Montana is home to some of the most spectacular and pristine fisheries in the world, and keeping them that way is a responsibility every angler shares. One of the biggest threats to these waters is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)—non-native mussels, plants, and other organisms that can devastate aquatic ecosystems, hurt local economies, and ruin recreational opportunities.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) takes AIS prevention seriously, and their efforts are successful largely because of cooperation from the boating and fishing public. If you plan to bring a boat, kayak, paddleboard, or even just your waders to Montana, you need to understand the rules. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and, more importantly, could irreparably harm the very waters you came to enjoy.
This guide will break down exactly what you need to know to stay legal and protect Montana’s waterways.
The Core Principle: Clean, Drain, Dry
The foundation of Montana’s AIS prevention strategy is simple: Clean, Drain, Dry. Before you travel between different bodies of water, and especially when you are leaving a waterway, you must:
- Clean: Remove all visible mud, plants, and debris from your watercraft, trailer, and gear. This includes anchors, ropes, and waders.
- Drain: Drain all water from your boat, including the bilge, live wells, and motor. It is illegal to transport surface water in Montana.
- Dry: Allow your watercraft and gear to dry completely before launching in a new body of water.
This simple process is your first and best line of defense against transporting unwanted hitchhikers like invasive mussels or Eurasian watermilfoil.
Mandatory Watercraft Inspections: Know When to Stop
Stopping at a watercraft inspection station is not optional—it’s the law. FWP operates check stations across the state to inspect and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft.
Key Inspection Rules:
- All watercraft must stop at any open inspection station they encounter. This includes everything from motorboats to canoes, kayaks, and drift boats. Failure to stop can result in a fine of up to $500.
- Crossing the Continental Divide: Any watercraft crossing the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin (Western Montana) must be inspected before launching. The same rule applies to any watercraft entering the Flathead River Basin.
- Entering Montana: If you are bringing any watercraft into Montana from out-of-state, it must be inspected before launching on any Montana water body. This rule applies to residents returning to the state as well.
- Boats with Ballasts or Bladders: Wakeboard and wake-surfing boats that cross into the Columbia River Basin or enter Montana from another state must be decontaminated before launching.
You can find a map and operating hours of inspection stations by visiting Link or by calling FWP at 406-444-2440.
Required Licenses and Passes for Anglers and Boaters
To legally fish and boat in Montana, you need the right combination of licenses and passes. An AIS Prevention Pass (AISP) is a mandatory part of this for most anglers and all boaters.
- For Anglers: If you are 16 or older, you must purchase an AIS Prevention Pass in addition to your Conservation and Fishing Licenses. This pass helps fund the inspection stations and other prevention efforts.
- For Non-Resident Boaters: All non-resident watercraft (both motorized and non-motorized) must have a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launching in Montana waters.
- Motorized boats: $30
- Non-motorized watercraft (drift boats, rafts, kayaks, etc.): $10
These passes can be purchased online and are valid through the end of the calendar year.
Special Bait Restrictions in AIS-Contaminated Waters
FWP has identified several bodies of water as being contaminated with AIS like Eurasian watermilfoil or New Zealand mudsnails. These areas have additional restrictions to prevent further spread:
- Contaminated Waters in the Central District: This includes the Jefferson River, Lower Madison River (north of I-90), the Missouri River (from the headwaters to Canyon Ferry), Nilan Reservoir, and Toston Reservoir.
- Contaminated Waters in the Eastern District: This includes Fort Peck Reservoir, the Fort Peck Dredge Cut Ponds, and the Missouri River from Fort Peck Dam to the mouth of the Milk River.
In these designated areas, the following bait rules apply:
- Collection of bait animals is prohibited.
- You may transport live bait to and from these waters, but only in clean water (like well water), not water taken from the river or lake itself.
Always inspect your bait buckets and live wells to ensure no plant fragments are present when you leave.
Your Role in Protecting Montana
Montana remains free of invasive mussels thanks to the vigilance of anglers and boaters like you. By following the “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol, stopping at every inspection station, and purchasing the required passes, you are not just following the law—you are actively playing a role in conservation. These actions are a key part of the Montana fishing regulations designed to protect our incredible fisheries for generations to come.
