Montana Guides

In 2024, Montana passed Senate Bill 183 (SB 183), which introduces new guide licensing requirements beginning in 2026. Under this law, individuals licensed through the Montana Board of Outfitters must hold a new guide license obtained via an outfitter endorsement.

Important: This requirement applies only to hunting and fishing guides. Montana legally defines “guides” as individuals operating within the hunting and fishing industries.

ROW Adventures is classified as a Water-Based Service Provider, with operations focused on whitewater rafting, not hunting or fishing. As a result, ROW guides operating on the Clark Fork River are not required to obtain the new Montana guide license under SB 183.

However, any guide working for ROW on the Clark Fork River (Alberton Gorge) must obtain and carry the following two permits:

• Montana Conservation License

  • $8 (Resident)

  • $10 (Nonresident)

• Fishing Access Site Permit – Non-Licensed Water-Based Provider

  • $100

Holding both permits provides the legal access required to operate ROW Adventures trips in the Alberton Gorge section of the Clark Fork River.

Both required permits can be purchased online or in person.

Option 1: Purchase In Person (Recommended)

Permits can be purchased at Ace Hardware in Superior, MT. Buying in person is often the easiest option, as the cashiers are familiar with the process and can help guide you through it.

• New guides: Bring a driver’s license or other valid photo ID

• Returning guides renewing permits:

  • Bring your ALS# (Automated Licensing System number), if you have one, to renew your:

    • Montana Conservation License

    • Fishing Access Site Permit – Non-Licensed Water-Based Provider

Option 2: Purchase Online

Permits can also be purchased through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP):

1. Go to fwp.mt.gov

2. Scroll down and select “Buy a License – Online Licensing”

3. Choose your resident qualification (Resident, Non-Resident, Veteran, etc.)

4. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase

When purchasing online, it’s important to make sure you select the correct permits.

Important Notes on Permit Selection

• The Fishing Access Site Permit – Non-Licensed Water-Based Provider is available as:

  • A single-day pass

  • A season pass

• Clark Fork guides working for ROW must purchase the season pass ($100)

• Guides only operating for one day will be informed separately if a single-day pass is appropriate

Overall, purchasing permits in person at Ace Hardware in Superior (below Darlows) is often the smoothest and least confusing option.

If you have questions or run into issues during the process, please reach out to the operations team.