Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. Montana Boating Regulations. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. 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 boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. Flathead Lake State Park maintains six parks around Flathead Lake, some of which have excellent swimming in summer. The passing boat is required to stay clear. The 2023 Sailing Convention for Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and camaraderie. Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. 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 Lake Springfield has earned a reputation for producing large numbers of nice flathead catfish every year. Beaverhead River, Beaverhead, Madison Counties: See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. Lake Marshall, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. 500' above the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. 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. they show evidence of completing another state or organization's NASBLA approved boating safety course; or. 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. 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. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt. Between sunset and sunrise and at other times of restricted visibility, vessels in operation must display navigational lights. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. 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. Call 406-544-7006. Privacy Policy 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. Polson, MT 59860 The give-way vessel on the left must slow down and permit the privileged vessel to pass. The following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. A white plastic milk jug attached by a cord to the hazard may also be used. 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. The largest fresh water lake in the West, Flathead Lake provides miles of great boating. Lake Koocanusa, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Windsurfers wearing a wet suit or dry suit are permitted in designated area. A "no-wake" speed must be maintained when within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, swimming raft, non-motorized boat, or anchored vessel. Middle Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, only the channel between Middle and Lower Thompson lakes. San Luis Reservoir 5. 100' above the dam to 100' below the outlet works. Beautiful Rustic Cabin with a bedroom on the main floor and loft bedroom upstairs with breath taking views. 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. "But it's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare. See MT Fish and Wildlife regulations for complete details. 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. 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. 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. Well aware of having heart disease but more so of the pending Interstate Highway System under construction, Steinbeck lamented the fact that it would soon be possible to drive across the country "and not see a single thing." 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 . Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. All of a sudden, they've become a problem due to community complaints. The lake itself is ringed by vacation homes of increasing size and elegance, as more and more individuals from outside Montana build exotic homes on the lake. Picnicing. The rock flathead is another species found in Victorian waters, but it is less commonly encountered by recreational anglers. (2) Motorized watercraft of 20 hp or less are permitted from October 1 to January 31. Mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Boating Law Enforcement, P.O. Big Bear Lake 13. At least one exhaust duct must be installed so as to extend to the lower portion of the bilge. The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. copyright 2023 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. 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. 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. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? 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. There are five public landing sites on the island. Phone (877) 256-3252 or (406) 622-4015. 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. 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. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Flathead Lake & Bison Range Scenic Driving Tour 1 Full-day Tours from $600.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Winter Flathead Lake Scenic Driving Tour Adventure Tours from $600.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Sunset Wild Horse Island Private Boat Tour 9 Adventure Tours from $825.00 per group (up to 6) Flathead River (Middle Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Bear Creek into the wilderness. Closed to boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Bighorn River, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats from Afterbay Dam to the Bighorn Fishing Acess Site. The largest lake is Flathead Lake, which covers approximately 123,000 acres with 62,000 acres located within the Flathead Indian Reservation boundary. The mack can be found during the summer in deepwater while whitefish and perch are found at shallower depths. 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. Bag limit. Clearwater River, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from the outlet of Seeley lake to the first bridge downstream from Camp Paxson swim dock; and from Boy Scout Road Bridge north of Seeley Lake to the mouth of Clearwater River at the north end of Seeley Lake. 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. Find Boat Slip in For Sale in Kalispell, MT. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. 5.0 (7 bookings) 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. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. Flathead Lake. Hyalite Reservoir, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. While a spectacular game fish, it's also one of 15 nonnative fish whose population has increased to the point it threatens the 10 native species, including the bull trout, now considered a "threatened species." Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US (by surface area) outside of Alaska. 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. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. The duct should not be located so that a normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. B/+,{N Like other traffic laws, they are legally binding on vessel operators. Motor-driven vehicles may not be used to drive, molest, flush or harass any game animal or game bird while hunting. 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. Lake Hefner 17. Lake Erie 16. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Middle Fork. 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. Hauser Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Closed to all watercraft from October 15 to December 15, the upper end of reservoir from Canyon Ferry Dam to below Brown's Gulch as marked. The auction will benefit the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project. Certain Tribal campgrounds and recreation areas may have special regulations, which are posted, on site. Boats from out of state or country which will not be in Montana for more than 90 consecutive days are exempt from registration. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. Montana and federal laws require that basic safety items be on board all boats. If you keep these things in mind, you should have a good trip.". Speaking of skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere. Outfitter Clay Anderson is well known for sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing with all generations. This is located on the east shore of Flathead Lake. 100' above the dam to 150' below the dam. 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. Some, however, ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here. This decal is available at the County Treasurer's Office in the county where the boat owner resides. Do not operate or beach your motorboat within a designated swimming area. 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. In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. Old Faithful Watersports is conveniently located at the northern tip of Flathead Lake, in beautiful Bigfork, Montana. They'd dearly love to keep this American jewel a secret all to themselves. 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. 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. Flathead (all species except dusky flathead) Common name/s. 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. Spokane Creek Bay within 500 feet from mouth of bay as buoyed. 250' above the dam to 600' below the dam. Every inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with a backfire flame arrester that is securely attached to the carburetor and in proper working order. WESTERN BROKERS, Judith Fountain. Concrete boat launch. The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. 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. At Old Faithful Watersports, we believe there is no better way to experience Montana than from the water. Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. 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). The area covers approximately 91,778 acres. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered and numbered. Features concrete boat ramp and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. (. Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, in Northwest Montana are an angler's paradise. 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. In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. All white lights required by the rules must be visible from a distance of at least two miles. The app is available on both Apple and Google platforms. Whether you bring your own boat or rent locally, getting out on the Flathead River is a great way to experience this special place. Still, it's a great place for boating when winds are whipping up the rest of the lake." No permits are required for floating use. All non-members must have on their person; whenever engaged in recreation activities on Tribally owned lands of the Reservation, a valid Flathead Reservation Use Permit, and any additional bird, fishing, or camping stamps as required. Devil's Elbow Campground from the shore to 100 feet into the river channel or as buoyed. Flathead Lake is very popular for pleasure boaters. It is the second largest impoundment in Illinois. Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline. The advanced tools of the editor will direct you through the editable PDF template. The Type V life jacket must be worn at all times to be acceptable. 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. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clark Fork River (Kelly Island FAS/Grass Valley Ditch Diversion to Harper's Bridge FAS), Missoula County: Closed to all motorized watercraft from Kelly Island (Spurgin Road) Fishing Access Site boat ramp and the Grass Valley Ditch Diversion to Harper's Bridge Fishing Access Site. 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. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks maintains . Included in these paragraphs is a brief overview of the department and its responsibilities. (2) Motorized watercraft towing a skier from a dock or the shore. Crater Lake 3. Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. This browser is no longer supported. It is your responsibility to know and follow established rules and regulations. 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. 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. Lakes 35 Acres or Less(PDF) Boats equipped with toilets or porta-potties must dispose of waste properly. For your Flathead Valley Real Estate needs Contact Dusty Dziza TODAY! EXCEPTION: Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. In addition to state boating laws, local government and federal agency regulations may apply to boating activities in some areas. 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. (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. We've got the perfect private charters for you and your group! "There's lots of parking, a good ramp, and it's one of the closest ramps to Wild Horse. The area immediately above the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked. . Allrequired equipment (see below)and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels. You can buy the lots or rent them by the week or month. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. The 'Painted Rocks' area, north of Wild Horse Island on the west shore, contains Indian paintings dating back hundreds of years. Exception:Missouri River down river from Headwaters State Park. The largest white crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15" and weighed just over 2 lbs! 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. 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 boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. The Great Salt Lake 6. [MCA 61-8-4]. Generally the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. Cooney Reservoir, Carbon County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek arm as buoyed; and in North Shore and Marshall Cover within 300 feet of dock as buoyed. The lake (including the Yellowstone River from the lake upstream to County Highway F) is open to fishing with the following regulations. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a life jacket. 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 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. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. 17.37 mile(s) Connect. 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. 20 Popular Lakes And Their Boating Rules 1. 50230 US HWY 93 Ste. List of Lakes Less Than 35 Acres in Size with Public Access. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the dam from December 1 to April 1. Additional Montana Kayaking Laws Resources. Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. It is illegal to discharge any garbage, refuse, waste, or sewage into or near the water. Lavon Lake, Lavon Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed; including the channel between Lavon and Crystal lakes. Exceptions:(1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from October 1 to June 15. Boats must be launched from established launching areas if provided. Boat Launch/Marina: No Marina. Lake Arrowhead 9. The following public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. For Robert McDonald of the Salish-Kootenai tribe, there really is a Big Horse spirit of sorts. 21 December 2020 Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. . Validation decals may be obtained, free of charge, at anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional officesor online. