Montana provides a range of fishing licenses designed to accommodate different needs. These include full-season licenses, short-term licenses, lifetime licenses, and special licenses for certain individuals. Each of these options has varying fees and requirements based on residency and specific conditions.
Full Season Fishing License
A full-season fishing license is valid from March 1 through the end of February. It allows residents, non-residents, youth, and seniors to fish throughout the year.
• Resident: $21
• Youth (12-17): $10.50
• Senior (62+): $10.50
• Nonresident: $100
These licenses offer a year-round opportunity to fish in Montana’s abundant waters.
Short-Term Fishing Licenses
For those who are visiting Montana for a shorter period or plan to fish just once, short-term licenses provide flexibility without committing to a full-season permit.
• 2-Day Resident: $5
• 1-Day Nonresident: $14
• 5-Day Nonresident: $56
These options are perfect for tourists or anglers on a short fishing trip who don’t need a long-term commitment.
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
If you’re planning on making Montana’s waters your go-to spot for fishing throughout your life, purchasing a lifetime fishing license may be the way to go. This option grants anglers permanent access to fishing privileges, sparing them from yearly renewals. Prices vary depending on age and residency status, and you can apply for this license through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) website.
Special Fishing Licenses
In addition to the standard licenses, Montana offers a number of specialized licenses aimed at providing discounted or free fishing privileges for certain groups.
These include:
• Disabled Veteran Sport Fishing License: Available to qualifying disabled veterans, this license is offered at a discounted or even free rate.
• Recovering Service Member Sport Fishing License: This special license is available to military service members recovering from injuries related to their service.
• Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License for Low-Income Seniors: Seniors who meet specific financial criteria can apply for a reduced-fee fishing license.
• Free Sport Fishing Licenses: Montana offers free fishing licenses to youth under 12 and certain qualifying disabled veterans.
How to Apply for Fishing Licenses
There are multiple ways to purchase and apply for a Montana fishing license, including online, in person, or by mail.
Purchasing Your License Online
The easiest way to purchase your fishing license is through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks online portal. This service allows you to apply for both short-term and full-season fishing licenses. Simply visit the FWP website, select your desired license type, and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
Purchasing Your License in Person
For those who prefer to purchase their license in person, you can visit an authorized licensing agent or FWP office. Authorized agents can be found throughout Montana, making it convenient for anglers to obtain their licenses in person.
SOURCE LINK : MontanaFWP
Reprinting or Replacing Your License
If you lose your fishing license, don’t worry—Montana allows you to reprint or replace it for a small fee. You can request a duplicate through the FWP online portal or by contacting an authorized agent.
Residency Information
To qualify for resident fishing license fees, you must meet Montana’s residency requirements. Generally, to be considered a resident, you need to have lived in Montana for at least 180 days per year and intend to make Montana your primary home. Proof of residency may be required when applying for a resident license, such as a Montana driver’s license or other official documentation.
How to Apply for a Free or Reduced-Fee License
Montana offers free and reduced-fee fishing licenses for certain groups, such as youth under 12, qualifying disabled veterans, and low-income seniors. To apply for these licenses, you’ll need to provide appropriate documentation, such as proof of age, military service, or financial need. The application process for free or discounted licenses can be completed online or in person, depending on the type of license you are seeking.
Conclusion
Fishing in Montana is an experience like no other, with its clear waters and vast landscapes filled with diverse fish species. Whether you’re a resident or visiting from out of state, there’s a fishing license option to suit your needs. With the ability to purchase licenses online, in person, or by mail, securing your fishing permit is easy and convenient. Be sure to explore the various options, including full-season, short-term, and lifetime licenses, as well as special licenses for veterans and seniors, to find the best fit for your fishing adventure in Montana.
SOURCE LINK : Montana FWP
