Montana Non-Resident Fishing License: 2026 Cost, AIS Pass, Online Buying and Rules
Planning a Montana fishing trip as a visitor? The cost is not only the base fishing license. Most nonresident anglers need the Conservation License, the base fishing license, and the Angler AIS Prevention Pass if age 16 or older. This guide explains 2026 nonresident prices, one-day and five-day choices, youth rules, online buying, printing, and the official FWP rules to check before fishing.
Use these shortcuts before checkout. Montana’s visitor license cost is easy to misread because the base fishing license, Conservation License, and AIS Prevention Pass are separate items. The complete total depends on your age and trip length.
How Much Is a Montana Non-Resident Fishing License in 2026?
For nonresident anglers age 16 and older, the complete 2026 Montana fishing license total is $117.50 for full season, $73.50 for five consecutive calendar days, and $31.50 for one day. These totals combine the $10 Conservation License, the $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and the base fishing license.
For nonresident youth ages 12-15, the totals are lower because the Angler AIS Prevention Pass has no fee for youth age 15 and younger. A youth age 11 or younger does not need a fishing license, Conservation License, or AIS Prevention Pass, but still must follow all fishing limits and rules.
Montana Nonresident Fishing License Quick Facts for 2026
Montana’s fishing license setup is built from several pieces. The base fishing license allows fishing, the Conservation License is a prerequisite for most anglers, and the AIS Prevention Pass supports aquatic invasive species prevention.
What This Montana Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Covers
Official Montana Nonresident Fishing License Links
Use official Montana FWP links before buying. License prices, AIS rules, closures, regulations, bull trout rules, paddlefish rules, bait rules and special waterbody rules can change.
🎣 Montana Fishing License Basics
FWP page explaining full-season, short-term, resident and nonresident fishing license basics.
Open Fishing License Page💳 FWP Online Licenses Service
Official Montana online licensing system for fishing, hunting, permits and applications.
Buy License Online🛒 Fishing Licenses and Permits
FWP buying page explaining license requirements, online buying and age rules.
Open Buying Guide🌿 Conservation License
Official FWP page explaining Conservation License cost and purchase requirements.
Open Conservation License💧 AIS Prevention Pass
Official FWP page explaining Angler AIS Prevention Pass cost and requirements.
Open AIS Pass Page💵 State Cost Guide
Compare Montana visitor license cost with other state fishing license fees.
Compare License CostsMontana Non-Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
The Montana nonresident total includes more than the base fishing license. For age 16 and older, the complete total includes the $10 Conservation License, the $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, and the base fishing license.
| Montana Nonresident Option | Conservation | AISPP | Base Fishing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Season, age 16+ | $10.00 | $7.50 | $100.00 | $117.50 |
| 5 Consecutive Calendar Days, age 16+ | $10.00 | $7.50 | $56.00 | $73.50 |
| 1-Day Fishing, age 16+ | $10.00 | $7.50 | $14.00 | $31.50 |
| Full Season, age 12-15 | $10.00 | $0.00 | $100.00 | $110.00 |
| 5 Consecutive Calendar Days, age 12-15 | $10.00 | $0.00 | $56.00 | $66.00 |
| 1-Day Fishing, age 12-15 | $10.00 | $0.00 | $14.00 | $24.00 |
| Youth age 11 or younger | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | No license required |
How to Buy a Montana Non-Resident Fishing License Online
The official online route is the Montana FWP Online Licenses Service. You can also start from Montana FWP’s fishing license page or buy-and-apply page so you know you are using the correct state system.
Open the official FWP online system
Start from Montana FWP fishing licenses and permits or go directly to the FWP Online Licenses Service.
Select nonresident status
Choose nonresident unless you meet Montana residency rules. The system may ask for personal information needed for license purchase.
Choose the fishing duration
Select one-day, five consecutive calendar days, or full season. Match the license to your real fishing dates, not only your travel dates.
Review Conservation and AIS items
Make sure the Conservation License and AIS Prevention Pass are included when required. Youth age 15 and younger do not pay the AISPP fee.
Pay and save proof
After checkout, print your license or make sure it is accessible on your mobile device through the Montana FWP app where allowed.
Montana 1-Day, 5-Day or Full-Season Nonresident License: Which Is Best?
The best choice depends on how many days you will actually fish. A one-day license is best for a single float or guided trip. A five-day license fits a short vacation. A full-season license makes sense if you will return, fish multiple rivers, or stay for a long summer trip.
