New applications can be submitted between September 1st and November 1st, 2024.
Open water fishing contest applications for 2025 may be mailed to the address below or emailed to fwpfsh@mt.gov starting September 1st:
FWP Fisheries Division
Attn: Fishing Contests
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
Any event where an entry fee is charged or where people may win prizes for catching fish in Montana is considered a fishing contest.
Fishing contests involving fewer than 30 people and cash prizes or merchandise worth $500 or less do not require a permit; but must comply with all fishing contest regulations (PDF). It is also best to notify the local Regional Fisheries Manager of the date and contact info for the event, just as a heads-up for all parties concerned. All other contests must submit an application and be permitted. No contests will be permitted for holiday weekends.
Contests involving any Montana listed species of special concern are prohibited except for lake/reservoir stocked Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout or Westslope Cutthroat Trout, including upper Missouri Cutthroat Trout.
All contests involving wild trout in streams/rivers are prohibited.
Applications for ice fishing contests are accepted between May 1 and July 1.
Applications for open water contests are accepted between September 1 and November 1 of the year prior to the event.
Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits.
Applications for fishing contests may be approved, approved with conditions or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts and/or require additional access site maintenance when needed.
Applications for open water fishing contests are accepted between September 1 and November 1.
Late applications will not be accepted. For more information, please review the Reference Guide for Fishing Contests (PDF).
Fishing Contest Application (PDF): A fishing contest permit is required for any event, contest, derby, or tournament where an entry fee is charged or where people may win prizes for catching fish in Montana.
Fishing Contest Report Form (PDF): A report form is required 30 days after contest.