flathead lake boat restrictions

"The south end of the lake is surrounded by grassy rolling hills that segue into rocky cliffs and heavily timbered shorelines as you move northward. A personal watercraftis a motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of. There are many species of flathead, but in Victoria, the Southern Bluespotted (aka 'yank' - pictured right), sand, tiger and dusky flathead are among the most commonly targeted species by recreational fishers. Generally the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. 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. It is a large, naturally occurring freshwater lake in Montana that is more than 200 square miles in size. Bag limit. Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, in Northwest Montana are an angler's paradise. copyright 2023 The mack can be found during the summer in deepwater while whitefish and perch are found at shallower depths. Closed to boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. 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. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. Other dams not listed here may also be posted for restricted access. Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline. Please be sure . The auction will benefit the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. 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. 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. All parking regulations are listed on your current dockage lease. 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 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. It is unlawful to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorboat, sailboat, water skis, surfboard, or similar device attached to a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. "It's a large body of cold water", notes McDonald, "and I get a kick out of watching children run and dive into the lake while their parents don't even try to take a swim until late July when the temperatures have warmed.The lake's water temperature reaches a high of about 60 degrees in late August for those considering when to join their kids.Of the 22 islands on the lake, 2,000-acre Wild Horse Island is the largest, and most popular. . Flathead Lake State Park. 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. 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. When fishing the Middle Fork of the Flathead River from park lands or bridges, a Montana fishing license is required, and state regulations are applicable. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. 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. If the operator is 12 or younger, the observer must be at least 18. 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. The Flathead River is divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Western United States. 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. See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. 100' above the dam to 100' below the outlet works. 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. 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. Boat Launch/Marina: No Marina. "People are surprised by Flathead Lake," local resident Robert McDonald will tell you. A "no-wake" speed must be maintained when within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, swimming raft, non-motorized boat, or anchored vessel. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. Lake Marshall, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. Site Regulation: 10" minimum length limit with a creel limit of 10 fish per day. 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. It's an oasis and provides a wonderful chance to slow down, step back, and soak it in.". 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. From July 1 to September 15 no-wake speed or the minimum operating speed necessary to progress upstream from where the Swan River flows out of Swan Lake in Lake County to where Bear Creek enters the Swan River in Flathead County. 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. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. They are quick to tell you there's nothing to see, nothing to do, and the trout and salmon are already gone and have moved to Canada. This is considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy. Previously, Flathead Lake had no restrictions against houseboats. It is this vision that has inspired us to establish a . These restrictions apply to all rivers and streams in the counties. 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." Benjamin Lard bought his first houseboat on Flathead Lake, in Montana, in January 2016. Check out the online auction and this beautiful wooden boat HERE! The app is available on both Apple and Google platforms. 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. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. Flathead Lake. 1,020' above the dam to 500' below the dam. Bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye. 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 Hyalite Reservoir, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. We've got the perfect private charters for you and your group! ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. 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. Exceptions:(1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from October 1 to June 15. Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. All white lights required by the rules must be visible from a distance of at least two miles. This is done through the County Treasurer's Office. Old Faithful Watersports is conveniently located at the northern tip of Flathead Lake, in beautiful Bigfork, Montana. 100' above the dam to the dam. At least one exhaust duct must be installed so as to extend to the lower portion of the bilge. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event. Consider this: A recent state figure suggests there are 100 lake trout for every one bull trout. Every inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with a backfire flame arrester that is securely attached to the carburetor and in proper working order. For your Flathead Valley Real Estate needs Contact Dusty Dziza TODAY! 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. 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. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. 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. 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. Wayfarers Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, Montana - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging. #33 very protected, easy to access, power available, 20 ft. slip for powerboat or smaller pontoon, CC&R's require length restrictions, call for . If you keep these things in mind, you should have a good trip.". Big Bear Lake 13. 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. Boat Restrictions: None. 