Don’t forget, February 29 is the last day that your 2015 Montana Fishing License is valid. Beginning March 1, you need a new 2016 license.
I sold my first 2016 nonresident season license yesterday and was surprised to find that a $26 increase has been enacted. With the addition of the mandatory conservation license, this brings the total cost of a 2016 non resident season license to $96. The same license cost $70 last year. Resident season licenses have also been modestly increased by $3, from $26 to $29 (with the conservation license).
I know there will be some complaints about the fee increase, after all, who wants to pay more for things. But a Montana fishing license is one of the few things in life that is worth so much more than what we pay. The number of Montana rivers, streams, and lakes that run clean, cold, healthy, and full of fish is staggering. And lets not forget our stream access law–the best in the country–that allows us to fish these stunningly beautiful waters. The best way to get the most out of your license fees is to fish as much as possible. Just think, if you fish 50 days this year, your resident license only cost .58 cents per trip; $1.92 for nonresidents. If you really find the cost off-putting, just be glad you’re not a golfer.
Here’s a link to a story and video about the fee increases for this year.
We sell Montana fishing and hunting licenses here at the shop, but you can also buy them online through this link
The chart below (provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks) shows the fishing license fee structure for 2016.
| Age | License Specifics | Conservation License | Fishing License | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-11 | Resident/Nonresident | No license required. Must observe all limits and regulations. | ||
| 12-17, 62 and older, or disabled | Resident
Resident Sportsman licenses includes a season fishing license. |
$8 | $10.50 | $18.50 |
| Nonresident
Nonresident Combination licenses includes a season fishing license. |
$10 |
$25 for 2 consecutive calendar days; |
||
| 18-61 | Resident
Resident Sportsman licenses includes a season fishing license. |
$8 |
$5 for 2 consecutive calendar days; |
|
| Nonresident
Nonresident Combination licenses includes a season fishing license. |
$10 |
$25 for 2 consecutive calendar days; |
||
Paddlefish Tag |
||||
| Resident Learn more |
See above for Conservation and Fishing License costs. |
$6.50 | ||
| Nonresident Learn more |
See above for Conservation and Fishing License costs. |
$15 | ||
Montana Resident with Disability |
||||
| Resident Must be permanently and substantially disabled, and certified by FWP. Application and licenses available at FWP offices and online. |
$8 |
$10.50 |
$18.50 | |
| Nonresident |
Not available |
|||
Lifetime Fishing for the Blind |
||||
| Resident |
Contact the HQ & Regional offices for information and an application. |
$10 | ||
| Nonresident |
Not available |
|||
6 Comments On Montana Fishing License Fee Increase for 2016
Bobby J abbott
I thin.k the disabled vets should get there conservation and fishing license for $8.00 the veterans did defend this country we should do something for them. Deer and elk license should be discounted too.
James
Amen to that, Bobby!
Ray
My family was planning on fishing montana this year… We do a big family trip to west yellowstone area every year. We just heard about the increase and we’ll be taking our business to idaho this year instead. $35 dollars for 1 morning of fishing is a little steep if you ask me.
Richard
Since we don’t have a sales tax, Montana taxpayers pay to maintain America’s Playground through property taxes. Stay home and play video games – we don’t need another family of crybabies crowding our state.
Shannon
We are planning on coming through Montana for the first time this year. My wife who has never trout fished before wants to try it. Is there somewhere around Yellowstone we could trout fish, maybe by just putting salmon eggs on vs fly fishing. Any comments or ideas would be much appreciated. We are coming from MN.
Dan Gigone
There are plenty of waters in the area that allow bait fishing. However, I’d encourage your wife (and you?) to give fly fishing a try while you’re here. Many former bait anglers (including myself) who experience the grace and action of fly casting and fly fishing never look back. Here at Sweetwater Fly Shop, we offer beginner’s lessons that include some time fishing on the storied Yellowstone River, and we’d be more than happy to get you on our calendar!