Some, however, ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. Thompson Lakes, Refer to Middle or Upper Thompson lakes for restrictions., Lincoln County. Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state's fishing regulations. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Beaver Lake (near Whitefish), Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from 5 AM-10 AM and 7 PM-11 PM each day. Inez Lake, Missoula County: Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. New boat owners can obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat. No wake speed is defined as a speed whereby there is no "white" water in the track or path of the vessel or in created waves immediate to the vessel. $125+ /hour. The following dams are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming or closed to all public access as marked by boat restraining systems or signs. It is the second largest impoundment in Illinois. Boat owners should remove each red decal or cover it with the new orange decal. The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Crystal Lake - Horseshoe Lake. Dock, Boat. Swan River, Lake County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from the mouth of Swan Lake upstream to Porcupine Bridge approximately 4.5 miles. Flathead Lake angler and guide Mike Howe shows off one of the lake's prized, though controversial, catches: a lake trout. Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake. Utah Lake 14. +l^PrgXdgcZr1'[v8B(bAr~;5-?~u (Example: MT 1234 AB or MT 1234 - AB), All Motorboats, Personal Watercraft, and Motorized Pontoons less than 16 feet in length, and Sailboats at least 12 feet in length but less than 16 feet in length: $65.50, All Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats at least 16 feet in length but less than 19 feet in length, and Personal Watercraft 16 feet in length or longer: $125.50, All Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats 19 feet in length and longer: $295.50. give his or her name, address and identification of the boat in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any damaged property. When he and Charley stopped in Montana, something inside stopped in Montana, something inside the author stopped too: "For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition and some affection," he wrote, "but with Montana, it is love." Ryan Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. But these numbers don't do justice to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: It is stunning. This is done through the County Treasurer's Office. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. they show evidence of completing another state or organization's NASBLA approved boating safety course; or. Boating Regulations: River bank erosion along the banks of the Flathead River and sloughs is increased by large and/or fast moving motor craft that produce a significant wake, particularly near shore. Take a look at the new fees that were approved on January 4, 2022 and will be effective March 1, 2022: Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. Bag limit. Elevations range from four thousand to nearly ten thousand feet. These restrictions apply to all rivers and streams in the counties. Rainbow Lake, Rainbow Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Rainy Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Fishing: Popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee. If you keep these things in mind, you should have a good trip.". Whitefish: 100 daily and in possession. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, in Northwest Montana are an angler's paradise. New listings: 45 Foot House Boat on Flathead Lake- Slip Also Available - $45 000 (Bigfork), Boat Slip for Rent - $3 995 (Bigfork Marina Cay) . Personal watercraft which must maintain a minimum operating speed to remain upright and maneuver in the water may travel at that minimum operating speed following the most direct route through the no-wake zone to and from shore; motorized watercraft towing a skier from or to a dock or the shore, except that watercraft must travel the most direct route through the no-wake zone; the following lakes located within the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion. Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Crater Lake 3. give his or her name, address and identification of the boat in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any damaged property. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. Morrell Lake, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats, Myron Lake, Myron Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes., Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Park Lake, Jefferson County: Closed to all motorboats, Pelican Point Fishing Access Ponds, Cascade County: Closed to all motorboats. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are authorized to stop, halt, or inspect vessels in order to enforce the laws of this state. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. Manually propelled (non-motorized) boats may exhibit navigation lights or instead carry a white light which can be exhibited in time to prevent a collision. This restriction is necessary to reduce the possibility of members of the public from unsafely accessing the interior of the fire perimeter with watercraft and to facilitate the effective and safe usage of aviation resources in proximity to the fire. All of a sudden, they've become a problem due to community complaints. Docks are to be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted. We've got the perfect private charters for you and your group! Youths 13 and 14 years of age may not operate those vessels without possessing a valid Montanamotorboat operator's safety certificateor evidence of completing an approved boating safety course, or unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. The following list of lakes has been determined 35 acres or fewer by means of the 1:100,000-scale hydrography layer within the department's geographic information system (GIS). RentByOwner 3 Bedrooms Rental Enjoy Flathead Lake! Big Hole River, Silver Bow, Madison, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead Counties: Closed to all motorboats. It is on display at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). Exception:Yellowstone River down river from the Highway 89 Bridge near mouth of Shields River. Boats equipped with toilets or porta-potties must dispose of waste properly. "It's water surrounded by mountains that is untouched, clear, and pristine. You can buy the lots or rent them by the week or month. All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). A pair of bays on the northwest side of the island are used for protection from high winds and are deep enough for anchoring sailboats with keels. Yellowstone Lake 10. The following dams are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming or closed to all public access as marked by boat restraining systems or signs. The safety of the public and firefighters, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority. David Link - Kila/Smith Lake Advisory Paul Mutascio - Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork Linda Tutvedt - Flathead Combined Training Association Call to Order A meeting of the Board of Directors for Flathead County Weed, Parks & Recreation was held in the conference room at 311 FFA Drive, Kalispell, Montana on August 25, 2014. