Boats must be launched from established launching areas if provided. Fishing. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have one Type I, II or III life jacket for each person on board. 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. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager. Forest Lake, Meagher County: Closed to all motorboats, Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond, Valley County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Sailboats 12 feet and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered, numbered, and have two decals (a permanent decal and validation decal). 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. The rock flathead is another species found in Victorian waters, but it is less commonly encountered by recreational anglers. 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. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. 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. The explosive vapors are heavier than air and accumulate in the bottom of the boat without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition. Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. Location: On Route 35, 7 miles south of Kalispell, stretching for 30 miles. With years of guiding experience and a genuine passion for fishing and people, we guarantee you will have a wonderful trip. 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. The commonly used diver down warning flags are: Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. Cochrane Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. ARM 12.11 covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. Aircraft including helicopters with buckets and fixed wing water scoopers utilize the lake as a source of water. The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. 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. Between the dam and 300' downstream and the reservoir between the dam and the boat barrier. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. When overtaking another vessel, the boat being overtaken has the right of way and must hold course and speed. 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. #33 very protected, easy to access, power available, 20 ft. slip for powerboat or smaller pontoon, CC&R's require length restrictions, call for . 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. For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake. Allrequired equipment (see below)and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels. copyright 2023 Boat Ramp. The mack can be found during the summer in deepwater while whitefish and perch are found at shallower depths. Whitefish, Montana, US is the #1 House in Whitefish, United States Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Boating Laws Resource Page; Boating Law Enforcement. Concrete boat launch. If nothing else, there's a neat tee-shirt you can buy. The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. Gartside Reservoir, Richland County: Manually powered or electric motors only. This browser is no longer supported. Ryan Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Exceptions to Standard Regulations: Flathead River Flathead Lake north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout. "The lake trout in Flathead are our trophy fish," says fishing guide Mike Howe. flathead lake boat restrictions. Previously, Flathead Lake had no restrictions against houseboats. For your Flathead Valley Real Estate needs Contact Dusty Dziza TODAY! The river is wide and frequently quite deep. It is illegal to discharge any garbage, refuse, waste, or sewage into or near the water. When the question comes up about where your next boat-and-trailer destination should be, vote "Montana." The area immediately above the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Fishing: Popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee. Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are authorized to stop, halt, or inspect vessels in order to enforce the laws of this state. The area covers approximately 91,778 acres. Our RV Resort has 60 spacious lots right across the street from Flathead Lake in Big Arm Montana. Learn more Operator Age Limit - Motorboats & Personal Watercraft Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am. 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 'Painted Rocks' area, north of Wild Horse Island on the west shore, contains Indian paintings dating back hundreds of years. A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation. 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. 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. 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. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. Big Bear Lake 13. (Example: MT 1234 AB or MT 1234 - AB). Holter Lake (upper), Lewis & Clark County: No water skiing on Saturday and Sunday and all legal holidays from the mouth of the canyon on upper Holter Lake to Gates of the Mountains near Mann Gulch, as marked. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. Boats will be allowed into the marina when the lake level is 2891.5 feet (1.5 feet below full pool) or above. Every inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with a backfire flame arrester that is securely attached to the carburetor and in proper working order. 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. If you keep these things in mind, you should have a good trip.". Boats going downstream have the right of way over boats going upstream. ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. Between sunset and sunrise and at other times of restricted visibility, vessels in operation must display navigational lights. Flathead (all species except dusky flathead) Common name/s. Henry Reservoir, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats, Hidden Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Flathead Boat Company is a family-owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience renting boats on Flathead Lake in the beautiful town of Polson. Exception:Missouri River down river from Headwaters State Park. "People are surprised by Flathead Lake," local resident Robert McDonald will tell you. Speaking of skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere. 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. Lake Hefner 17. "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. Boat Restrictions: None. Boating registration is covered under:MCA 61-3-107andMCA 23-2-508. 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 . 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. 21 December 2020 Check your fuel tank before going out. . Scientific name. Top Flathead Lake pontoon boat rentals. Montana Boating Regulations. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. The sign or marker must: Understanding Montana's Required Boat Decals, Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate, Personal Watercraft Informational Brochure. 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. York Bridge fishing access site within 300 feet of boat ramp and dock area as buoyed. 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. He's currently an executive editor for Westwood One Radio. A vast variety of recreational opportunities are available at Flathead Lake, drawing tourists from all over the globe. On these waterways, a person may not operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in proximity to the shore-line if the noise emitted is greater than 75 decibels measured at shoreline in accordance with the shoreline sound level measurement procedure. There's an obvious reason for the name. 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. Fresno Reservoir, Hill County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the area around the Fresno boat club docks, public boat ramp area, swimming, and beach area as buoyed and signed. 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. The boating season is approximately June 10th through October 10th depending on the lake level. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. 500' above dam to 100' below the waterfalls. 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). Salmon Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: Clearwater River from the Placid Lake Road Bridge to Salmon Lake; that portion known as Legendary Lodge Narrows near the South end of the lake; and the area south of Salmon Cove Point (Eagle's Nest) to the lake's outlet. 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. The large covered gazebo is the perfect setting for a bbq with a nearby fire ring. Boats equipped with toilets or porta-potties must dispose of waste properly. McGregor Lake - Middle . 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. See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. Big Arm has a pebble beach (sand beaches don't exist here) and is home base for many visitors with boats. New this year are three yurts (cabins) that are rentable by the night, and a great campground with lakeside spots. 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. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. . Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. The lake is thirteen miles long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline. If two or more persons are occupying a sailboard, each person must wear a life jacket. Lakes Greater than 35 Acres(PDF) Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered and numbered. Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. Buoys will be placed out on the lake to designate the restriction zone. In addition, one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device must be on board and be immediately available for use. Stand-up personal watercraft and personal watercraft towing a waterskier must travel at the minimum speed necessary to operate when leaving from or returning to a dock or shore. 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. Do not operate a boat within 75 feet of a person engaged in fishing or hunting waterfowl unless it is unavoidable. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. List of Lakes Less Than 35 Acres in Size with Public Access. 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