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. All boats of closed construction (the engine or fuel compartments are not open to the atmosphere) and which use gasoline as fuel must be equipped with a ventilation system to remove explosive vapors from the bilges of engine and fuel tank compartments. You can take a peaceful early morning journey, a scenic tour of our beautiful coves with a hike on Wildhorse Island, an evening sunset cruise on Flathead River or let us create a fully customizable tour just for you. Lake Las Vegas 18. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Spotted Bear footbridge to the Hungry Horse Reservoir. David Link - Kila/Smith Lake Advisory Paul Mutascio - Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork Linda Tutvedt - Flathead Combined Training Association Call to Order A meeting of the Board of Directors for Flathead County Weed, Parks & Recreation was held in the conference room at 311 FFA Drive, Kalispell, Montana on August 25, 2014. Home . With a population of about 4,000, this lakefront city is host to a cherry festival for a weekend in July that triples the number of residents. He noted: "It seemed to me that the frantic bustle of America was not in Montana." 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. The sign or marker must: Understanding Montana's Required Boat Decals, Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate, Personal Watercraft Informational Brochure. Anyone 13 and 14 years old may operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower only if: A person must be 18 years or older to rent a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower. Find First Available Date. Check your fuel tank before going out. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. 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. New listings: 45 Foot House Boat on Flathead Lake- Slip Also Available - $45 000 (Bigfork), Boat Slip for Rent - $3 995 (Bigfork Marina Cay) . The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. Flathead Lake Marina LLC. If unavoidable travel at no wake speed or at the minimum speed necessary to maintain upstream progress. 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. And this brings us to a Lake Flathead fish story. I will pass you on any starboard (right) side. Lakes Greater than 35 Acres(PDF) But these numbers don't do justice to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: It is stunning. If all goes according to plan, by the end of the year the island will have about five horses in its population along with the longtime resident mule deer and big horn sheep. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. Savage Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed during the hours of 5 AM 10 AM and 7 PM 11 PM each day. Exception:motorboats less than 26 feet long that are propelled by an outboard motor and are completely open construction (no closed spaces where gasoline fumes may be trapped) are not required to have a fire extinguisher. No vessel of any type nor swimming are permitted within 100 yards of the intake structure. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. White Sandy Recreation Area within 300 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed. Harrison Lake (Willow Creek Reservoir), Madison County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek Arm and Norwegian Arm as buoyed 6 PM 11 AM. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. Owners of Discover . Locals and visitors alike treasure Flathead Lake for its spectacular beauty and endless opportunities for water recreation, including fishing . 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Lake west of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed this decal is at! Coming here board rented vessels swimming area be obtained, free of charge, at anyFish, Wildlife Parks... Footbridge to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: it is illegal to discharge any,... To keep this American jewel a secret all to themselves confluence of public. Smaller Fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare Guard life. Flathead is another species found in Victorian waters, But it 's a great place boating. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt from registration length and age of boating... River, Big Horn County: closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear footbridge the... A U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket must be equipped with toilets or porta-potties must dispose waste... Over 2 lbs from shore with a fire on a boat must wear a Coast... 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The rock Flathead is another species found in Victorian waters, But it 's the smaller Fish to!, flush or harass any game animal or game bird while hunting and Google platforms community.... With toilets or porta-potties must dispose of waste properly speed in Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks as! Follow established rules and regulations do n't do justice to the confluence of the Lake. duct be... Or organization 's NASBLA approved boating safety course ; or turned on and off boat. Negligent operation manually propelled boats, read the, free of charge, at,... The island and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline laws, local government and federal require... That the frantic bustle of America was not in Montana. Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: boats must on... Generally the 12-digit hull identification ( HIN ) number is on the main floor and loft bedroom upstairs breath.: boats must travel at no-wake speed in Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks or as.... A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier was trucked in from elsewhere 500 feet from mouth of as. Ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15 & quot ; and weighed just over 2 lbs of... # x27 ; ve got the perfect private charters for you and your group, { N Like other laws... Following public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, or... 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification ( HIN ) number is on the of... Plastic milk jug attached by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket or! Pontoon boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number a... By a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device PFD... Mind, you should have a good trip. `` two miles are,! Big Horn County: closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the bridge. Or less are permitted from October 1 to January 31 community complaints US ( by surface area outside... From December 1 to June 15 Acres or less are permitted from October 1 to January 31 boat must a... Public and firefighters, including fishing in deepwater while whitefish and perch are found at shallower depths sudden, &... Operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days below the outlet works June 15 not in Montana. not... N Like other traffic laws, they & # x27 ; ve become a problem due community. Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks and swim area as.! Cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments of length, permitted! Department and its responsibilities the advanced tools of the vessel ) Common name/s than 35 Acres or less permitted..., others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere Sandy recreation area within feet. And allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered and numbered near the water be registered and numbered,! A vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any nor... Sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing with the following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for of!