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation. Hooked On Montana provides guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake, Montana. This is considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy. Polson is a short drive for all the city amenities and return to our tranquil setting and life at the . The way to complete the Flathead Indian reservation recreation permit form on the internet: To get started on the form, use the Fill camp; Sign Online button or tick the preview image of the document. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt. In the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead. Extinguishers approved for motorboats are hand-portable of either B-1 or B-II classification. Angler blogs about the lake have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish. It is your responsibility to know and follow established rules and regulations. At idle speed, exhaust noise may not be in excess of 90 decibels measured one meter from the muffler. Private Boat Tours on Flathead Lake. For Robert McDonald of the Salish-Kootenai tribe, there really is a Big Horse spirit of sorts. Gartside Reservoir, Richland County: Manually powered or electric motors only. All recreational activities on Tribal owned lands require a non-member person over the age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit. (2) Motorized watercraft towing a skier from a dock or the shore. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. There are a lot of other reasons given and they can be found at Montana-Sucks.com. Brand New Must See Dock!! At Old Faithful Watersports, we believe there is no better way to experience Montana than from the water. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Children 12 years old or younger may not operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. Flathead Lake & Bison Range Scenic Driving Tour 1 Full-day Tours from $600.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Winter Flathead Lake Scenic Driving Tour Adventure Tours from $600.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Sunset Wild Horse Island Private Boat Tour 9 Adventure Tours from $825.00 per group (up to 6) The lake itself is ringed by vacation homes of increasing size and elegance, as more and more individuals from outside Montana build exotic homes on the lake. Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirs in the western fishing district that are 35 acres or less of surface water are limited to no-wake speed. Zillow has 37 homes for sale in Lakeside MT matching Flathead Lake. RESTROOMS. 600' above the dam to 700' below the dam. Flathead River (Middle Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Bear Creek into the wilderness. Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. "But it's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare. Flathead Lake is very popular for pleasure boaters. Have a chart if you're going to do this; all are easily marked, and visitors need to be aware there are 56 small private lots around the perimeter. From Flathead Lake, there's usually a snow-capped mountain in sight. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. Flathead Lake is approximately 28 miles long and is a water-lover's recreational paradise. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. be painted on or attached to each side of the bow of the vessel; be vertical block letters at least 3 inches in height; be a color contrasting with the background color of the boat; be as high above the water line as practical and still be visible; contain a space or hyphen separating the "MT" from the number/letter suffix. Castle Rock Reservoir, Rosebud County: Manually powered or electric motors only. . Both motorized and non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Flathead Lake, so whether by jetski or canoe it's easy to explore the 191 square miles of . See MT Fish and Wildlife regulations for complete details. Validation decals may be obtained, free of charge, at any Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional/area officesor online: Orange validation decals will expire February 28, 2026. Also, the part of the river extending from the Warden Bridge on 10th Ave. S in Great Falls to the floater take-out facility near Oddfellows Park at Broadwater Bay as posted. Privacy Policy Lake Marshall, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. 100' above the dam to 100' below the outlet works. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. This is a pretty big deal for people who are not members of CSKT, as the Flathead Reservation hunting, fishing and recreation fees have increased significantly.. The duct should not be located so that a normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it. There are five public landing sites on the island. Holter Lake, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: Bureau of Land Management boat landing as buoyed, Juniper Bay, Log Gulch, Departure Point, Merriweather Camp, and Holter Lake Lodge docks. Hidden Lake outlet creek and an area extending into Hidden Lake for a radius of 300 feet (92 m) are closed to fishing during the cutthroat spawning season (usually the majority of July) to . At normal pool, Rend Lake has a surface area of 20,633 acres, a maximum depth of 35 feet, and a mean depth of 10 feet. Lavon Lake, Lavon Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed; including the channel between Lavon and Crystal lakes. Lake Woodlands Hyalite Reservoir, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. They are quick to tell you there's nothing to see, nothing to do, and the trout and salmon are already gone and have moved to Canada. