Do not anchor in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. Those include the Flathead Conservation District, Flathead River Commission, Flathead Basin Commission, Fish Wildlife and Parks, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the National Park. The Flathead River flows along Polson's shoreline for four miles until it comes to the Kerr Dam, which provides hydroelectric power to the nearby area. Boaters are responsible for any damage caused by their wake. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. 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. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. Beaverhead River, Beaverhead, Madison Counties: See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. Hooked On Montana provides guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake, Montana. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. Fishing. We are happy to announce that the Harbor Grille in Lakeside will host the 2022 Flathead Lake Boat Show. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Spotted Bear footbridge to the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue, scientific purposes or special events with the directors prior written approval are exempt. Henry Reservoir, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats, Hidden Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. The 'Painted Rocks' area, north of Wild Horse Island on the west shore, contains Indian paintings dating back hundreds of years. Certain Tribal campgrounds and recreation areas may have special regulations, which are posted, on site. The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Crystal Lake - Horseshoe Lake. CAMPGROUND HOST. View the quick reference onUnderstanding Montana's Required Boat Decals. Docks are to be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted. A beautiful wooden boat restored by Greg McCormick, a Polson resident and Lakers member, is up for auction online through December 1st. 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. Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Cynthia Bras of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes frequently speaks with visitors about their plans for the day. 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. 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. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. White Sandy Recreation Area within 300 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed. Bag limit. The lake was formed by constructing a 2-mile-long dam across the Big Muddy River floodplain. 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. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to the east end of Ryan Island. Tribal members can request $10 bear spray with their Tribal ID. Swimming and wading are prohibited. The largest fresh water lake in the West, Flathead Lake provides miles of great boating. 17.37 mile(s) Connect. The Flathead River is divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Western United States. Exception: (1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from May 1 to June 15. Also exempt are a vessels lifeboat and government-owned boats. 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 reservoir is one of Virginia's premier fisheries, offering outstanding fishing and other recreational opportunities. Privacy Policy Montana and federal laws require that basic safety items be on board all boats. Windsurfers wearing a wet suit or dry suit are permitted in designated area. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. The safety of the public and firefighters, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have one Type I, II or III life jacket for each person on board. 14 . It is a large, naturally occurring freshwater lake in Montana that is more than 200 square miles in size. 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 . Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. 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. Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. There must be at least two people in the towing boat: an operator and a person to observe the skier. The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. 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. At least one exhaust duct must be installed so as to extend to the lower portion of the bilge. Polson, MT 59860 About Us Boating - Non-Motorized The North Fork, Middle Fork, and portions of the South Fork of the Flathead River are within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and are used for floating excursions. Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, MT. ARM 12.8.212defines the rules for boating and swimming areas. Sailboats 12 feet and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered, numbered, and have two decals (a permanent decal and validation decal). Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake. In the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead. Come aboard for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake. 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. Check your fuel tank before going out. Lake Springfield has earned a reputation for producing large numbers of nice flathead catfish every year. 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. Flathead Lake is approximately 28 miles long and is a water-lover's recreational paradise. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. . This 32" fish was caught in South Woods Bay at a 160-ft depth and released to grow larger. These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. 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. Extinguishers approved for motorboats are hand-portable of either B-1 or B-II classification. +l^PrgXdgcZr1'[v8B(bAr~;5-?~u 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. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. Lake Tahoe has more water than Flathead because it is significantly deeper (nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft). In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. Fishing only six to eight feet from each other, we both set the hook at the same time, and reeled in a fish that had my tube jig in its mouth, and her jigging spoon in its lower jaw. $125+ /hour. PWC 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 nowake zone to and from shore. Sirens may not be used or installed except on authorized emergency vessels. The lake is thirteen miles long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline. 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. Benjamin Lard bought his first houseboat on Flathead Lake, in Montana, in January 2016. 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. (. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. 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. Flathead County Road and Bridge Department is a department within the county government that is under the direct control of the Flathead County Board of County Commissioners. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. 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. This browser is no longer supported. 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. 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. Gartside Reservoir, Richland County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- Boats restricted to 5 mph (no wake). Find First Available Date. Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline. Lake Las Vegas 18. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. Learn more about our fishing charters and get in on the action! See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. McGregor Lake - Middle . 5. . Utah Lake 14. Harpers Lake, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. Sheriffs, peace officers, and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement officers also have authority to enforce these provisions. . Included in these paragraphs is a brief overview of the department and its responsibilities. From Flathead Lake, there's usually a snow-capped mountain in sight. There is also a popular launch on Finley Point, a peninsula that is also part of Flathead Lake State Park. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. RESTRICTIONS AT DAMS. 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. Home . Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks enforce Montana's boat and water safety laws. 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. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. At Old Faithful Watersports, we believe there is no better way to experience Montana than from the water. 