Is Drone Fishing Legal in Montana?

Is fishing with a drone illegal in Montana?

As of now, there are no real state regulations that outright prohibit the use of a drone to catch fish. However, it is prohibited when it comes to hunting.

That doesn’t mean it’s a green light either.

What Montana Almost Did

A few years ago, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks took a long look at drones and fishing. They floated a rule that would have outlawed the use of drones and remotely powered devices to catch fish. Carrying bait. Dropping lines and even aiding in hooking a fish.

It was proposed. It was discussed. Then it was tabled. No final adoption. No new statewide regulation. As of today, Montana does not have a law that specifically states drone fishing is illegal.

Where Things Get Murky Fast

Even without a Montana ban, federal law still exists, and it treats aircraft very broadly. Wildlife agencies have taken the position that drones count. Regardless of whether a state has spelt it out, if a drone is part of wildlife taking activity, including fishing, you may be stepping into federal territory.

That is why states like Texas are responding with petitions and debates instead of simply changing a rule. There is a federal layer sitting on top of everything. Add in local park rules, water access site regulations, and drone restrictions on public lands, and the legal picture gets murky fast.

The Soft Reality Check

Could you fly a drone, drop some bait, and probably not get a ticket tomorrow? Maybe.

Could you also become the test case no one wants to be? Also yes.

Montana has a long tradition of fair chase, simple methods, and leaving some technology on the table. Drone fishing sits right on the edge of that philosophy. Until the law is made crystal clear, this is one of those ideas that sounds a lot cooler on YouTube than it does in real life.