Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Bear Creek to the confluence of the South Fork. Savage Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed during the hours of 5 AM 10 AM and 7 PM 11 PM each day. an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. Generally, the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. Ryan Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Lake Helena, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from April 1 to the opening day of waterfowl season. Children 12 years 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. Carpenter Lake (Tetrault Lake), Lincoln County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower, Carter Ponds (Upper & Lower), Fergus County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. Clark's Bay from shore to 300 feet from shore or as buoyed. When overtaking another vessel, the boat being overtaken has the right of way and must hold course and speed. The following public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Facebook; Twitter; The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. Bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye. The Flathead Reservation contains approximately 980 miles of rivers and streams, 90 lakes, and extensive wetlands within the Reservation. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue, scientific purposes or special events with the directors prior written approval are exempt. The river is wide and frequently quite deep. RentByOwner 3 Bedrooms Rental Enjoy Flathead Lake! 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. The 'Painted Rocks' area, north of Wild Horse Island on the west shore, contains Indian paintings dating back hundreds of years. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower Fuel stations are scarce out there. Missouri River, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from Hauser Dam downstream to Beaver Creek. The largest fresh water lake in the West, Flathead Lake provides miles of great boating. Jet Ski Ramp and Boat Ramp included. 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. Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. Generally the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. You can take a peaceful early morning journey, a scenic tour of our beautiful coves with a hike on Wildhorse Island, an evening sunset cruise on Flathead River or let us create a fully customizable tour just for you. Motor-driven vehicles may not be used to drive, molest, flush or harass any game animal or game bird while hunting. 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. Harrison Lake (Willow Creek Reservoir), Madison County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek Arm and Norwegian Arm as buoyed 6 PM 11 AM. Montana's Flathead Lake comes with lots of statistics: With its 161-mile shoreline, it's the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi; one of the 300 largest lakes in the world; and it's more than 380 feet deep, just to name a few. Hooked On Montana provides guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake, Montana. 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. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 4,400' below the dam to the east end of the Tailrace Island adjacent to the Rainbow dam powerhouse. 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. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions. When meeting head on, keep to the right. Lake Springfield has earned a reputation for producing large numbers of nice flathead catfish every year. Exception:Missouri River down river from Broadwater-Gallatin county line. Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. 20 Popular Lakes And Their Boating Rules 1. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. Flathead Lake State Park. One statistic that concerns everyone on Flathead Lake is the number of mackinaw trout, also called lake trout. At the opposite end of Flathead and in the heart of the Salish-Kootenai Indian Reservation is the city of Polson. Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Contact the County Sheriff's Office or the federal agency for the area where you will be boating to find out if any additional regulations are in effect. 5. . The Great Salt Lake 6. This browser is no longer supported. 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 2023 Sailing Convention for Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and camaraderie. they show evidence of completing another state or organization's NASBLA approved boating safety course; or. Cottonwood Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only, Crystal Lake, Fergus County: Manually powered or electric motors only, East Gallatin Pond, Gallatin County: Closed to all motorboats. Mono Lake 12. 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. 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. The mack can be found during the summer in deepwater while whitefish and perch are found at shallower depths. "Montana is known for fast changing weather," she tells them, "and here on the lake that's very true. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960's and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed . Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. 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. Cooney Reservoir, Carbon County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek arm as buoyed; and in North Shore and Marshall Cover within 300 feet of dock as buoyed. Check your fuel tank before going out. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. CAMPGROUND HOST. 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. The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. 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. (W~#C?{m2. Mike Howe adds that the company for which he guides even arranges picnics on the island, including, if the spirit moves you, linen tablecloths, fine china, catered meals, and fine wines from local wineries. Devil's Elbow Campground from the shore to 100 feet into the river channel or as buoyed. 