When you buy your new 2025 Montana Fishing License, you will discover many new changes. Over 50 fishing regulations have been made. Ignorance is no excuse so check out your new regulation book for the areas where you fish.
Combined trout district standards have changed. These changes affect the Western and Central districts.
Spearfishing regulations in the Western District have changed.
Flathead Lake has changes involving Lake Whitefish.
Any smallmouth bass caught in Placid Lake must be killed and reported to the FWP.
Paddlefish seasons and regulations have significant changes.
“Artificial Lures Only” areas have new exceptions.
You can obtain a copy of the current regulations anywhere that fishing licenses are sold. This includes the regional FWP offices. You can also print out the necessary information from the state FWP website under the regulations category. Fwp.mt.gov/fish.
Before you take a cast, make sure that you are aware of the regulations for the waters where you plan to fish. There may be differences related to limits, tackle, access, and closures.
If you see any violations, please be a responsible steward of our fisheries and use the Tipmont.mt.gov website. Take pictures of the violation/poachers, vehicles only if safe to do so.
All anglers have an invested interest in protecting our wonderful fisheries and watersheds. Please remove any trash and debris and leave the areas better than you find them.
Montana Grant
