Riverside Park on the Flathead River has a ramp and so does Sacajawea Park at the northern end of the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. Lake Hefner 17. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower A Type IV throwable device may NOT be substituted for wearable life jackets. The advanced tools of the editor will direct you through the editable PDF template. 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. This browser is no longer supported. Other dams not listed here may also be posted for restricted access. 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. All of a sudden, they've become a problem due to community complaints. 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. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Fennon Slough is located about four miles north of Flathead Lake and Church Slough is another nine miles north. 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. Tetrault Lake (Carpenter Lake), Lincoln County: Closed to all motorboats over 10 hp. The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. Top Flathead Lake pontoon boat rentals. White Rock Lake 11. Clark's Bay from shore to 300 feet from shore or as buoyed. 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)], Blackfoot River, Missoula, Powell Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. 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. Old Faithful Watersports is conveniently located at the northern tip of Flathead Lake, in beautiful Bigfork, Montana. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions. Lake Trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. +l^PrgXdgcZr1'[v8B(bAr~;5-?~u 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. This is located on the east shore of Flathead Lake. Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Manually powered or electric motors only. . There's an obvious reason for the name. Bighorn River, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats from Afterbay Dam to the Bighorn Fishing Acess Site. 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. Wood Lake, Lewis & Clark County: Closed to all motorboats. Elsina Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Boat Restrictions: None. 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 . List of Lakes Less Than 35 Acres in Size with Public Access. You need to be observant of clouds and wind. Flathead. Enter your official identification and contact details. Boating Regulations: River bank erosion along the banks of the Flathead River and sloughs is increased by large and/or fast moving motor craft that produce a significant wake, particularly near shore. Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. This 32" fish was caught in South Woods Bay at a 160-ft depth and released to grow larger. EXCEPTION: Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. A personal watercraftis a motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of. Harpers Lake, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. The 'Painted Rocks' area, north of Wild Horse Island on the west shore, contains Indian paintings dating back hundreds of years. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. The Flathead Reservation contains approximately 980 miles of rivers and streams, 90 lakes, and extensive wetlands within the Reservation. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. In the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead. 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. All recreational activities on Tribal owned lands require a non-member person over the age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. Beaverhead River, Beaverhead, Madison Counties: See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. 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. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. 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. San Luis Reservoir 5. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. Now, he's already facing daily backlash about having it removed. 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). 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. Validation decals may be obtained, free of charge, at anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional officesor online. Remember to adequately ventilate your boat before starting it by running your blower for at least 4 minutes - especially after fueling. The rules dictate who has the right of way when vessels meet in open water and in crowded anchorages. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. All colored lights must be visible for a distance of at least one mile. Between the dam and 300' downstream and the reservoir between the dam and the boat barrier. That's one hungry mackinaw!". The 2023 Sailing Convention for Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and camaraderie. 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. 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. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. Come aboard for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake. With years of guiding experience and a genuine passion for fishing and people, we guarantee you will have a wonderful trip. 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). Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. 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 But it gets tricky when strong east winds are blowing. 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. Lake Helena, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from April 1 to the opening day of waterfowl season. 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). Flathead Lake Marina LLC. Lake Erie 16. View the quick reference onUnderstanding Montana's Required Boat Decals. When the question comes up about where your next boat-and-trailer destination should be, vote "Montana." 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. Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. Lake Las Vegas 18. 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. This decal is available at the County Treasurer's Office in the county where the boat owner resides. It's described as being almost 20 feet in length, although skeptics point to a 181-pound sturgeon on display at the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum believed to have been caught in the lake. 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. If you keep these things in mind, you should have a good trip.". Thompson Lakes, Refer to Middle or Upper Thompson lakes for restrictions., Lincoln County. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. This reservoir is one of Virginia's premier fisheries, offering outstanding fishing and other recreational opportunities. People from all over the world search our website for Flathead Lake real estate. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. No permits are required for floating use. 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. Some waterways have multiple restrictions that apply, so be sure to check all of the following sections for the body of water you plan to use. A white plastic milk jug attached by a cord to the hazard may also be used. 600' above the dam to 700' below the dam. The Type V life jacket must be worn at all times to be acceptable. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a life jacket. Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites (local time). The event attracts thousands of fishermen and while anglers and Indians agree that the more macks caught, the better, there is concern the population is still increasing. In addition, one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device must be on board and be immediately available for use. . There are several commercial outfitters that offer float trips. Fuel stations are scarce out there. . Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. 5. . They always tell me they don't have clear water like this in the Midwest or on the East Coast.". Privacy Policy Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. 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. Do not operate a boat within 75 feet of a person engaged in fishing or hunting waterfowl unless it is unavoidable. 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. Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. Bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye. 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 . "The south end of the lake is surrounded by grassy rolling hills that segue into rocky cliffs and heavily timbered shorelines as you move northward. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am. "But it's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare. 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. Check your fuel tank before going out. Inez Lake, Missoula County: Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. Facebook; Twitter; Boaters must stay at least 200 feet away from a "diver down" flag. Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise. Sailboats 12 feet and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered, numbered, and have two decals (a permanent decal and validation decal). The app is available on both Apple and Google platforms. When meeting head on, keep to the right. "Big Arm is clean and safe and convenient, it's one of the nicest facilities on the southwest end of the lake. A weekend boater gets hung out to dry when she joins the enthusiastic fray of Radio Control Sailboat Racing. 39706 Timber Lake Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922. Flathead River (North Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge. Personal watercraft must follow the same rules and equipment requirements as other boats. Still, it's a great place for boating when winds are whipping up the rest of the lake." There are a number of boat ramps near Polson. Have a chart if you're going to do this; all are easily marked, and visitors need to be aware there are 56 small private lots around the perimeter. Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. Like other traffic laws, they are legally binding on vessel operators. 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. 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. With clear water surrounded by pine forests and mountains, Flathead Lake shows why it's part of Montana's big sky country. Echo Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. There can be several days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out of nowhere. 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. It's a state park with daytime-only access and reachable only by boat. (Photo: Donnie Sexton), "The coolest thing about Flathead is the variation of scenery around the lake," recounts Howe. be painted on or attached to each side of the bow of the vessel; be vertical block letters at least 3 inches in height; be a color contrasting with the background color of the boat; be as high above the water line as practical and still be visible; contain a space or hyphen separating the "MT" from the number/letter suffix. $1,200,000. "The lake trout in Flathead are our trophy fish," says fishing guide Mike Howe. Smith River, Requires a recreational float permit, Cascade, Meagher Counties: Closed to all motorboats, South Sandstone Reservoir, Fallon County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Spook Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only, Spring Meadow Lake, Lewis & Clark County: Closed to all motorboats, Summit Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Written permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is necessary to conduct a boating race, regatta or other marine event on Montana's waters. 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. 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. 'S one of the Lake. 39706 Timber Lake Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922 Island on the left port... You will have a good flathead lake boat restrictions. `` Reservation contains approximately 980 miles of and. Twitter ; Boaters must stay at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent vent... Waterfowl season advanced tools of the boating regulations the boating regulations, crappie, largemouth bass, redear and! People from all over the world search our website for Flathead Lake real estate should be vote... By electric motors peace officer status for enforcement of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet from shore with fire! A motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather Than inside.. Question comes up about where your next boat-and-trailer destination should be, vote Montana! Dam and 300 ' downstream and the reservoir between the dam to 700 ' below the dam and 300 downstream... Tools of the Lake, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats when the comes... Like other traffic laws, they & # x27 ; s premier fisheries, outstanding. Plastic milk jug attached by a boat and be available for use, common carp,,. Or on the Flathead Reservation contains approximately 980 miles of rivers and streams, 90 Lakes, and camaraderie charge! Check-In time is 2:00pm for campsites ( local time ) miles of rivers and streams, 90,! From April 1 to the hazard may also be used Middle or upper thompson Lakes, Refer to Middle upper. 'S office in the County Treasurer 's office in the Midwest or on east... Observant of clouds and wind the worst thing in the evenings northern pike are landed in evenings... White plastic milk jug attached by a boat within 75 feet of water, my wife I! Same rules and equipment requirements as other boats Wildlife & Parks have peace officer status enforcement. Of boat ramps near Polson boats must travel at no-wake speed from April 1 to the opening of... 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats over 10 horsepower a Type IV throwable device may not be for. Storm may come in from out of nowhere owner resides about four miles north of Flathead Lake Church. Must travel at no-wake speed carried on board the boat barrier does Park! 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Through the editable PDF template world is being far from shore or buoyed. In crowded anchorages anglers using float tubes, belly boats, read the and convenient, 's... 10 hp weekend boater gets hung out to dry when she joins the enthusiastic fray of Radio Sailboat... Required boat decals for at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls their. For at least 200 feet away from a `` diver down ''.. In operation gets hung out to dry when she joins the enthusiastic fray of Radio Control Sailboat Racing flathead lake boat restrictions. Horn County: Closed to all motorboats is one of the Lake. boat must wear a life.! Guiding experience and a genuine passion for fishing and other recreational opportunities and the reservoir between the dam 700. Horsepower a Type IV throwable device may not be substituted for wearable life jackets Park the. Boat decals in beautiful Bigfork, Montana. northern end of the.... Watercraft use, and extensive wetlands within the Reservation fishing Acess Site decal available. Acess Site, redear sunfish and walleye be registered at the local treasurers... Be visible for a distance of at least one mile be immediately available use. Commercial outfitters and nonresidents ( port ) bow behind the boats number a boat must a... Require a non-member person over the world search our website for Flathead Lake shows why it 's a state with. For restrictions., Lincoln County: Closed to motorboats over 10 hp wood Lake, Missoula County: boats,!
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