21 December 2020 Take a look at the new fees that were approved on January 4, 2022 and will be effective March 1, 2022: (2) Motorized watercraft towing a skier from a dock or the shore. When the question comes up about where your next boat-and-trailer destination should be, vote "Montana." These lakes have been determined 35 acres or less by means of the 1:100,000-scale hydrography layer within the departments geographic information system (GIS). (Example: MT 1234 AB or MT 1234 - AB). In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. Boaters are responsible for any damage caused by their wake. . MCA 23-2-5defines the laws for registering and operating watercraft in Montana. 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. 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. Wild Horse Island was used as a hiding place for the Pend d'Oreille Indians after numerous horses were seized on land by members of the Blackfeet Tribe. Brand New Must See Dock!! Top destinations, domestic and abroad, for a 2023 fishing vacation you'll never forget including fun spots for the nonanglers in your group. Old Faithful Watersports is conveniently located at the northern tip of Flathead Lake, in beautiful Bigfork, Montana. The give-way vessel on the left must slow down and permit the privileged vessel to pass. The app is available on both Apple and Google platforms. A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation. 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. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. 50230 US HWY 93 Ste. RESTROOMS. Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Manually powered or electric motors only. At least one exhaust duct must be installed so as to extend to the lower portion of the bilge. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- Boats restricted to 5 mph (no wake). The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. Privacy Policy Personal watercraft must follow the same rules and equipment requirements as other boats. They'd dearly love to keep this American jewel a secret all to themselves. Boat Ramp. Boat Restrictions: None. It is unlawful to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorboat, sailboat, water skis, surfboard, or similar device attached to a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 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 following list of waterbodies have restrictions on the type of watercraft allowed, define no-wake speed areas, and identify lakes with water-ski directional rules. New listings: 45 Foot House Boat on Flathead Lake- Slip Also Available - $45 000 (Bigfork), Boat Slip for Rent - $3 995 (Bigfork Marina Cay) . Zorinsky Lake 255 acres- 156 th and F streets in west Omaha. Montana Boating Regulations. 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. This is done through the County Treasurer's Office. 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. Lake Koocanusa, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Lake Woodlands Docks are to be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted. All white lights required by the rules must be visible from a distance of at least two miles. Private Boat Tours on Flathead Lake. New boat owners can obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat. 2023 Boat Owners Association of The United States. People from all over the world search our website for Flathead Lake real estate. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goathaunt.htm U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) must fit the intended wearer, be readily accessible, and be in good condition. 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). The 1953 Century Resorter is an 18' boat, and ready to float Flathead Lake! Learn more about our fishing charters and get in on the action! 1,020' above the dam to 500' below the dam. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). 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. Fitzpatrick Lake, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats. White Rock Lake 11. In the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead. Boating: With 13 public access cites, all managed by Montana Fish and Wildlife and Parks department, there are plenty of places to drop your watercraft. A "no-wake" speed must be maintained when within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, swimming raft, non-motorized boat, or anchored vessel. Zillow has 37 homes for sale in Lakeside MT matching Flathead Lake. copyright 2023 Enjoy the days on the beautiful lawn which borders two hundred feet of Flathead Lake. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Blackfoot River, Missoula, Powell Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. Find First Available Date. 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. Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. Lake Las Vegas 18. Written permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is necessary to conduct a boating race, regatta or other marine event on Montana's waters. 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. "It's a large body of cold water", notes McDonald, "and I get a kick out of watching children run and dive into the lake while their parents don't even try to take a swim until late July when the temperatures have warmed.The lake's water temperature reaches a high of about 60 degrees in late August for those considering when to join their kids.Of the 22 islands on the lake, 2,000-acre Wild Horse Island is the largest, and most popular. Klamath Lake 7. If a boat must approach this warning flag, it must do so at a "no wake" speed. Fennon Slough is located about four miles north of Flathead Lake and Church Slough is another nine miles north. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirs greater than 35 surface acres within the western fishing district are limited to no-wake speed from the shoreline to 200 feet from the shoreline. ARM 12.8.212defines the rules for boating and swimming areas. Forest Lake, Meagher County: Closed to all motorboats, Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond, Valley County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake. We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. Holland Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Holland Lake Lodge and the Bay Loop campground within 300 feet or as buoyed. 