Montana · Fishing license · Free days
Free fishing days in Montana
May 9 and 10, and June 20 and 21, 2026
Both weekends are open to residents and visitors alike, at any age. Two fisheries stay outside the rule: paddlefish and bull trout still need the full set of licences, plus a tag or catch card. Nothing else changes: limits, sizes, seasons and closed waters all still apply.
FWP: "By Montana law, each year on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends any person (resident or nonresident) may fish for any fish within this state without obtaining a Fishing License as long as they abide by the seasons, restrictions, and bag limits listed in these Fishing Regulations." Paddlefish and bull trout are excepted and still require the conservation, fishing and AIS licences.
Confirmed on the agency's own page.
What a free day does not cover
- Bag limits, size limits and closed seasons are unchanged.
- Waters that are closed stay closed.
- Separate permits can still be required — Montana charges for conservation licence, resident adult, conservation licence, nonresident, angler ais prevention pass, resident, angler ais prevention pass, nonresident. Check before you rely on a free day.
- A free day waives the license, not the rules the license comes with.