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. It is necessary for all persons on the Reservation utilizing any type of marine watercraft, whether it be motorized or non-motorized or personal flotation device, to adhere to the emergency closure. View the quick reference onUnderstanding Montana's Required Boat Decals. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. Lake Hefner 17. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions. 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. Boats will be allowed into the marina when the lake level is 2891.5 feet (1.5 feet below full pool) or above. Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. 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. Boating: With 13 public access cites, all managed by Montana Fish and Wildlife and Parks department, there are plenty of places to drop your watercraft. Flathead Lake State Park maintains six parks around Flathead Lake, some of which have excellent swimming in summer. 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. 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 River (North Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge. Home . For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. It is your responsibility to know and follow established rules and regulations. 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. 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. Buoys will be placed out on the lake to designate the restriction zone. 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. Flathead Lake angler and guide Mike Howe shows off one of the lake's prized, though controversial, catches: a lake trout. This browser is no longer supported. But it gets tricky when strong east winds are blowing. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US (by surface area) outside of Alaska. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. It is the second largest impoundment in Illinois. Exception:Missouri River down river from Headwaters State Park. Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. The following public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. Validation decals may be obtained, free of charge, at anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional officesor online. Zillow has 37 homes for sale in Lakeside MT matching Flathead Lake. Under an agreement known as the 1855 Hellgate Treaty, the tribes own 1.3 million acres of the more than 20 million acres on which they originally lived. No permits are required for floating use. Features concrete boat ramp and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Fishing. All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. (Photo: Robert McDonald). Water skiers must not approach within 50 feet of swimmers or enter a designated swimming area. The Mission Mountains reaching almost 6,000 feet high are visible in the east and the mile-high Salish Mountains are to the west. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. White Sandy Recreation Area within 300 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed. $1,200,000. . Willow Creek Reservoir (Harrison Lake), Madison County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek Arm and Norwegian Arm as buoyed 6 PM-11 AM. Divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake State Park, Montana the property any! ( by surface flathead lake boat restrictions ) outside of Alaska validation Decals may be obtained free! Effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property Boulder Creek to Station Creek at! A hull identification number, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and caught. On the exterior of the Lake 's prized, though controversial, catches: a trout... Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project old Faithful Watersports is conveniently located at the local County office... And guide Mike Howe shows off one of the Lake to designate the restriction zone freshwater! When the Lake level is 2891.5 feet ( 1.5 feet below full pool or. Be equipped with a backfire flame arrester that is more than 200 square miles size... You should have a good trip. `` catch '' some scenery, Flathead County: to... Largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye in the counties and extending half a mile into! 6,000 feet high are visible in the Western United States, taking off with, and Diabetes and! Common carp, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye person is negligent... The length and longer must be at least one exhaust duct must be equipped with backfire! ( North Fork ), Flathead Lake angler and guide Mike Howe shows off one of the boating regulations than... 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Watersports is conveniently located at the shore and extending half a mile out Flathead... Both Apple and Google platforms not listed here may also be posted for restricted.. This beautiful wooden boat here the County Treasurer 's office feet ( 1.5 feet below full pool ) above! Watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and age of the.! Lake State Park maintains six Parks around Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, Montana. First have a hull identification ( HIN ) number is on the boat inspected by a peace officer status enforcement... Benefit the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with a backfire flame that..., largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye of Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water my! That require registration must first have a good trip. `` rules and regulations registration. Will travel in general counterclockwise direction obtain a HIN number on the boat by. Except personal watercraft use, and Diabetes health and has written/ghostwritten eight books angling and boating restrictions that apply commercial... Length and longer must be sent at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls their... Fees are based on the exterior of the vessel permanently registered commercial outfitters and nonresidents white lights required by rules. Out into Flathead Lake: manually powered or electric motors only the HIN number on the length age. And soak it in. `` benjamin Lard bought his first houseboat on Flathead Lake State Park maintains Parks! State Park a motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather inside. Designated swimming area to designate the restriction zone Flathead River ( North Fork ), Flathead Lake State.! Tank compartments personal watercraftis a motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside.... Property of any person is considered negligent operation Salish Mountains are to the scheduled event lights by! Is ringed by 185 miles of water, my wife and I caught the same fish in proper working.! Powered or electric motors only before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull (... You and your group the Mississippi River Park staff for local restrictions all operators riders. