Fishing Regulations in Montana
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Montana fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Montana requires a fishing license for anglers 12 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available. Montana also offers a 2-day non-resident license. A conservation license is required before purchasing any fishing license.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | Varies by water body | Third Saturday in May through Nov 30 on most streams | Many rivers have catch-and-release only or artificial-only restrictions. Always check current FWP regulations. |
| brown-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | Varies by water body | Third Saturday in May through Nov 30 on most streams | |
| brook-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | Varies by water body | Third Saturday in May through Nov 30 on most streams | |
| walleye | 10 per day | No minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | |
| northern-pike | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Third Saturday in May through Nov 30 on most streams
Notes: Many rivers have catch-and-release only or artificial-only restrictions. Always check current FWP regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Third Saturday in May through Nov 30 on most streams
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Third Saturday in May through Nov 30 on most streams
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Missouri River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, walleye, smallmouth-bass
Bighorn River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout
Flathead Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, yellow-perch, northern-pike, rainbow-trout
Fort Peck Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: walleye, northern-pike, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch
Madison River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout
Yellowstone River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, smallmouth-bass
Rock Creek
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| rainbow-trout | 33 lbs 10 oz | 1997 | Kootenai River |
| brown-trout | 29 lbs | 1966 | Wade Lake |
| brook-trout | 9 lbs | 1986 | Lower Two Medicine Lake |
| walleye | 18 lbs | 2007 | Tiber Reservoir |
| northern-pike | 37 lbs 8 oz | 1972 | Fort Peck Reservoir |
| largemouth-bass | 8 lbs 12 oz | 2017 | Private Pond |
| smallmouth-bass | 6 lbs 4 oz | 2007 | Missouri River |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 10 oz | 1976 | Tongue River Reservoir |