HELENA – The last of FWP-permitted 2025/2026 ice fishing contests happen over the next few weeks, and then the permitting process begins again. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks permitted 28 ice fishing contests this winter.
"Fishing contests aren't just competitive events, they're community days that bring people outdoors and create family-friendly opportunities, including youth derbies," said Andrew Gilham, FWP's fish management bureau chief.
Open-water fishing contests typically begin in April and continue through mid-October. For 2026, FWP permitted 46 open-water contests.
FWP uses a permitting process to balance recreation with conservation and equitable access.
"Public interest is served by making sure tournaments don't compromise fish populations, crowd out other recreationists or create avoidable resource impacts," Gilham said.
FWP generally treats an event as a fishing contest if an entry fee is charged or prizes are awarded. Small events with fewer than 30 participants and $500 or less in total cash/merchandise prizes don't require a permit.
Most larger tournaments and derbies require an application and permit, and FWP may approve, approve with conditions or deny contests to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts and address access-site needs.
FWP prohibits contests involving Montana "species of special concern" (with limited exceptions for certain stocked cutthroat trout in lakes and reservoirs) and prohibits contests involving wild trout in streams and rivers.
Contest participants must comply with statewide fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits, during an event. FWP also requires a report to be submitted within 30 days after the contest.
Applications for ice-fishing contests are accepted from May 1 to July 1, and open-water contest applications are accepted from Sept. 1 through Nov. 1 (for the following year's open water season).
FWP's process includes opportunities for public awareness and input, including public comment periods listed with contest materials.
For more information on fishing contests, visit fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations/contests.