Montana Continues Tradition of Free Fishing on Father’s Day Weekend

Montana residents and visitors can fish without a license this weekend in celebration of Father’s Day weekend, June 20-21.

Gov. Steve Bullock encouraged everyone to enjoy the state’s outdoors with family and friends this weekend. The state is continuing its tradition of allowing free fishing, which started in 2011.

“While many Montana anglers want to keep their favorite fishing hole a secret, one thing that isn’t a secret is that our state is home to some of the best rivers, lakes, and streams for fishing in the world,” said Bullock. “I encourage Montanans to take advantage of this free fishing weekend, and maybe even show off their secret fishing spot to a child or grandchild.”

Over Father’s Day weekend, everyone in Montana can fish for free — and without a license — but must still follow all of Montana’s other fishing regulations, Bullock said.

Each year about 230,000 residents and 160,000 nonresidents purchase a Montana fishing license. According to the state, Montana anglers spend more than $900 million annually for  equipment, transportation, food, beverages, lodging, guide fees and other expenses.

Montana’s most popular fishing waters include the Madison, Bighorn, Missouri, Bitterroot and Gallatin rivers; and Canyon Ferry, Flathead, Georgetown, Hauser, and Fort Peck lakes.

Bullock said he encourages everyone to have a fun time but also urged all to check conditions first and to always keep safety a top concern.

For water and boating safety tips, check the FWP website.