FishKillFlea Montana offers Free Fishing Days — try the fishing license in MT waters free!
2026 MT Free Fishing Weekend
| Date | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June 13-14, 2026 (Weekend) | Free Fishing Weekend | No license, conservation, or AIS pass needed |
On Free Fishing Weekend, all regulations still apply. This is the best time to experience Montana's legendary blue-ribbon trout rivers without the $31 investment.
Best Spots for Free Fishing Weekend
| Water | Region | Species | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri River (Craig) | Central MT | Brown, rainbow trout | Blue-ribbon #1 — 4,000 trout/mile |
| Yellowstone River | Livingston to Billings | Cutthroat, brown, rainbow | Longest free-flowing river in lower 48 |
| Flathead Lake | NW Montana | Lake trout, bull trout, perch | Largest natural freshwater lake west of Mississippi |
| Bighorn River | SE Montana | Brown, rainbow trout | 5,000+ trout/mile below Yellowtail Dam |
| Rock Creek | Missoula area | Cutthroat, rainbow, brown | Classic freestone stream — accessible |
More spots: MT fishing spots guide. After free weekend, season license is $31: where to buy.