Its Not To Early To Think About Ice Fishing In Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting ice fishing contests applications for the 2023-2024 season.

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.

FISHING CONTEST RULES

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.

Information on the proposed fishing contests can be found on the FWP Fishing Contest webpage, fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations/contests, or by calling 406-444-2449.

Applications may be mailed to FWP Fisheries Division, Attn: Fishing Contests, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or emailed to fwpfsh@mt.gov.

All applications must be received on or before July 15.