Montana Non Resident Fishing License: Everything You Need to Know

Montana is one of the premier fishing destinations in the United States. The state has over 10,000 named lakes, more than 25,000 miles of streams, and wild populations of native cutthroat trout, bull trout, lake trout, and mountain whitefish in some of the clearest, coldest water in the country. If you’re planning a fishing trip to Montana — whether fly fishing the Flathead River near Glacier National Park, trolling Flathead Lake for mackinaw, or wading a high alpine stream — you need to have the right licenses before you wet a line.

For non-residents, Montana’s licensing system requires three separate items, not one. And as of 2026, there’s a major change: all licenses must now be purchased online — in-person sales at fly shops, sporting goods stores, and FWP offices are no longer available. Here’s everything you need to know.

Important 2026 Change: Online Purchase Only

Starting March 1, 2026, Montana fishing licenses can no longer be purchased in person. All licenses must be purchased online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) website at ols.fwp.mt.gov.

This is the biggest practical change for visiting anglers in years. If you’re used to walking into a fly shop or sporting goods store the morning before your first fishing day, that’s no longer an option. You must create an FWP account and complete your purchase before you travel — ideally at least a few days ahead of your trip.

Why this matters for trip planning:

• Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent near many Montana fishing waters, including inside Glacier National Park
• FWP’s website can experience slowdowns or outages during peak season
• Purchasing at a boat ramp or trailhead is not a reliable backup plan
• Your digital license is stored in your FWP account — download a PDF or take a screenshot before heading into areas without service

Bottom line: buy your license at least 3–7 days before your trip.

What Licenses Do Non-Residents Need to Fish in Montana?

Most non-residents need three separate licenses or passes to legally fish in Montana. They must be purchased in order — you cannot add a fishing license without first having a Conservation License.

1. Conservation License — $10

The Conservation License is required before any other fishing or hunting license can be purchased. It’s the foundation of the Montana licensing system and covers access to state trust lands for fishing, hunting, and other recreation. Cost for non-residents: $10. You’ll need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number and a valid government-issued photo ID at time of purchase.

2. AIS Prevention Pass — $7.50

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Pass is required for all anglers age 16 and older. Montana takes aquatic invasive species — particularly zebra and quagga mussels — extremely seriously. The pass helps fund inspection stations and prevention programs throughout the state. Cost for non-residents age 16 and older: $7.50.

If you’re bringing a motorized vessel, a separate Non-Resident Motorized Vessel Prevention Pass is required at $30 per vessel. Non-motorized vessels (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) require a $10 Non-Resident Non-Motorized Vessel Prevention Pass.

3. Base Fishing License — $14 / $56 / $100

The Base Fishing License is what allows you to actually fish. Non-residents have three duration options:

• 1-day license: $14 — can be purchased in daily increments (e.g., buy 3 one-day licenses for 3 non-consecutive fishing days)
• 5 consecutive calendar days: $56 — best value for a typical guided or DIY fishing trip of 4–7 days
• Full season: $100 — valid March 1 through the end of February the following year; best value for multiple visits or extended stays

Non-Resident Fishing License Cost: Full Breakdown

License type	Conservation	AIS Pass	Fishing License	Total
Non-resident, 1-day fishing	$10.00	$7.50	$14.00	$31.50
Non-resident, 5-day fishing	$10.00	$7.50	$56.00	$73.50
Non-resident, full season	$10.00	$7.50	$100.00	$117.50
Non-resident youth (12–15), 1-day	$10.00	No fee	$14.00	$24.00
Non-resident youth (12–15), 5-day	$10.00	No fee	$56.00	$66.00
Non-resident youth (12–15), season	$10.00	No fee	$100.00	$110.00
Children under 12	No license required — must observe all limits and regulations

Note: License fees shown are based on the current Montana FWP fee schedule. Fees and regulations may change from year to year, so always verify current pricing before purchasing a license through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Which License Duration Should You Buy?

Your trip	Best option	Total cost (non-resident 16+)
1–2 fishing days	1-day license (x2)	$31.50–$63.00
3–5 consecutive fishing days	5-day license	$73.50
6–7 consecutive fishing days	Season license — better value	$117.50
Multiple trips in one year	Season license	$117.50 total
Non-consecutive fishing days on a long trip	Multiple 1-day licenses	$31.50 per fishing day

The 5-day license ($73.50 total) is the best value for most visiting anglers on a typical 4–7 day Montana fishing trip. The full season license ($117.50) pays off if you’re planning a longer stay or making more than one trip to Montana in a calendar year.