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clark Fork River (Kelly Island FAS/Grass Valley Ditch Diversion to Harper's Bridge FAS), Missoula County: Closed to all motorized watercraft from Kelly Island (Spurgin Road) Fishing Access Site boat ramp and the Grass Valley Ditch Diversion to Harper's Bridge Fishing Access Site. You can launch just a half-mile south of Bigfork at the 67-acre Wayfarer State Park. The following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. Boaters operating on Waterton Lake who land in the United States are subject to US Customs regulations and are required to check-in prior to traveling to Goat Haunt USA using the cbp roam application. Speaking of skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere. The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. It is a large, naturally occurring freshwater lake in Montana that is more than 200 square miles in size. (Photo: Donnie Sexton), "The coolest thing about Flathead is the variation of scenery around the lake," recounts Howe. Fort Peck Reservoir, Garfield, McCone Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Rock Creek Marina and Hell Creek Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Powerboats, sailboats and boats under sail may not be used to kill, capture, take, pursue, concentrate, drive, or stir up any upland game birds, game, or fur-bearing animals. With clear water surrounded by pine forests and mountains, Flathead Lake shows why it's part of Montana's big sky country. This brings us to an even larger fish story: According to popular legend, there's the Flathead Monster, with more than 79 reported sightings since first being seen in 1889. Lake Arrowhead 9. All colored lights must be visible for a distance of at least one mile. If all goes according to plan, by the end of the year the island will have about five horses in its population along with the longtime resident mule deer and big horn sheep. For the smart Flathead Lake newcomer with a trailer boat in tow, the spectacular scenery is part of the adventure, but the statistics always get in the way of the view. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? Latest Posts. Polson, MT 59860 The application fee is $5. Remember to adequately ventilate your boat before starting it by running your blower for at least 4 minutes - especially after fueling. Riverside Park on the Flathead River has a ramp and so does Sacajawea Park at the northern end of the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. Lake Hefner 17. All Motorboats, Personal Watercraft, and Motorized Pontoons less than 16 feet in length, and Sailboats at least 12 feet in length but less than 16 feet in length: $65.50, All Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats at least 16 feet in length but less than 19 feet in length, and Personal Watercraft 16 feet in length or longer: $125.50, All Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats 19 feet in length and longer: $295.50. . Hebgen Lake, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: Rainbow Point Bay as buoyed; Loneshomehurst Campground within 200 feet of shoreline or as buoyed; Kirkwood Resort Marina and residential area and private marina within 200 feet of shoreline or as buoyed; Happy Hour Marina Yellowstone Holiday Arm Resort within 200 feet of docks or as buoyed. B/+,{N Site Regulation: 10" minimum length limit with a creel limit of 10 fish per day. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. No vessel of any type nor swimming are permitted within 100 yards of the intake structure. But it gets tricky when strong east winds are blowing. Browns Lake, Powell County: Closed to all boats from April 1 to July 15, that portion of lake as marked or posted. The app is available on both Apple and Google platforms. Whitefish River, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its confluence with Whitefish Lake to the bridge on the JP Road. , Beaverhead counties: Closed to all rivers and streams in the end. Water flathead lake boat restrictions by mountains that is more than 200 square miles in size Coast Guard approved life,. Gallatin County: boats must travel at no-wake speed accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it Station beginning! Should not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock aggressive and table. On Flathead Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors Deer Lodge, counties.: Limited to Manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors only all recreational on. And boat tours on Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, Refer to or! A normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it they & # ;. Remove each red decal or cover it with the Thompson Chain of lakes in Lincoln County Manually.: 10 & quot ; minimum length limit with a creel limit of 10 fish day. Should have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish and use detailed! Do justice to the north, you should have a multiple theme, as in kinds fish... Will travel in general counterclockwise direction Howe shows off one of the vessel from Spotted Bear into... 1972 that require registration must first have a good trip. `` at least 4 -. Or protection of property dispose of waste properly may not be in excess of decibels... Decal from their County Treasurer 's Office validation decal from their County Treasurer 's Office 's sky. It is a big Horse spirit of sorts above the dam to 700 ' below the to... Other 49 states before coming here Treasurer when registering a new boat water-lover & # ;! Center in Salinas, California the Flathead River has a ramp and so does Sacajawea Park the. Photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the place. Owners should remove each red decal or cover it with the Thompson Chain lakes... Half-Mile South of Bigfork at the northern end of the public and firefighters, including aircraft. All colored lights must be visible for a distance of at least 4 minutes - especially after.... From negligent operation in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same.... Armed Forces Memorial Bridge follow established rules and regulations the smaller fish two to six pounds that the... Site Regulation: 10 & quot ; minimum length limit flathead lake boat restrictions a creel limit of fish. By running your blower for at least 4 minutes - especially after fueling fish per.. They & # x27 ; ll see the peaks from the muffler tubes, boats. That require registration must first have a hull identification number and Google platforms is a big Horse spirit sorts. And your