MT · MFWP
Montana fishing regulations.
- Landlocked
- 7 popular species
Montana is the Western trout fishing benchmark — the Madison, Missouri, Big Hole, and Yellowstone are routinely listed among the best trout rivers in the world.
Fishing regulations change every season. This page is a summary maintained by Bield — bag limits, exact dates, and species-specific rules must be verified with MFWP before each trip.
License requirements
Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Montana. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the MFWP and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the MFWP before purchase.
Freshwater seasons and limits
Trout dominate — rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, lake, and bull trout (catch-and-release only) across thousands of miles of streams and hundreds of lakes. Smallmouth bass and walleye live in select reservoirs and rivers in eastern Montana. Most waters open year-round with regional season variations.
River and stream regulations
Montana's rivers are world-class — the Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, Big Hole, Beaverhead, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Smith, and Blackfoot. Each has unique character: the Missouri is a tailwater fishery; the Madison is freestone; the Big Hole holds native fluvial Arctic grayling.
Special regulations
Bull trout are catch-and-release only statewide. Several rivers have catch-and-release-only sections (Madison reach, parts of the Beaverhead). Yellowstone Park rules differ from Montana state rules within the Park boundary. Whirling disease and aquatic invasive species inspections apply.
Popular species
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Cutthroat trout
- Brook trout
- Bull trout (CR only)
- Lake trout
- Arctic grayling
Official source · MFWP
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
This page is a regulatory summary maintained by Bield — not the official rulebook. Verify season dates, bag limits, and special regulations with the agency above before each trip.
Bield Fish keeps Montana regulations at your fingertips.
Set your state once and Bield calibrates season phases, license reminders, and species-specific limits in your catch log.