Montana is a great place for anglers to enjoy their passion for fishing. Whether you're looking for trout, walleye, bass, or other types of fish, Montana has some of the best fishing spots in the country. But before you can cast your line, you'll need to make sure you have the proper license. Here's everything you need to know about getting a day fishing license in Montana.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Montana?
Anyone over the age of 16 who is looking to fish in Montana's public waters will need to purchase a fishing license. This includes both residents and non-residents of the state. If you're under the age of 16, you can fish for free in Montana, but you will still need to be accompanied by an adult who has a valid fishing license.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Montana
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP) offers a variety of fishing licenses that suit different fishing needs. The most common is the standard resident and non-resident fishing license, which is valid for one year and allows the holder to fish in any part of the state. This license is also valid for one year from the date of purchase.
The MDFWP also offers a variety of shorter-term licenses, including day passes and week passes. These are great for people who are just visiting the state and don't plan on fishing for more than a few days. These licenses are valid for 24 hours and seven days, respectively.
The MDFWP also offers a variety of special licenses for residents and non-residents. These include the elk license, which is required for hunting elk in Montana, and the moose license, which is required for hunting moose. The MDFWP also offers licenses for turkey, deer, antelope, and upland game birds.
How Much Does a Fishing License Cost in Montana?
The cost of a fishing license in Montana varies depending on the type of license you purchase and the length of time it is valid for. The standard resident and non-resident fishing license is $19 for a full year. A one-day fishing license for either resident or non-resident is $10, and a seven-day fishing license for either resident or non-resident is $20.
The cost of special licenses, such as the elk and moose licenses, vary depending on the type of license and the length of time it is valid for. For example, the elk license is $14 for residents and $184 for non-residents, and the moose license is $22 for residents and $137 for non-residents.
Where Can I Buy A Fishing License in Montana?
Fishing licenses in Montana can be purchased in a variety of ways. The easiest way is to purchase it online through the MDFWP's website. Fishing licenses can also be purchased at any of the MDFWP's regional offices, as well as many sporting goods stores and bait shops across the state. Finally, fishing licenses can also be purchased over the phone by calling the MDFWP's office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who needs a fishing license in Montana?
A: Anyone over the age of 16 who is looking to fish in Montana's public waters will need to purchase a fishing license. This includes both residents and non-residents of the state.
Q: What types of fishing licenses are available in Montana?
A: The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP) offers a variety of fishing licenses that suit different fishing needs. These include the standard resident and non-resident fishing license, which is valid for one year; day passes, which are valid for 24 hours; and week passes, which are valid for seven days.
Q: How much does a fishing license cost in Montana?
A: The cost of a fishing license in Montana varies depending on the type of license you purchase and the length of time it is valid for. The standard resident and non-resident fishing license is $19 for a full year, a one-day fishing license for either resident or non-resident is $10, and a seven-day fishing license for either resident or non-resident is $20.
Q: Where can I buy a fishing license in Montana?
A: Fishing licenses in Montana can be purchased in a variety of ways. The easiest way is to purchase it online through the MDFWP's website. Fishing licenses can also be purchased at any of the MDFWP's regional offices, as well as many sporting goods stores and bait shops across the state. Finally, fishing licenses can also be purchased over the phone by calling the MDFWP's office.
Q: Do I need a special license to hunt in Montana?
A: Yes, the MDFWP offers special licenses for residents and non-residents for hunting elk, moose, turkey, deer, antelope, and upland game birds. The cost of these licenses varies depending on the type of license and the length of time it is valid for.
Conclusion
If you're planning on fishing in Montana's public waters, you'll need to make sure you have the proper license. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP) offers a variety of fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents, including day passes and week passes. The cost of a fishing license in Montana varies depending on the type of license you purchase and the length of time it is valid for. Fishing licenses in Montana can be purchased in a variety of ways, including online, at regional offices, sporting goods stores, bait shops, and over the phone.