Flathead Lake State Park maintains six parks around Flathead Lake, some of which have excellent swimming in summer. At idle speed, exhaust noise may not be in excess of 90 decibels measured one meter from the muffler. The advanced tools of the editor will direct you through the editable PDF template. Do not operate a boat within 75 feet of a person engaged in fishing or hunting waterfowl unless it is unavoidable. Our RV Resort has 60 spacious lots right across the street from Flathead Lake in Big Arm Montana. Glacier National Park. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit. 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. This reservoir is one of Virginia's premier fisheries, offering outstanding fishing and other recreational opportunities. 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. 406-883-4343. Always operate a vessel at a safe speed so that you are able to stop within the assured visible distance ahead or take proper and effective action to avoid collision. For your Flathead Valley Real Estate needs Contact Dusty Dziza TODAY! Do not anchor in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels. WESTERN BROKERS, Judith Fountain. 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. 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. Every inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with a backfire flame arrester that is securely attached to the carburetor and in proper working order. 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. Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. The 2023 Sailing Convention for Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and camaraderie. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. 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. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. Speaking of skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere. Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites (local time). they are accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. Fishing: Popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee. The way to complete the Flathead Indian reservation recreation permit form on the internet: To get started on the form, use the Fill camp; Sign Online button or tick the preview image of the document. Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Flathead Lake State Park. Personal watercraft must follow the same rules and equipment requirements as other boats. In an emergency or if there is insufficient water on either side to avoid passing through the 200-foot safety zone, do not exceed the "no wake" speed. Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake. The rock flathead is another species found in Victorian waters, but it is less commonly encountered by recreational anglers. Other dams not listed here may also be posted for restricted access. Make sure you have a VHF radio and cell phone, warm clothing, and rain gear on board. 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). Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. give his or her name, address and identification of the boat in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any damaged property. 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. 14 . Polson, MT 59860 Call 406-544-7006. FLATHEAD CATFISH . At Old Faithful Watersports, we believe there is no better way to experience Montana than from the water. Boats will be allowed into the marina when the lake level is 2891.5 feet (1.5 feet below full pool) or above. Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. Do not operate your motorboat within 50 feet of a swimmer in the water except for boats towing water skiers. Between the dam and 300' downstream and the reservoir between the dam and the boat barrier. All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. When overtaking another vessel, the boat being overtaken has the right of way and must hold course and speed. Lakes Greater than 35 Acres(PDF) The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Upsata Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Exception: (1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from May 1 to June 15. Cynthia Bras of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes frequently speaks with visitors about their plans for the day. Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. 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. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clark Fork River (Harpers Bridge FAS to St. Johns FAS), Missoula, Mineral Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from Harpers Bridge Fishing Access Site to St. Johns Fishing Access Site. Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline. Phone (877) 256-3252 or (406) 622-4015. San Luis Reservoir 5. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. 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. 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. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Boating Laws Resource Page; Boating Law Enforcement. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. Due to the lakes size and beauty, sailboats are common on the lake, along with pleasure boats of all kinds. #33 very protected, easy to access, power available, 20 ft. slip for powerboat or smaller pontoon, CC&R's require length restrictions, call for . "It's a chance to visit a place where the ecosystem is still untouched. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. 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. 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. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. Learn about the different types of lifejackets: Motorboats 26 feet to less than 40 feet long must have at least two B-1 or one B-II fire extinguishers. 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) 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. 406-212-7175 1-866-351-8485 The explosive vapors are heavier than air and accumulate in the bottom of the boat without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. Fishing. Remember to stay out of the way of any aircraft needing to dip or scoop water from the lake when boating. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. You can launch just a half-mile south of Bigfork at the 67-acre Wayfarer State Park. 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. New boat owners can obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat. Echo Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Motorboats and personal watercraft may not emit noise in excess of 86 decibels measured at a distance of 50 feet. 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." Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. 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. Also exempt are a vessels lifeboat and government-owned boats. Beaver Creek Reservoir, Hill County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower; boats must travel at no-wake speed. A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation. Enjoy the days on the beautiful lawn which borders two hundred feet of Flathead Lake. Exceptions:(1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from October 1 to June 15. ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. Don't take a chance. Cochrane Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have one Type I, II or III life jacket for each person on board. Zillow has 37 homes for sale in Lakeside MT matching Flathead Lake. Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, MT. Montana and federal laws require that basic safety items be on board all boats. Minimum legal size. Picnicing. ARM 12.8.212defines the rules for boating and swimming areas. They always tell me they don't have clear water like this in the Midwest or on the East Coast.". The passing boat is required to stay clear. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Montana Boating Regulations. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. 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 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. (Example: MT 1234 AB or MT 1234 - AB). Written permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is necessary to conduct a boating race, regatta or other marine event on Montana's waters. The area immediately above and below the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked by boat restraining systems. Youths 13 and 14 years of age may not operate those vessels without possessing a valid Montanamotorboat operator's safety certificateor evidence of completing an approved boating safety course, or unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. The auction will benefit the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project. Kalispell, MT. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a life jacket. [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. The mack can be found during the summer in deepwater while whitefish and perch are found at shallower depths. Big Arm has a pebble beach (sand beaches don't exist here) and is home base for many visitors with boats. 5. . 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. 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. Consider this: A recent state figure suggests there are 100 lake trout for every one bull trout. Water skiing and other towed recreation is not allowed between sunset and sunrise. All of a sudden, they've become a problem due to community complaints. Learn more Operator Age Limit - Motorboats & Personal Watercraft . Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirsgreater than 35 surface acres within the westernfishing district are limited to no-wake speed from theshoreline to 200 feet from the shoreline. 1,020' above the dam to 500' below the dam. 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. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. Beaverhead River, Beaverhead, Madison Counties: See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. 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. 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flathead lake boat restrictions