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MontanaHB 7469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revising private fish pond and commercial take laws

Sponsored By: Ken Walsh (Republican)

Signed by Governor

FishWaterRevenue, StateRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Higher fees and bond for pond sellers

You pay $600 to apply and $250 to renew each pond license. Before selling fish, eggs, or fry, you must post a $2,500 corporate surety bond. If you sell, you must keep detailed records and file an annual report by January 31. Seller licenses renew every year and expire on February 28 of the year after issue.

New license and stocking rules for ponds

The law requires anyone who owns or controls a private fish pond to get a license. A private pond is 500 surface acres or less and must not put nearby waters at risk. Your application must include pond design and operations, proof of water right, and lawful fish sources. Licenses last 10 years. The department decides which species you may stock and can require devices to stop escapes or disease. Instream ponds need a department‑approved report showing no game fish or species of concern. You must get a new license to add any species not on the original license.

Pond license renewals, transfers, and revocations

When ownership or control changes, the new owner must apply for a transfer and get department approval before operating. The transfer fee is $250. You must file renewals before a license expires. The department can deny only for documented, new risks since the original permit, and must give reasons, 30 days to respond, and a show‑cause hearing. The department may revoke a license after notice and a hearing and sets rules for these steps.

Harvest and egg rights for licensed ponds

If you hold a pond license, you may take fish from your pond in any manner allowed by your license. As the licensed pond owner, you may collect fish eggs or spawn from your pond for sale. With a department permit, you may take eggs for use in a licensed private pond. The department may sell excess eggs from its brood stock.

New wildlife possession and sale rules

You may possess, ship, transport, and sell captive‑reared migratory waterfowl. You may possess salvaged antelope, deer, elk, or moose as allowed under 87‑3‑145. The special exception for paddlefish roe as caviar is removed. The old statute on sale of fish or spawn is repealed, so sales must follow the new rules in this law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ken Walsh

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Denley Loge

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 86

Senate vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 30 • No: 19

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 29 • No: 21

House vote • 1/30/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 78 • No: 22

House vote • 1/29/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 76 • No: 24

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/3/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/3/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    3/25/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    3/24/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/21/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    3/19/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    3/18/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    3/18/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    3/17/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    2/21/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    2/20/2025Senate

  12. Revised Fiscal Note Printed

    2/18/2025House

  13. Revised Fiscal Note Signed

    2/17/2025House

  14. Revised Fiscal Note Received

    2/17/2025House

  15. Revised Fiscal Note Requested

    2/11/2025House

  16. Hearing

    2/5/2025Senate

  17. Referred to Committee

    2/4/2025Senate

  18. 1st Reading

    1/31/2025Senate

  19. Transmitted to Senate

    1/30/2025House

  20. 3rd Reading

    1/30/2025House

  21. 2nd Reading

    1/29/2025House

  22. Committee Report

    1/20/2025House

  23. Committee Executive Action

    1/17/2025House

  24. Fiscal Note Printed

    1/9/2025House

  25. Hearing

    1/8/2025House

Bill Text

  • As Amended (Version 3)

    3/19/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    3/19/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    1/20/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/12/2024

    PDF

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