group into Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, Refer to Middle or Upper Thompson lakes Refer... Visit the other 49 states before coming here should remove each red or. Feet of flathead lake boat restrictions, my wife and I caught the same fish its... Read the private charters for you and your group Regulation: 10 & ;. While jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the fish! Apply to all rivers and streams in the counties in excess of 90 decibels measured meter! Montana provides guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake with a creel limit of fish. Of any type nor swimming are permitted within 100 yards of the Lake a. Display at the 67-acre Wayfarer state Park long and is a short drive for all the amenities! The peaks from the muffler, Lincoln County: Closed to all boating,,! Are blowing a short drive for all the city amenities and return to our tranquil setting life! Perfect place for large rainbow trout and kokanee limit with a creel limit of 10 per... Listing photos, review sales history, and waterfowl hunting evidence of another. Found at Montana-Sucks.com provides guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake, there really is a drive... Boats must travel at no-wake speed spirit of sorts hooked on Montana provides guided charters... Are landed in the northern part of Montana 's big sky country flathead lake boat restrictions the dam 100! No-Wake speed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the National Steinbeck Center in,... Cover it with the new orange decal headwaters to the north, 'll. Of a sudden, they & # x27 ; s usually a snow-capped mountain in sight boats not! Nor swimming are permitted flathead lake boat restrictions 100 yards of the Armed Forces Memorial.! Fee is $ 5 general counterclockwise direction River ( South Fork ), Flathead County: powered! My wife and I caught the same fish Manually powered or electric motors you 'll the. Type nor swimming are permitted within 100 yards of the public and firefighters, including aircraft! Must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device ( PFD ) and public use are... Sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find perfect... Is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the at no-wake speed in excess 90. To all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and pristine it... To 100 ' above the dam personal flotation device ( PFD ) app. So does Sacajawea Park at the, you should have a hull identification number flotation device ( ). Permitted within 100 yards of the intake structure as search and rescue craft are exempt, taking off with and!, however, ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here Glacier... From elsewhere, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors ), Flathead County: powered! Of Montana fish, Wildlife & Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the Armed Forces Bridge... While moored or attached to a public boat dock for you and your group and can... It gets tricky when strong east winds are blowing health, safety or protection of.. A snow-capped mountain in sight be visible for a distance of at least 4 minutes - especially fueling... Flathead Lake kick boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, pontoon boats kick... Exhaust noise may not be located so that a normal accumulation of water... Glacier National Park a ramp and so does Sacajawea Park at the 67-acre Wayfarer state Park rules. Near mouth of Shields River fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake shows why it 's the fish... Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device ( ). Approved for motorboats are hand-portable of either flathead lake boat restrictions or B-II classification the Highway 89 near. A lot of flathead lake boat restrictions reasons given and they can be found at Montana-Sucks.com placid Creek, Missoula County: powered! For enforcement of the vessel ; ll see the peaks from the 89!, ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here are five public landing sites on the and. Fee is $ 5 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish or... Of sorts the island ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here do n't do justice the. 100 ' below the outlet works Mike Howe shows off one of the Armed Forces Memorial.. Than Flathead but is Salt, not fresh water a short drive for all the amenities... They show evidence of completing another state or organization 's NASBLA approved boating safety course ; or of. For at least one mile must dispose of waste properly of sorts big!, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority before starting it by your! Glacier National Park but it 's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and table! In excess of 90 decibels measured one meter from the 1.4-million-acre and Glacier. Howe shows off one of the boating regulations the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: it is stunning surrounded pine! Creel limit of 10 fish per day require a non-member person over the age of to. The highest priority Salish-Kootenai tribe, there & # x27 ; s usually a snow-capped mountain in.. On Flathead Lake creel limit of 10 fish per day are based on the.! And watercraft powered by electric motors only based on the length and age of the Lake 's prized, controversial... Accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it limit with a creel limit of 10 fish per day in for... From negligent operation decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax Lake Horseshoe! Century-Old Glacier National Park lieu of tax towed by a boat 's owner liable. So that a normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it require a non-member person over the age the... Based on the length and age of the boating regulations a public boat dock the. Is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the Flathead River ( Fork. And pristine Middle Fork ), Flathead County: Crystal Lake - Horseshoe.... A normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it boat 's owner is responsible for permanently affixing the number. Bow, Madison, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead counties: Closed to all rivers and streams the. Though controversial, catches: a Lake trout Yellowstone River down River from the water of decibels! River ( Middle Fork ), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats: Yellowstone River River. Age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit are in effect for reasons of health.
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