What special fishing regulations apply at Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). One of them reads: "Federal NPS jurisdiction overlay — NPS Glacier NP regulations supersede FWP regulations; native westslope cutthroat + bull trout fishery; bull trout 0 / day catch-and-release-only (federally Threatened ESA); native westslope cutthroat catch-and-release-only on most park waters; MT state-record westslope cutthroat 16 lb 0 oz Red Eagle Lake 1955 (Glacier NP)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Glacier National Park?

Yes. Glacier National Park is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Glacier National Park; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.

Do Glacier National Park's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Glacier National Park by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Glacier National Park?

Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) has a water-body-specific rule on Glacier National Park, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

2026 regulation year

Glacier National Park 2026 — Montana Fishing Regulations

Montana statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Glacier National Park carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Montana's 2026 fishing rules — covering Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Federal NPS jurisdiction overlay — NPS Glacier NP regulations supersede FWP regulations; native westslope cutthroat + bull trout fishery; bull trout 0 / day catch-and-release-only (federally Threatened ESA); native westslope cutthroat catch-and-release-only on most park waters; MT state-record westslope cutthroat 16 lb 0 oz Red Eagle Lake 1955 (Glacier NP)
Source: Montana special-water list

Per-species rules on Glacier National Park

Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) regulations →
0 / day CATCH-AND-RELEASE-ONLY on listed park waters; federal NPS jurisdiction overlay; MT state-record westslope cutthroat 16 lb 0 oz Red Eagle Lake 1955

Official source

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) publishes the authoritative 2026 Montana fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Montana fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks's emergency-order feed — check it before any Montana trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Montana

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Glacier National Park?: Glacier National Park carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). One of them reads: "Federal NPS jurisdiction overlay — NPS Glacier NP regulations supersede FWP regulations; native westslope cutthroat + bull trout fishery; bull trout 0 / day catch-and-release-only (federally Threatened ESA); native westslope cutthroat catch-and-release-only on most park waters; MT state-record westslope cutthroat 16 lb 0 oz Red Eagle Lake 1955 (Glacier NP)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Glacier National Park?: Yes. Glacier National Park is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Glacier National Park; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.
Do Glacier National Park's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Glacier National Park by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Glacier National Park?: Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) has a water-body-specific rule on Glacier National Park, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

← Back to Montana regulations overview