, online licensing system and current fishing regulations before buying.
Final Summary: Montana Fishing License Cost in 2026
A Montana resident adult season fishing setup is commonly shown as $31, while a nonresident adult season setup is commonly shown as $117.50. Those totals include Conservation License, Angler AIS Prevention Pass and fishing license cost.
Short-term nonresident options include a 1-day total of $31.50 and a 5-day total of $73.50 for ages 16 and older. Before buying, confirm your age group, residency, license year, AIS pass needs and whether you are bringing nonresident watercraft into Montana.