For Robert McDonald of the Salish-Kootenai tribe, there really is a Big Horse spirit of sorts. These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. Enjoy the days on the beautiful lawn which borders two hundred feet of Flathead Lake. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. 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. 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. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Bear Creek to the confluence of the South Fork. The sign or marker must: Understanding Montana's Required Boat Decals, Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate, Personal Watercraft Informational Brochure. . 21 December 2020 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. There can be several days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out of nowhere. 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. Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. [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. You need to be observant of clouds and wind. 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. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. Personal watercraft must follow the same rules and equipment requirements as other boats. Spokane Creek Bay within 500 feet from mouth of bay as buoyed. Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Cochrane Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. When a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed and operational in the machinery space of a boat, one less B-1 fire extinguisher is required. Brand New Must See Dock!! 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. 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. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. Boat Restrictions: None. All recreational activities on Tribal owned lands require a non-member person over the age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit. an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. Swan River, Lake County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from the mouth of Swan Lake upstream to Porcupine Bridge approximately 4.5 miles. (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. . Top destinations, domestic and abroad, for a 2023 fishing vacation you'll never forget including fun spots for the nonanglers in your group. Missouri River, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from Hauser Dam downstream to Beaver Creek. (. Lake Marshall, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. 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. 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. And this brings us to a Lake Flathead fish story. When two boats are meeting at right angles, the boat on the right (the privileged vessel) has the right of way. The larger fixed-wing water scooper airplanes may at times also need to use a larger section of 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. Montana Boating Regulations. The largest white crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15" and weighed just over 2 lbs! Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am. Our RV Resort has 60 spacious lots right across the street from Flathead Lake in Big Arm Montana. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Utah Lake 14. Make sure you have a VHF radio and cell phone, warm clothing, and rain gear on board. 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). Flathead Lake -----north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout. A person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol. Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. Phone (877) 256-3252 or (406) 622-4015. Fishing: Popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee. Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. Front Country Campgrounds are exempted from the Stage I campfire restrictions. At idle speed, exhaust noise may not be in excess of 90 decibels measured one meter from the muffler. 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. Lake Arrowhead 9. "Montana is known for fast changing weather," she tells them, "and here on the lake that's very true. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Boating Laws Resource Page; Boating Law Enforcement. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. They always tell me they don't have clear water like this in the Midwest or on the East Coast.". Arapooish Pond, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats, Banana Lake (in the Thompson Chain of Lakes,Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Bearmouth Rest Area Pond, Granite County: Closed to all motorboats, Bearpaw Lake, Hill County: Closed to all motorboats. 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. Motorboats and personal watercraft may not emit noise in excess of 86 decibels measured at a distance of 50 feet. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Owners of Discover . The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. 100' above the dam to the dam. 2023 Boat Owners Association of The United States. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. $125+ /hour. This is considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy. 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. 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. 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 large covered gazebo is the perfect setting for a bbq with a nearby fire ring. 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. Forest Lake, Meagher County: Closed to all motorboats, Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond, Valley County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Come aboard for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake. Big Bear Lake 13. . Find First Available Date. All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). 100' above the dam to 150' below the dam. This is done through the County Treasurer's Office. "It's water surrounded by mountains that is untouched, clear, and pristine. operating a boat in a careless manner including such things as weaving through congested traffic, passing unreasonably or unnecessarily close to another vessel, and buzzing or wetting down others, crossing or jumping the wake of another boat within 100 yards of the vessel or within 100 yards of a water skier being towed by the vessel (except when directly entering or leaving a marina or other watercraft docking/loading area), travel at a speed which does not permit bringing the boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead, a reckless approach to, departure from, or passage by a dock, ramp, diving board, or float. The application fee is $5. 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 +l^PrgXdgcZr1'[v8B(bAr~;5-?~u It is on display at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. 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. 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. Additional Montana Kayaking Laws Resources. 39706 Timber Lake Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922. Now here's a place so special that the locals prefer we not even write about it, fearing we'll encourage too many folks to visit. At least one intake duct must be installed so that it extends to the point at least midway to the bilge, or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake. Cad Lake, Cad Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Whitefish River, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its confluence with Whitefish Lake to the bridge on the JP Road. New this year are three yurts (cabins) that are rentable by the night, and a great campground with lakeside spots. Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. on Flathead Lake in Woods Bay, MT. The Flathead River is divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Western United States. I will pass you on any starboard (right) side. 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. Middle Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, only the channel between Middle and Lower Thompson lakes. 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. Upper Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in middle and lower lobes. 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). Learn more Operator Age Limit - Motorboats & Personal Watercraft Beaverhead River, Beaverhead, Madison Counties: See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. 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." 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. 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. EXCEPTION: Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. The boating season is approximately June 10th through October 10th depending on the lake level. This 32" fish was caught in South Woods Bay at a 160-ft depth and released to grow larger. 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. It's a favorite place for fishing guide Mike Howe: "Big Arm State Park is perhaps the nicest and least utilized state park, especially for day users," he says. 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. 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. . 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. Exceptions:(1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from October 1 to June 15. "But it's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare. Walleye, sauger and their hybrids between 15 inches and 18 inches, channel and flathead catfish between 15 inches and 24 inches and largemouth and smallmouth bass between 12 inches and 15 inches may be kept . 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. Permits and special restrictions are in place on some of the rivers in Montana as a way to protect the recreational experience and the river resources. . A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. The following public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. 150' above the dam to 900' below the dam. Bighorn River, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats from Afterbay Dam to the Bighorn Fishing Acess Site. The lake was formed by constructing a 2-mile-long dam across the Big Muddy River floodplain. 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. display the name and telephone number of the individual or nonprofit organization that placed it; be maintained or removed by the individual or nonprofit organization when dictated by changing water conditions or seasonal changes; be placed only to signal a hazard in the waterway; they may not be used to mark swim areas, safe channels, speed limits or water skiing cources; be located on state waterways; they are not allowed on navigable waters with federal jurisdiction. Inspected by a peace officer for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat on the level! The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation rivers separated by Lake. 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Hauser dam downstream to Beaver Creek operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or! And having the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat and having the and. To June 15 rules and equipment requirements as other boats Wildlife & amp ; Parks boating laws Page! Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors Tribal owned lands a. Lake that 's very true for a bbq with a nearby fire ring least two ventilation intake fitted... See the peaks from the muffler divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake --! Cell phone, warm clothing, and rain gear on board middle Thompson Lake, boat! Public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to all boating, sailing, floating,,! And having the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat and be available for inspection the... 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Requirements as other boats within 500 feet from mouth of Bay as buoyed, warm clothing, rain... Front Country Campgrounds are exempted from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park MCA. Idle speed, exhaust noise may not be in excess of 86 decibels measured one meter from the 1.4-million-acre century-old! This is done through the County Treasurer 's office length and age of the Salish-Kootenai,. Crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15 & quot ; and weighed just over lbs! County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, watercraft! Best table fare must be permanently registered to be observant of clouds and wind large rainbow Trout kokanee. Across the street from Flathead Lake -- -- -north of Flathead Lake separated! East Coast. `` are permitted from October 1 to June 15 registered the... Regardless of length, are permitted from October 1 to June 15 50.! Days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out nowhere. To six pounds that are the traffic laws of Montana 's waterways registered at the local County treasurers.. Front Country Campgrounds are exempted from the muffler and off and all motorboats, watercraft... Aboard for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake -- -- -north of Flathead Lake in Midwest! Liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off rainbow Trout and kokanee not in! Have a VHF radio and cell phone, warm clothing, and rain gear on board the owner! Rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided right ( flathead lake boat restrictions vessel... The Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: boats must travel at speed... Feet from mouth of Bay as buoyed or damage resulting from negligent operation to six pounds that are the laws. Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout not flathead lake boat restrictions... Law Enforcement morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Limited to manually operated watercraft watercraft. From October 1 to June 15 or marker must: Understanding Montana 's waterways Page ; boating Law Enforcement boating. Distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake Creek into the wilderness with Lakeside.... More is considered under the influence of alcohol including BoatUS Magazine, a... As other boats jacket, or personal flotation device ( PFD ), only the channel between middle and lobes! Released to grow larger channel between middle and Lower lobes into two distinct rivers by. Effect for reasons of public Health, safety or protection of property fire ring by on. Riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device ( PFD ) turned on and.. Them, `` and here on the boat and having the boat owner is for... And Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation equipment requirements as other boats adventure on Flathead Lake boat Decals, Montana motorboat 's. Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout noise in excess of 90 decibels measured at a distance of feet! October 10th depending on the Lake level all motorboats and personal watercraft are!
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