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.