Note that the 1-day license can be purchased incrementally — you don’t have to buy all your days at once. This makes it flexible for trips where you might not fish every day (e.g., a 7-day Glacier trip where you plan to fish 3 specific days).

How to Buy a Montana Non-Resident Fishing License Online

All licenses are purchased through Montana FWP’s online licensing system at ols.fwp.mt.gov. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Create an FWP account

Go to ols.fwp.mt.gov and create a new account. You’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you’ve bought a Montana fishing license in previous years, log in to your existing account — your information may already be saved.

Step 2: Add your Conservation License

This must be added first. Select ‘Non-Resident Conservation License’ and complete the purchase ($10). You cannot proceed to the next licenses without it.

Step 3: Add your AIS Prevention Pass

Select the ‘Non-Resident AIS Prevention Pass’ ($7.50 for anglers 16+). If you’re bringing a boat, add the appropriate vessel pass at this step as well.

Step 4: Add your Base Fishing License

Choose your duration: 1-day, 5-consecutive-day, or full season. Complete payment. All three items should now show in your cart — review before checking out.

Step 5: Save your digital license

After purchase, your license is stored in your FWP account. Download the PDF and save it to your phone’s camera roll or files app. Take a screenshot as a backup. You are required to have your fishing license in your possession while fishing — a license on your smartphone is acceptable under Montana law.

Do this before you leave for your trip — do not rely on purchasing or accessing your license in the field where cell service may be unavailable.

Free Fishing Weekends in Montana

Montana offers two free fishing weekends per year — Mother’s Day weekend and Father’s Day weekend — when any person, resident or non-resident, can fish without a fishing license. No purchase is required, but all seasons, limits, and regulations still apply.

For 2025, free fishing weekends are May 10–11 and June 14–15. These are great opportunities for first-time anglers or families to try fishing without the license cost, and they’re perfect for a Glacier National Park visit that happens to fall on one of those weekends.

Note: The free fishing exemption does NOT apply to paddlefish or bull trout fishing. Both require the full Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass, Fishing License, and — in the case of bull trout — a free Catch Card.

Fishing in Glacier National Park: What Non-Residents Need to Know

Glacier National Park has special fishing rules that differ from the rest of Montana. This is one of the most common areas of confusion for visiting anglers.

Do I need a Montana fishing license to fish in Glacier National Park?

No Montana state fishing license is required to fish within the boundaries of Glacier National Park. The park falls under federal jurisdiction, not state, and has its own fishing regulations. You do not need to purchase a Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass, or Montana Base Fishing License to fish inside the park.

However, you must follow all of Glacier National Park’s fishing regulations, which are separate from Montana’s state regulations. For current park rules, contact Glacier National Park at 406-888-7800 or visit nps.gov/glac.

Where to fish near Glacier that DOES require a Montana license

If you’re fishing outside the park’s boundaries — on the North Fork or Middle Fork of the Flathead River (which form the park’s western and southern borders), on Flathead Lake, or on any other state waters in the region — a Montana non-resident fishing license is required. These waters are state-managed, not park-managed.

Waters near Glacier requiring a Montana license:

• Flathead Lake — the entire lake, for all species
• North Fork Flathead River (outside park boundaries)
• Middle Fork Flathead River (outside park boundaries)
• South Fork Flathead River (outside park boundaries and Hungry Horse Reservoir)
• Any stream, river, or lake on state lands in the Flathead Valley

Bull trout: special rules near Glacier

Bull trout are a native, threatened species in the Glacier region. Most waters are closed to intentional bull trout angling year-round. The only areas open for a regulated experimental bull trout season are Lake Koocanusa, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and part of the South Fork Flathead River — and each requires a free Bull Trout Catch Card (available at FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell) in addition to the standard fishing license.

Top Fishing Spots Near Glacier National Park and Whitefish

The northwest Montana region surrounding Glacier National Park offers some of the best and most varied fishing in the state. Here are the top spots for visiting anglers:

Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is Montana’s premier lake fishing destination. Lake trout (mackinaw) are the primary target — fish up to 30+ pounds are regularly caught in deep water. Westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, yellow perch, and lake whitefish are also present. Fishing charters operate from Bigfork and Polson throughout the summer. A Montana non-resident fishing license is required.

