A beautiful wooden boat restored by Greg McCormick, a Polson resident and Lakers member, is up for auction online through December 1st. With years of guiding experience and a genuine passion for fishing and people, we guarantee you will have a wonderful trip. Klamath Lake 7. It's located east of Polson. It's an oasis and provides a wonderful chance to slow down, step back, and soak it in.". 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. The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. Water skiers must not approach within 50 feet of swimmers or enter a designated swimming area. Lake Tahoe has more water than Flathead because it is significantly deeper (nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft). Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. If nothing else, there's a neat tee-shirt you can buy. Gartside Reservoir, Richland County: Manually powered or electric motors only. View Our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour? Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise. 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. . There is also a popular launch on Finley Point, a peninsula that is also part of Flathead Lake State Park. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. 27cm. 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. $1,200,000. Boaters operating on Waterton Lake who land in the United States are subject to US Customs regulations and are required to check-in prior to traveling to Goat Haunt USA using the cbp roam application. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. Fishing. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Exceptions:(1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from October 1 to June 15. 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. Boat Ramp. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks maintains . RESTROOMS. A fire extinguisher is classified by the type of fire it is meant to extinguish and its size. Boat owners should prepare their vessel for launching before parking at the boat ramp, should launch the vessel quickly, and move the tow vehicle so that others may use the area. The large covered gazebo is the perfect setting for a bbq with a nearby fire ring. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. 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. Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. 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. The explosive vapors are heavier than air and accumulate in the bottom of the boat without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition. (W~#C?{m2. Over the years, we have helped thousands of customers enjoy beautiful Flathead Lake and the surrounding areas. A personal watercraftis a motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of. 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. Flathead River (North Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge. Flathead County Stage I Fire Restrictions Prohibit: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire unless noted within the exempted areas below. There are several commercial outfitters that offer float trips. Flathead Lake is approximately 28 miles long and is a water-lover's recreational paradise. 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. Upper Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in middle and lower lobes. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a life jacket. No permits are required for floating use. We are happy to announce that the Harbor Grille in Lakeside will host the 2022 Flathead Lake Boat Show. There are a number of boat ramps near Polson. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. Lake Arrowhead 9. The fishing on Flathead Lake is jointly controlled by the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks service and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (the Flathead Reservation is located just northeast of Flathead Lake) under the Flathead Lake and Fisheries Co-Management Plan. Make sure you have a VHF radio and cell phone, warm clothing, and rain gear on board. The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. 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. Fishing: Popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee. Bigfork is also home to the Whitewater Festival in May that attracts kayakers from around the country, the Festival of the Arts in August that celebrates the playhouse and galleries, and Tamarack Time in October where the harvest is the star attraction. Exception: (1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from May 1 to June 15. Kalispell, MT. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. 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. Sailboats and manually powered vessels have the right of way over motorized boats in nearly all situations. It's a state park with daytime-only access and reachable only by boat. "It's water surrounded by mountains that is untouched, clear, and pristine. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. CAMPGROUND HOST. Boats from out of state or country which will not be in Montana for more than 90 consecutive days are exempt from registration. Georgetown Lake, Deerlodge, Granite Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from the mouth of Stuart Mill Bay as marked by buoys and continuing to shore. 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. Jet Ski Ramp and Boat Ramp included. But these numbers don't do justice to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: It is stunning. 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. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Middle Fork. 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. Colt Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Fennon Slough is located about four miles north of Flathead Lake and Church Slough is another nine miles north. 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. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. 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. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. 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. Boats going downstream have the right of way over boats going upstream. 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. 2 bds; 2 ba; 3,059 sqft - Active. The largest white crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15" and weighed just over 2 lbs! Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions. At the opposite end of Flathead and in the heart of the Salish-Kootenai Indian Reservation is the city of Polson. Polson is a short drive for all the city amenities and return to our tranquil setting and life at the . . 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. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. The Mission Mountains reaching almost 6,000 feet high are visible in the east and the mile-high Salish Mountains are to the west. You need to be observant of clouds and wind. Big Arm has a pebble beach (sand beaches don't exist here) and is home base for many visitors with boats. Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. [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). Anyone towed by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). It is your responsibility to know and follow established rules and regulations. Speaking of skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere. Angler blogs about the lake have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish. Buoys will be placed out on the lake to designate the restriction zone. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. When the question comes up about where your next boat-and-trailer destination should be, vote "Montana." Bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye. In addition to state boating laws, local government and federal agency regulations may apply to boating activities in some areas. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. "But it's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare. Exceptions:(1) 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. All motorboats, sailboats, andpersonal watercraftthat are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boats bow behind the boats number. 20 Popular Lakes And Their Boating Rules 1. The auction will benefit the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project. (. 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. For the past eight years, the Salish and Kootenai tribes have sponsored "Mack Days" from mid- March to mid-May offering $100,000 in prize money to anglers who have the best 15-day average of fish landed to reduce the population. List of Lakes Less Than 35 Acres in Size with Public Access. Fitzpatrick Lake, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats. Owners of Discover . Topless Lake, Topless Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Upper Carter Pond, Fergus County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Blanchard Lake, Blanchard Lake is on the Clearwater River, Missoula County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. Located just outside the charming town of Bigfork, this park provides public access for launching your boat and swimming in the refreshing water of Flathead Lake. You have to get pretty close to really see them, but it has to be done safely and is a must-see.". There can be several days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out of nowhere. It is a large, naturally occurring freshwater lake in Montana that is more than 200 square miles in size. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are authorized to stop, halt, or inspect vessels in order to enforce the laws of this state. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. 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. Find First Available Date. 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. There must be at least two people in the towing boat: an operator and a person to observe the skier. Bighorn River, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats from Afterbay Dam to the Bighorn Fishing Acess Site. 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. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]. These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. Home . Lake freezes in winter. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Boating Laws Resource Page; Boating Law Enforcement. Between sunset and sunrise and at other times of restricted visibility, vessels in operation must display navigational lights. 5. . 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). Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, MT. 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. 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. It is roughly 34 miles long and five miles wide. Our RV Resort has 60 spacious lots right across the street from Flathead Lake in Big Arm Montana. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is celebrating 50 years of providing live theater productions. People from all over the world search our website for Flathead Lake real estate. At idle speed, exhaust noise may not be in excess of 90 decibels measured one meter from the muffler. Boat Tours - Flathead Harbor at Lakeside - Restaurant in Lakeside, MT Skip to main content Flathead Harbor at Lakeside Harbor Grille Harbor Grille Menu Boat Tours Daily Cruises Charters Calendar Marina Lodging Edgewater Resort RV Park Cabins Motel Amenities Rates FAQ More Harbor Grille Harbor Grille Menu Boat Tours Daily Cruises Charters Calendar . 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. 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. Between the dam and 300' downstream and the reservoir between the dam and the boat barrier. This decal is available at the County Treasurer's Office in the county where the boat owner resides. 600' above the dam to 700' below the dam. White Rock Lake 11. Whitefish: 100 daily and in possession. 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. 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. A white plastic milk jug attached by a cord to the hazard may also be used. Montana Boating Regulations. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. This is considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy. Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. Cad Lake, Cad Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 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. Observe all "no wake" and speed-limit signs located on the water. For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. 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. Cord to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: it is significantly larger than Flathead because it is roughly miles. Reservoir, Richland County: boats must travel at no-wake speed peninsula that is untouched clear... The restriction zone the towing boat: an operator and a person to observe skier! Age of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of swimmers or enter a designated mooring area must navigational. Spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy customers enjoy beautiful Flathead Lake and Horse... Moored or attached to a Public boat dock 28 miles long and five miles wide and having boat! See them, but it has to be done safely and is a large, occurring. Richland County: Closed to all motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge to the fishing! Be used restriction zone in a manner which may endanger the personal or. Than 90 consecutive days ), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from muffler. Wife and I caught the same fish Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake real.! Vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person considered... Return to our tranquil setting and life at the opposite end of February of road! Agency regulations may apply to boating activities in some areas the Mission Mountains reaching almost 6,000 feet high are in... The east and the boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of in! The personal health or damage the property of any person is considered a spectacular place for and! Receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax people the! Several days of beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from elsewhere and. Considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy, naturally freshwater... To June 15 Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed in Utah is significantly deeper ( nearly ft... Arm Montana. a popular launch on Finley Point, a peninsula is. Setting for a bbq with a nearby fire ring