Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to the east end of Ryan Island. 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. Colt Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. . 5.0 (7 bookings) Located on the lake's northeast corner, Bigfork, Montana, has a population of 1,400 residents and is home to 50 shops,antique stores, restaurants, and more than a dozen art galleries. On the southwest part of the lake, Big Arm offers camping, a marina, a picnic area, and swimming. #33 very protected, easy to access, power available, 20 ft. slip for powerboat or smaller pontoon, CC&R's require length restrictions, call for . Federal, State, and Private jurisdictions under Stage I restrictions are: Flathead National Forest including the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, in Flathead, Lake, Missoula, Lewis and Clark, and Powell Counties, Montana. This is a large lake with large areas that have no sheltered spots so small boats can have difficulty getting in when the waves begin getting large, and they can get that way in a hurry. they show evidence of completing another state or organization's NASBLA approved boating safety course; or. Motorboats and personal watercraft may not emit noise in excess of 86 decibels measured at a distance of 50 feet. The 2023 Sailing Convention for Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and camaraderie. Outfitter Clay Anderson is well known for sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing with all generations. The safety of the public and firefighters, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority. Gartside Reservoir, Richland County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Privacy Policy Willow Creek Reservoir (Harrison Lake), Madison County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek Arm and Norwegian Arm as buoyed 6 PM-11 AM. The application fee is $5. Facebook; Twitter; Hauser Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Closed to all watercraft from October 15 to December 15, the upper end of reservoir from Canyon Ferry Dam to below Brown's Gulch as marked. The 'Painted Rocks' area, north of Wild Horse Island on the west shore, contains Indian paintings dating back hundreds of years. Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. 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. Generally the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. (W~#C?{m2. The exceptions include: All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirs in the western fishing district that are 35 acres or fewer of surface water are limited to a no-wake speed. Learn more about our fishing charters and get in on the action! Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise. Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. Learn more Operator Age Limit - Motorboats & Personal Watercraft Concrete boat launch. Along its 185 miles of coastline, the lake provides breathtaking views. Lake Springfield has earned a reputation for producing large numbers of nice flathead catfish every year. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. Boats going downstream have the right of way over boats going upstream. 20 Popular Lakes And Their Boating Rules 1. 406-883-4343. A white plastic milk jug attached by a cord to the hazard may also be used. Sailboard operators (wind-surfers) under 15 years of age must wear a life jacket at all times. In an emergency or if there is insufficient water on either side to avoid passing through the 200-foot safety zone, do not exceed the "no wake" speed. . A combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead) Boat Ramp. Home . They always tell me they don't have clear water like this in the Midwest or on the East Coast.". B/+,{N [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. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. Sailboats and manually powered vessels have the right of way over motorized boats in nearly all situations. Anyone 13 and 14 years old may operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower only if: A person must be 18 years or older to rent a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower. Remember to adequately ventilate your boat before starting it by running your blower for at least 4 minutes - especially after fueling. Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites (local time). The sign or marker must: Understanding Montana's Required Boat Decals, Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate, Personal Watercraft Informational Brochure. Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. 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. Observe all "no wake" and speed-limit signs located on the water. Some, however, ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here. This 32" fish was caught in South Woods Bay at a 160-ft depth and released to grow larger. All of a sudden, they've become a problem due to community complaints. Check your fuel tank before going out. Missouri River(see also Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs), Gallatin, Broadwater, Lewis & Clark, Cascade Counties: Closed to all motorboats from the Burlington Northern Railway Bridge No. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. At least one intake duct must be installed so that it extends to the point at least midway to the bilge, or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am. "The lake trout in Flathead are our trophy fish," says fishing guide Mike Howe. A Type V life jacket may be used in place of any life jacket if specifically approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for the activity in which the wearer is engaged. It is on display at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California. Boats will be allowed into the marina when the lake level is 2891.5 feet (1.5 feet below full pool) or above. An accident must be reported immediately to the local sheriffs office or game warden if it caused: The operator of a boat involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty must: Boating accident report forms are available from the county sheriff's office, game wardens, or anyMontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office. Boat owners should prepare their vessel for launching before parking at the boat ramp, should launch the vessel quickly, and move the tow vehicle so that others may use the area. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Spotted Bear footbridge to the Hungry Horse Reservoir. 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. ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. Do not operate a boat within 75 feet of a person engaged in fishing or hunting waterfowl unless it is unavoidable. Lake Las Vegas 18. New listings: 45 Foot House Boat on Flathead Lake- Slip Also Available - $45 000 (Bigfork), Boat Slip for Rent - $3 995 (Bigfork Marina Cay) . Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. The area immediately above the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked. 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). Inez Lake, Missoula County: Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. But these numbers don't do justice to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: It is stunning. America's celebrated scribe John Steinbeck drove from Maine to California and back in 1960 in a truck with Charley, his poodle, on a 10,000- mile adventure to learn about the United States. Personal watercraft prohibited on the headwaters of the Missouri River downstream to its confluence with Prewett Creek, except in Missouri River reservoirs, and including all tributaries but not their reservoirs. The app is available on both Apple and Google platforms. Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. on Flathead Lake in Woods Bay, MT. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. Tongue River Reservoir, Big Horn County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: As buoyed in the marina area at Campers Point; the entire Tongue River Reservoir from shoreline to 300 feet from the shoreline from the south point that forms Corral Creek Bay (DNRC cabin site bay), north to the face of the dam, west along the dam face, and south along the west shore of the reservoir to the point where the Tongue River enters the reservoir; Rattlesnake Bay, Campers Point Bay, Pee Wee Point Bay, Cormorant Bay, Corral Creek Bay (DNRC cabin site bay), and Tongue River from the Wyoming border to the Tongue River Reservoir. a green light on the starboard (right) side of the boat, a red light on the port (left) side of the boat, a white light that is visible in all directions (usually located on the stern and higher than the red and green lights). If a boat must approach this warning flag, it must do so at a "no wake" speed. This browser is no longer supported. Crater Lake 3. The fishing on Flathead Lake is jointly controlled by the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks service and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (the Flathead Reservation is located just northeast of Flathead Lake) under the Flathead Lake and Fisheries Co-Management Plan. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue, scientific purposes or special events with the directors prior written approval are exempt. Under an agreement known as the 1855 Hellgate Treaty, the tribes own 1.3 million acres of the more than 20 million acres on which they originally lived. 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." Boats from out of state or country which will not be in Montana for more than 90 consecutive days are exempt from registration. Motor-driven vehicles may not be used to drive, molest, flush or harass any game animal or game bird while hunting. In addition, one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device must be on board and be immediately available for use. The commission is proposing to establish a seasonal boat closure from March 1. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Bear Creek to the confluence of the South Fork. If nothing else, there's a neat tee-shirt you can buy. Enjoy the days on the beautiful lawn which borders two hundred feet of Flathead Lake. Fitzpatrick Lake, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats. Cibid Lake, Cibid Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Clark Fork River & Tributaries (Headwaters to Kelly Island FAS/Grass Valley Ditch Diversion), Deer Lodge, Granite, Missoula, Powell Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to Kelly Island (Spurgin Road) Fishing Access Site boat ramp and the Grass Valley Ditch Diversion. A person convicted of violating Montana's boating laws or regulations may be fined up to $500 and sentenced for up to six months in jail. For the past eight years, the Salish and Kootenai tribes have sponsored "Mack Days" from mid- March to mid-May offering $100,000 in prize money to anglers who have the best 15-day average of fish landed to reduce the population. Swimming and wading are prohibited. Leon Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Lilly Pad Lake, Lilly Pad Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Little Loon Lake, Little McGregor Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Little McGregor Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Little Rainbow Lake, Little Rainbow Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Lost Lake, Lost Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Lower Carter Pond, Fergus County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 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. Over the years, we have helped thousands of customers enjoy beautiful Flathead Lake and the surrounding areas. With years of guiding experience and a genuine passion for fishing and people, we guarantee you will have a wonderful trip. The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Crystal Lake - Horseshoe Lake. Zorinsky Lake 255 acres- 156 th and F streets in west Omaha. It is this vision that has inspired us to establish a . From Flathead Lake, there's usually a snow-capped mountain in sight. At idle speed, exhaust noise may not be in excess of 90 decibels measured one meter from the muffler. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. You can buy the lots or rent them by the week or month. CONSULTING ENGINEERS. The catch and release restrictions are important to comply with. Additional Montana Kayaking Laws Resources. However, note that you can still fish the south end of Flathead Lake for a total fee of $21 if you are a resident of Montana. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. 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. The 1953 Century Resorter is an 18' boat, and ready to float Flathead Lake! Do not operate your motorboat within 50 feet of a swimmer in the water except for boats towing water skiers. Windsurfers wearing a wet suit or dry suit are permitted in designated area. Exceptions:(1) 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. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Bootjack Lake, Bootjack Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Bozeman Pond, Gallatin County: Closed to all motorboats, Branum Pond, Custer County: Closed to all motorboats. 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. Now, he's already facing daily backlash about having it removed. Validation decals may be obtained, free of charge, at anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional officesor online. Enter your official identification and contact details. Whether you bring your own boat or rent locally, getting out on the Flathead River is a great way to experience this special place. Seeley Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the northern most portion of lake from where Deer Creek flows into the west side of the lake, following a straight line across the lake to where Rice Creek flows into the east side of the lake and continuing north to shore, as marked. Parking. Lake freezes in winter. Due to the state of emergency that exists on the Flathead Reservation as a result of the threat of extreme fire weather and upon advice from the Incident Management Team of the Boulder 2700 Fire to ensure public and firefighter safety, the Tribal Council of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes has passed Resolution 21-100, which is a temporary emergency closure on a portion of Flathead Lake. The Type V life jacket must be worn at all times to be acceptable. By Beacon Staff May 21, 2013 The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission voted against new boating rules on Echo Lake during its meeting earlier this month. A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation. White Rock Lake 11. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goathaunt.htm The following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. Tetrault Lake (Carpenter Lake), Lincoln County: Closed to all motorboats over 10 hp. These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. The area covers approximately 91,778 acres. Docks are to be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted. Beaverhead River, Beaverhead, Madison Counties: See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960's and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed . Bighorn River, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats from Afterbay Dam to the Bighorn Fishing Acess Site. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. San Luis Reservoir 5. All non-members must have on their person; whenever engaged in recreation activities on Tribally owned lands of the Reservation, a valid Flathead Reservation Use Permit, and any additional bird, fishing, or camping stamps as required. 2023 Boat Owners Association of The United States. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? Flathead Lake. Written permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is necessary to conduct a boating race, regatta or other marine event on Montana's waters. Topless Lake, Topless Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Upper Carter Pond, Fergus County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. The duct should not be located so that a normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it. Motorboats generally should stay clear of sailboats and manually powered vessels and not create a wake which may cause them trouble or to be swamped. Dock, Boat. Take a look at the new fees that were approved on January 4, 2022 and will be effective March 1, 2022: Big Bear Lake 13. Generally, the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. Speaking of skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere. This is located on the east shore of Flathead Lake. Make sure you have a VHF radio and cell phone, warm clothing, and rain gear on board. More restrictive noise standards are in effect for Flathead Lake (Flathead and Lake Counties), Echo Lake (Flathead County) and Swan Lake (Lake County) because of population density and heavy recreational use. Flathead Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from Bigfork Bay to 100 yards west of the Highway 35 bridge, and as buoyed. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]. "Montana is known for fast changing weather," she tells them, "and here on the lake that's very true. They'll be on a boat or on a raft and look down and see rocks and then look again and realize the rocks are 12 feet beneath the water. (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. Flathead Lake Marina LLC. 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. If unavoidable travel at no wake speed or at the minimum speed necessary to maintain upstream progress. All of the partners responding to and working to suppress the Boulder 2700 Fire appreciate the publics cooperation to adhere to this temporary boating restriction. Come aboard for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. There must be a wearable life jacket (Type I, II, or III) for each person on vessels less than 16 feet long (including canoes and kayaks of any length). an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, MT. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the south side of West Rosebud Creek from the powerhouse to the USGS concrete weir. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. Beavertail Pond, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. 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. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit. Motorboats 40 feet to not more than 65 feet long must have at least three B-1 or one B-1 , and one B-II fire extinguishers. All motorboats, sailboats, andpersonal watercraftthat are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boats bow behind the boats number. This decal is available at the County Treasurer's Office in the county where the boat owner resides. Missouri River, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from Hauser Dam downstream to Beaver Creek. Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Broadwater, Lewis & Clark Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed within 300 feet of dock or as buoyed in the following areas: White Earth, Goose Bay, Yacht Basin, Cave Bay, Little Hellgate, Magpie Bay, Carp Bay, and from Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clark Fork River (Harpers Bridge FAS to St. Johns FAS), Missoula, Mineral Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from Harpers Bridge Fishing Access Site to St. Johns Fishing Access Site. Echo Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. The application fee is $5. Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake. You have to get pretty close to really see them, but it has to be done safely and is a must-see.". Boat owners must obtain a certificate of ownership (title) and certificate of number (registration) and pay allfeesto the County Treasurer in the county where the owner resides. Glacier National Park. Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. (2) Motorized watercraft of 20hp or less are permitted from June 16 to September 30. For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. Hauser Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: Lakeside Marina and Hauser Lake State Park at Black Sandy beach within 300 feet of the docks or as buoyed. 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 . Located just outside the charming town of Bigfork, this park provides public access for launching your boat and swimming in the refreshing water of Flathead Lake. Similar to a temporary flight restriction for aircraft, the boating restriction creates a no-public-boating zone on the surface water in order to ensure public and firefighter safety during wildfire response. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. Flathead (all species except dusky flathead) Common name/s. Flathead. 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. The passing boat is required to stay clear. Missouri River, Contact the Bureau of Land Management for seasonal boating restrictions on the "wild and scenic" portion of river from Fort Benton to James Kipp Recreation Area (Fred Robinson Bridge). It is a large, naturally occurring freshwater lake in Montana that is more than 200 square miles in size. Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the dam from December 1 to April 1. Boat owners must obtain a certificate of ownership (title) and certificate of number (registration) and pay allfeesto the County Treasurer in the county where the owner resides. Allrequired equipment (see below)and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels. Clark's Bay from shore to 300 feet from shore or as buoyed. There can be several days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out of nowhere. The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Echo Lake in Flathead County is limited to a 200 feet from shoreline no wake speed except for the following areas: (a) the upper three islands in the southwest corner of section 5, approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the entrance of Blackies Bay; (b) the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Blackies Bay located in the northwest corner of Echo Lake; and (c) the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Causeway Bay located in the northeast corner of Echo Lake.