Best for: one guided float, one family day, or a quick Montana stop. Age 16+ total is $31.50.
Best for: vacation anglers fishing several consecutive days. Age 16+ total is $73.50.
Best for: repeat visitors and long trips. Age 16+ total is $117.50 and runs March through February.
Lower total: No AISPP fee applies for youth 15 and younger, but the Conservation License and base fishing license still matter.
Montana Conservation License for Nonresidents: Why the $10 Fee Matters
Montana FWP says most anglers need a Conservation License and a base fishing license. The nonresident Conservation License costs $10. This is why a nonresident total is higher than the base fishing license alone.
$10.00: Montana FWP lists the nonresident Conservation License at $10.
ID details: FWP says Conservation License applicants are required to provide the last four digits of their Social Security number, plus normal information and valid ID.
Online or provider: Most FWP licenses, including the Conservation License, can be purchased through the Online Licenses Service or in person at FWP offices or license providers.
Budget for it: Do not compare only the $100 full-season base fishing license if you still need the $10 Conservation License.
Montana Angler AIS Prevention Pass: Nonresident Cost and Rule
The Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass helps fund Montana’s fight against aquatic invasive species. FWP says the Angler AISPP is required with purchase of a fishing license, costs $7.50 for nonresidents, and has no fee for youth 15 and younger.
$7.50: Applies to nonresident anglers when required with fishing license purchase.
No fee: FWP says there is no AISPP fee for youth 15 and younger.
Invasive species prevention: The pass helps fund work to prevent aquatic invasive species problems in Montana waters.
Online or ambassador: AISPPs may be purchased through the Online Licenses Service with your fishing license or at License Ambassador locations.
Montana Nonresident Youth Fishing License Rules
Montana FWP says anyone 11 years old or younger is not required to have a fishing license, Conservation License or AIS Prevention Pass. Youth anglers 11 or younger must still follow all limits and regulations.
| Nonresident Youth Age | License Rule | AISPP Rule | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 11 or younger | No fishing license required | No AIS Prevention Pass required | Must still follow all limits and regulations. |
| Age 12-15 | Needs the correct fishing license and Conservation License | $0 AISPP fee | Full-season total is $110; five-day is $66; one-day is $24. |
| Age 16-17 | Use the age 16+ nonresident package | $7.50 AISPP applies | Full-season total is $117.50; five-day is $73.50; one-day is $31.50. |
How to Print or Carry Your Montana Nonresident Fishing License
FWP Online Licenses instructions say customers are responsible for printing and carrying licenses, permits and carcass tags when hunting, fishing or recreating on state lands. For fishing, keep proof with you every time you fish.
Save the email receipt
After purchase, FWP says an email is sent with payment receipt and license receipt. Keep that email easy to find.
Print your license when needed
FWP instructions say licenses and permits are printed on 8.5 x 11 white paper. Print a copy before leaving if you prefer paper proof.
Use the Montana FWP app when allowed
FWP says non-carcass licenses can be accessible on a mobile device through the Montana FWP app where applicable.
Keep a low-signal backup
Save a screenshot or paper copy before fishing remote rivers, lakes, backcountry trails or areas without reliable service.
Yellowstone, Tribal Waters and Special Montana Fishing Areas
A Montana nonresident fishing license covers Montana state waters where that license applies, but it does not automatically cover every special jurisdiction. Yellowstone National Park, tribal waters, private waters and some special regulated areas may have separate permits or rules.
Check separately: Yellowstone has its own fishing permit system and regulations. Do not assume a Montana FWP license is enough inside the park.
Ask the tribe: Reservation waters may require tribal permits and follow tribal regulations.
Permission matters: A license does not give permission to cross private land to reach water.
Check FWP restrictions: Hooto owl restrictions, drought closures, fire restrictions and special water rules can affect your trip.
Montana Fishing Rules Nonresidents Must Check After Buying
A Montana nonresident fishing license lets you fish and possess fish or aquatic invertebrates authorized by the state’s regulations. It does not replace seasons, daily limits, possession limits, waterbody exceptions, bait rules, bull trout rules, paddlefish rules or emergency closures.
Before fishing Montana as a nonresident, check this list
- Is your license valid for the correct date or season?
- Do you have the Conservation License if required?
- Do you have the AIS Prevention Pass if required?
- Are you age 11 or younger, 12-15, or 16+?
- Does the river, lake or district have special exceptions?