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. ARM 12.11 covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clark Fork River (St. Johns FAS to mouth of Fish Creek), Mineral County: Closed to all motorized watercraft From St. John's Fishing Access Site to the mouth of Fish Creek (also known as the Alberton Gorge Whitewater section). FLATHEAD CATFISH . This is done through the County Treasurer's Office. Subscription to the print version of BoatUS Magazine, 4% back on purchases from West Marine stores or online at WestMarine.com, Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses, Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more. Because there are so few marine pumpout stations in Montana, boaters should check on the local availability of waste disposal stations before using their on-board facilities. View Our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour? Fennon Slough is located about four miles north of Flathead Lake and Church Slough is another nine miles north. We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. The passing boat is required to stay clear. 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. 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 The blue and white International Code Flag "A" (alpha), A red flag with a diagonal white stripe Diver's Flag, an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. Jet Ski Ramp and Boat Ramp included. We've got the perfect private charters for you and your group! These restrictions apply to all rivers and streams in the counties. 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). Phone (877) 256-3252 or (406) 622-4015. 406-212-7175 1-866-351-8485 In addition to state boating laws, local government and federal agency regulations may apply to boating activities in some areas. copyright 2023 Sailboard operators (wind-surfers) under 15 years of age must wear a life jacket at all times. 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. Motorboats and personal watercraft may not emit noise in excess of 86 decibels measured at a distance of 50 feet. A motorboat more than 26 feet long must have on board a bell and a whistle or horn capable of making a sound that is audible for one mile. The latest validation decals are red and willexpire February 28, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goathaunt.htm Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered and numbered. New listings: 45 Foot House Boat on Flathead Lake- Slip Also Available - $45 000 (Bigfork), Boat Slip for Rent - $3 995 (Bigfork Marina Cay) . If nothing else, there's a neat tee-shirt you can buy. A fire extinguisher is classified by the type of fire it is meant to extinguish and its size. Private Boat Tours on Flathead Lake. Brand New Must See Dock!! (2) Motorized watercraft of 20 hp or less are permitted from October 1 to January 31. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. Cle Elum Lake 15. All motorboats, sailboats, andpersonal watercraftthat are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boats bow behind the boats number. In addition, one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device must be on board and be immediately available for use. A motorboat 16 to 26 feet long must carry some means of producing an efficient sound signal that is audible for one-half mile, such as a whistle or a horn. Flathead Lake Marina LLC. Whitefish, Montana, US is the #1 House in Whitefish, United States The duct should not be located so that a normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it. Minimum legal size. A temporary boating restriction is in effect on Flathead Lake at Skidoo Bay adjacent to the Boulder 2700 Fire within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Other dams not listed here may also be posted for restricted access. There can be several days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out of nowhere. 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." The catch and release restrictions are important to comply with. 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. 150' above the dam to 900' below the dam. 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. Outfitter Clay Anderson is well known for sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing with all generations. The Great Salt Lake 6. A temporary boating restriction is in effect on Flathead Lake at Skidoo Bay adjacent to the Boulder 2700 Fire within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation. The Mission Mountains reaching almost 6,000 feet high are visible in the east and the mile-high Salish Mountains are to the west. It is illegal as well as unsafe to overpower a boat. Buoys will be placed out on the lake to designate the restriction zone. Ennis Lake, Madison County: Closed to all motorboats in Kobayashi Bay swimming area as marked by buoys. Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise. . 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). From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. 20 Popular Lakes And Their Boating Rules 1. For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. If the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard-type cord that shuts off the engine if the operator falls off the craft, the lanyard must be attached to the operator's wrist or PFD. Boats going downstream have the right of way over boats going upstream. Riverside Park on the Flathead River has a ramp and so does Sacajawea Park at the northern end of the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. (W~#C?{m2. The 1953 Century Resorter is an 18' boat, and ready to float Flathead Lake! 5.0 (7 bookings) Spokane Creek Bay within 500 feet from mouth of bay as buoyed. 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. If two or more persons are occupying a sailboard, each person must wear a life jacket. Flathead. A combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead) All motorboats must carry on board a U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher as listed below: Motorboats less than 26 feet long must have at least one B-1 fire extinguisher. At the opposite end of Flathead and in the heart of the Salish-Kootenai Indian Reservation is the city of Polson. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions. "It's water surrounded by mountains that is untouched, clear, and pristine. The largest lake is Flathead Lake, which covers approximately 123,000 acres with 62,000 acres located within the Flathead Indian Reservation boundary. It is roughly 34 miles long and five miles wide. The following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. From July 1 to September 15 no-wake speed or the minimum operating speed necessary to progress upstream from where the Swan River flows out of Swan Lake in Lake County to where Bear Creek enters the Swan River in Flathead County. Go to shore if you get caught in a storm. It may take some discussion and planning, but the rewards of making such a trip to big sky country will be huge an up-close look at some precious Indian territory, vistas that will amaze you, and a connection to one of America's treasures. Elsina Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. After a three year hiatus, due to changes in venue ownerships and Covid-19 restrictions, The Big Sky Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society is back for The Flathead Lake Boat Show. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. 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. It is necessary for all persons on the Reservation utilizing any type of marine watercraft, whether it be motorized or non-motorized or personal flotation device, to adhere to the emergency closure. The decision has left some. 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. (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. Do not operate a motorboat within 200 feet of a tow-float or buoy displaying a red flag with a white slash indicating a "diver down" except by use of sailor oar. Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. 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. Lake freezes in winter. 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. 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To our website and to improve your experience Lake Marshall, Missoula County Manually... Guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake year-round 1.4-million-acre and century-old National. Are hand-portable of either B-1 or B-II classification it 's water surrounded by that!