North Fork Flathead River

The North Fork forms Glacier National Park’s western boundary and is a designated Wild and Scenic River. It offers excellent dry fly fishing for westslope cutthroat trout in a remote, pristine setting. Access is limited and the road is unpaved — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. A Montana non-resident fishing license is required for the stretch outside park boundaries.

Middle Fork Flathead River

The Middle Fork is the most accessible of the three Flathead forks, running along US-2 on the park’s southern border. It’s a float fishing river with good populations of cutthroat trout and whitefish. Whitewater rafting outfitters in West Glacier also offer fishing float trips. A Montana non-resident fishing license is required outside park boundaries.

Inside Glacier National Park (no Montana license required)

Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, and hundreds of smaller lakes and streams within the park are open for fishing under park regulations. No Montana state license is required. Native bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish are all present. Catch-and-release is strongly encouraged for native species.

Whitefish Lake

Whitefish Lake, right in the town of Whitefish, is a popular local fishing spot with lake trout, kokanee salmon, and perch. Boat ramps and fishing access are available at Whitefish Lake State Park. A Montana non-resident fishing license is required.

Where to Stay for a Fishing Trip Near Glacier National Park

For a fishing trip in the Glacier and Flathead Valley area, a vacation rental gives you practical advantages that hotels can’t match. A property with a kitchen means you can prep your own streamside lunches, store catch (if keeping fish), and clean and dry gear at the end of the day without worrying about the smell in a hotel room.

Properties near Whitefish and Kalispell put you within easy reach of Flathead Lake, the Flathead River forks, and the Glacier park boundaries — all within 30–45 minutes of prime fishing water. Some properties have direct lake or river access.

Explore Montana Rentals offers professionally managed vacation homes near Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Browse our properties to find the right home base for your Montana fishing trip.

FAQs: Montana Non-Resident Fishing License

How much is a Montana non-resident fishing license?

The total cost for a non-resident fishing license in Montana depends on the duration you choose. A 1-day license totals $31.50 (Conservation $10 + AIS Pass $7.50 + 1-day fishing $14). A 5-day license totals $73.50. A full-season license totals $117.50. Youth ages 12–15 pay slightly less as no AIS Prevention Pass is required.

Do you need a fishing license to fish in Glacier National Park?

No Montana state fishing license is required to fish within Glacier National Park’s boundaries. The park operates under federal regulations, not state. You still need to follow all park-specific fishing rules, which you can get from the Glacier National Park visitor center or at 406-888-7800.

Can I buy a Montana fishing license in person?

No, as of March 1, 2026, all Montana fishing licenses must be purchased online at ols.fwp.mt.gov. In-person sales at fly shops, sporting goods stores, and FWP offices have been discontinued. Buy your license before your trip; do not rely on purchasing it on the road where cell service may be limited.

How many licenses do I need to fish in Montana as a non-resident?

Three. You need a Conservation License ($10), an AIS Prevention Pass ($7.50 for ages 16+), and a Base Fishing License ($14/day, $56/5 days, or $100/season). They must be purchased in that order through the FWP online licensing system.

Can I fish in Montana without a license?

Children under 12 may fish without a license but must observe all limits and regulations. Montana also offers two free fishing weekends per year (Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends) when licenses are waived for all anglers. Outside of those exceptions, a valid license is required for anyone 12 and older fishing on state waters. Fishing without a license can result in a fine.

How long is a Montana fishing license valid?

A full-season Montana fishing license is valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year — essentially a 12-month calendar. The 5-day license is valid for 5 consecutive calendar days from the start date you choose. The 1-day license is valid for the single calendar day selected.

What fish can I catch with a Montana non-resident fishing license?

A standard fishing license allows you to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by Montana’s fishing regulations. Near Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley, that includes westslope cutthroat trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, kokanee salmon, yellow perch, and northern pike. Bull trout require a separate free Catch Card and are only available in specific designated waters.

Get Licensed and Get Fishing

Montana’s licensing system is straightforward once you understand the three-license structure — but the 2026 shift to online-only purchasing means visiting anglers need to plan ahead more than before. Buy your Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass, and Base Fishing License at ols.fwp.mt.gov before you leave home, download your license to your phone, and you’ll be ready to fish from the moment you arrive.

The fishing is worth the paperwork. Northwest Montana — the rivers and lakes surrounding Glacier National Park — is some of the finest wild trout water in North America. A little prep before the trip means nothing stands between you and the water when you get there.