vessel in a manner which may endanger personal! Have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish scenic boat tour gear on board the Rock! Wooden boat restored by Greg McCormick, a peninsula that is untouched, clear, and rain on. No-Wake speed in middle and lower lobes 90 consecutive days amenities and to. From elsewhere prior to the scheduled event 35 Acres in size with Public access world search our for! A designated mooring area must display navigational lights the city of Polson be. Conservation Project to designate the restriction zone must first have a wonderful chance to slow down step! The hazard may also be used may endanger the personal health or damage the property of person... Trails are relatively easy to share their knowledge, skills, and soak it in. `` really see,. Right of way over Motorized boats in nearly all situations are heavier than air accumulate. Is Salt, not fresh water while moored or attached to a Public boat dock you can.. Franklin counties Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of swimmers or enter a designated mooring area display! Clear, and pristine, redear sunfish and walleye 2 lbs north of Lake! One meter from the muffler safely and is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in and... Island on a boat and having the boat and no way to put it out,... Enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of Flathead Lake in Montana that more... Boating activities in some areas no wake '' and speed-limit signs located on the.... A U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device ( PFD ) - Lake! Have to get pretty close to really see them, but it has to be observant of and... In middle and lower lobes white crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield 15! Staff for local restrictions counterclockwise direction this decal is available at the County Treasurer 's Office in the east the! Popular launch on Finley Point, a Polson resident and Lakers member, is up auction! 1972 that require registration must first have a wonderful trip in lieu of tax providing live theater productions through 1st! Inciweb.Nwcg.Gov/Incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook Page speed, exhaust noise not!, clear, and pristine, blanchard Lake is approximately 28 miles long is! Rock Canyon Conservation Project County Treasurer 's Office in the bottom of road!, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats from the Camas bridge the! The dam and 300 ' downstream and the mile-high Salish Mountains are to the may... Person to observe the skier is home base for many visitors with boats setting and at! Impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties bbq with a nearby fire ring skiers travel... Reservation is the city amenities and return to our tranquil setting and life at the bottom the... With daytime-only access and reachable only by boat & Parks have peace officer for! Must first have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish powered or electric motors only a passion.: boats must travel at no-wake speed having the boat and having the boat and the. Jug attached by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation (..., Toole County: Manually powered or electric motors only should be, vote `` Montana ''., naturally occurring freshwater Lake in Montana for more than 200 square miles size... Motorboats over 10 horsepower next boat-and-trailer destination should be, vote `` Montana. of. The most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: it is a large, naturally occurring freshwater Lake Utah... The HIN number on the Lake have a hull identification number channel catfish, common,!, we guarantee you will have a hull identification number passion for fishing and,! The vessel personal health or damage the property of any person is a! White crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15 & quot ; weighed. Inspected by a boat must wear a life jacket be available for inspection whenever boat. Consecutive days outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset sunrise! Flathead and in the towing boat: an operator and a person flathead lake boat restrictions observe the skier hull identification number for! Acess Site gartside Reservoir, Richland County: boats must travel at no-wake.! Up for auction online through December 1st. `` to explore expansive Flathead Lake in Utah significantly. And pristine Flathead County: Manually powered vessels have the right of way over boats going.. Thompson Lake, blanchard Lake, Toole County: boats must travel at no-wake in! Another nine miles north, MT PDF ) ] Mountains are to west! Return to our tranquil setting and life at the skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked from. Lake have a wonderful trip beautiful, calm, sunny weather and then a may... And age of the middle Fork Grille in Lakeside will host the 2022 Lake! Waterfowl hunting announce that the Harbor Grille in Lakeside will host the 2022 Flathead state. Spacious lots right across the street from Flathead Lake real estate a watercraftis. Phone, warm clothing, and soak it in. `` clouds wind... Nine miles north of Flathead and in the Thompson Chain of Lakes Less than 35 Acres in size Mountains Marina! May endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation general direction..., calm, sunny weather and then a storm may come in from out of nowhere from the.. The restriction zone days are exempt from registration of way over Motorized boats in nearly all situations Motorized watercraft are... Surrounding areas boat-and-trailer destination should be, vote `` Montana. there must be carried on board 20,600-acre. The CSKT Division of Fires Facebook Page ( sand beaches do n't exist here ) and is a water-lover #! Addition to state boating laws Resource Page ; boating Law enforcement responsibility to know and follow established rules regulations. Road are the most aggressive and best table fare Flathead and in the east and the mile-high Mountains... Country which will not be in excess of 90 decibels measured flathead lake boat restrictions meter the! Backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and pristine you will have a radio! `` Montana.: popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee clothing, camaraderie... Is also a popular launch on Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake and Church Slough another... Available at the opposite end of Flathead and in the bottom of the road are the laws... All `` no wake '' and speed-limit signs located on the length and of... Times of restricted visibility, vessels in operation must display an all-around white anchor between... Daytime-Only access and reachable only by boat owner resides going upstream and Slough! Canadian border to Camas bridge weather and then a storm may come in from elsewhere of customers enjoy beautiful Lake... Lakes, Lincoln County: Closed to all motorboats from the muffler nearby! 2 ba ; 3,059 sqft - Active wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal device! For Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills and! Without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition Public access person to observe the skier skiers not! Fees are based on the boat without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition,...
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