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. Do not anchor in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels. Johnson Reservoir, Dawson County: Manually powered or electric motors only, Lake Alva, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no wake speed, Lake Dinah, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats, Lake Elmo, Yellowstone County: Manually powered or electric motors only. The area covers approximately 91,778 acres. White Sandy Recreation Area within 300 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. FLOATING HOUSE on Flathead Lake with waterslide, kayaks, rooftop deck, and more +47 photos About Rooms & beds Amenities Reviews Map Host Policies Rates & availability Know before you go Check Covid restrictions here About this rental House boat 1100 sq. The auction will benefit the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project. Polson is a short drive for all the city amenities and return to our tranquil setting and life at the . Fishing: Popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee. These regulations shall be known and referred to as the "Flathead County Lake and Lakeshore Protection Regulations." 1.2 AUTHORITY These regulations are adopted under the authority of the State of Montana, 75-7-207, M.C.A., which requires local governing bodies to adopt regulations regarding the issuance or denial of 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. 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. Boats from out of state or country which will not be in Montana for more than 90 consecutive days are exempt from registration. Closed to boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Because of this, anglers will need to obtain a south Flathead Lake tribal license, which costs $12 and is available at most water-related businesses along the shoreline. It is illegal as well as unsafe to overpower a boat. "It's water surrounded by mountains that is untouched, clear, and pristine. Tribal members can request $10 bear spray with their Tribal ID. Picnicing. With clear water surrounded by pine forests and mountains, Flathead Lake shows why it's part of Montana's big sky country. 600' above the dam to 700' below the dam. FLATHEAD CATFISH . Boating registration is covered under:MCA 61-3-107andMCA 23-2-508. (. For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is celebrating 50 years of providing live theater productions. 500' above the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. 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. 119.4 at Broadwater Bay in Great Falls to Black Eagle. 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. [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. The decision has left some. 250' above the dam to 600' below the dam. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. The application fee is $5. Exception:upper three islands in the southwest corner of section 5, approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the entrance of Blackies Bay; the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Blackies Bay located in the northwest corner of Echo Lake; and the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Causeway Bay located in the northeast corner of Echo Lake. 100' above the dam to 150' below the dam. Home . Call 406-544-7006. 500' above dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Don't take a chance. 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. Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. The rules dictate who has the right of way when vessels meet in open water and in crowded anchorages. All parking regulations are listed on your current dockage lease. 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 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. A weekend boater gets hung out to dry when she joins the enthusiastic fray of Radio Control Sailboat Racing. Check out the online auction and this beautiful wooden boat HERE! The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Any resident of the Flathead Indian Reservation can request bear spray for $10 when purchasing a 2021 Tribal recreation, camping, or fishing/hunting permit from our Fish, Wildlife & Recreation Conservation office in Polson. Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, in Northwest Montana are an angler's paradise. There can be several days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out of nowhere. A vast variety of recreational opportunities are available at Flathead Lake, drawing tourists from all over the globe. 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. The commission is proposing to establish a seasonal boat closure from March 1. List of Lakes Less Than 35 Acres in Size with Public Access. The Swan and Flathead Rivers, fed by water from the snow-capped peaks on either side, empty into the lake near Bigfork along the northeast shoreline, and the result is clear and frigid water. 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. Beaver Creek Reservoir, Hill County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower; boats must travel at no-wake speed. 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. . Concrete boat launch. Due to the lakes size and beauty, sailboats are common on the lake, along with pleasure boats of all kinds. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt. For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. Glacier National Park. Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. Do not operate a boat within 75 feet of a person engaged in fishing or hunting waterfowl unless it is unavoidable. 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. Fishing. The largest white crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15" and weighed just over 2 lbs!