- Are there closures, drought restrictions or hoot owl restrictions?
- Do bull trout or paddlefish rules apply?
- Are bait fish, leeches or live bait rules involved?
- Are you fishing Yellowstone or tribal waters that need separate permits?
Common Montana Nonresident Fishing License Mistakes
Most visitor mistakes happen because anglers compare only the base fishing license price. Montana’s full cost includes required pieces, and the rules change by age, date range and location.
Nonresident age 16+ totals include Conservation License, AISPP and base fishing license.
The Angler AIS Prevention Pass is required with fishing license purchase and costs $7.50 for nonresidents.
Age 11 or younger is different from ages 12-15 and 16+. Check the correct age band.
One-day, five-day and full-season licenses fit different plans. Choose based on actual fishing days.
Yellowstone National Park has separate fishing permits and rules. Montana state license alone may not cover park waters.
FWP instructions make you responsible for printing and carrying licenses or having mobile proof where allowed.
How This Montana Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared from official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fishing license resources, Conservation License information, AIS Prevention Pass resources, FWP Online Licenses Service instructions and 2026 fishing regulation resources. The focus is nonresident cost and rules because that is the main search intent behind “montana non resident fishing license.”
- Montana FWP fishing license basics and license duration rules.
- 2026 nonresident full-season, five-day and one-day fishing base license fees.
- Conservation License fee for nonresidents.
- Angler AIS Prevention Pass cost and age rule.
- Youth rule for age 11 or younger.
- Full-season validity from March 1 through the end of February.
- FWP Online Licenses Service buying and printing instructions.
- FWP 2026 fishing regulation resources and special regulation reminders.
Find Montana Fishing License Providers Near You
If you do not want to buy online, Montana FWP lists license provider and License Ambassador options. Call before visiting because availability, internet access, store hours and provider participation can vary.
Search Montana Fishing License Providers
Use this map for a general search, then confirm through Montana FWP before relying on a location.
Montana Non-Resident Fishing License FAQs: Cost, Rules and Online Buying
How much is a Montana non-resident fishing license in 2026?
For nonresidents age 16 and older, the complete 2026 total is $117.50 for full season, $73.50 for five consecutive calendar days, and $31.50 for one day. These totals include the $10 Conservation License, $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass and the base fishing license.
Can nonresidents buy a Montana fishing license online?
Yes. Nonresidents can buy Montana fishing licenses through the official Montana FWP Online Licenses Service. Start from FWP’s fishing license page or buy-and-apply page to avoid unofficial links.
Do nonresidents need a Conservation License in Montana?
Yes. Montana FWP says most anglers need a Conservation License and a base fishing license. The nonresident Conservation License costs $10.
Do nonresidents need the Montana AIS Prevention Pass?
Yes. FWP says the Angler AIS Prevention Pass is required with fishing license purchase. It costs $7.50 for nonresidents and has no fee for youth age 15 and younger.
Do kids need a Montana nonresident 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. Youth anglers 11 or younger must still follow all limits and regulations.
How much is a Montana nonresident youth fishing license?
For nonresident youth ages 12-15, the 2026 total is $110 for full season, $66 for five consecutive calendar days, and $24 for one day. Those totals include the $10 Conservation License but no AISPP fee.
When is a Montana full-season fishing license valid?
Montana FWP says a full-season fishing license enables you to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.
Is a Montana fishing license transferable or refundable?
Montana FWP says a fishing license is nontransferable and nonrefundable. Buy the license under the correct person’s name.
Do I need a separate Yellowstone fishing permit?
Yes, if you fish inside Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone has its own fishing permit system and regulations, so do not rely only on a Montana FWP fishing license inside the park.
Do I need to print my Montana fishing license?
FWP Online Licenses instructions say you are responsible for printing and carrying your licenses, permits and tags. Some non-carcass licenses may be accessible on a mobile device through the Montana FWP app, but a printed backup is smart.
Final Summary: Montana Non-Resident Fishing License Cost and Rules in 2026
A Montana non-resident fishing license for age 16 and older totals $117.50 for full season, $73.50 for five consecutive calendar days, and $31.50 for one day. Those totals include the Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass and base fishing license.
The safest path is to buy through Montana FWP’s Online Licenses Service, choose the correct trip length and age category, save or print proof, check AIS and Conservation License requirements, and read the current Montana fishing regulations before keeping fish. If your trip includes Yellowstone, tribal waters, bull trout, paddlefish or special closures, verify those rules separately.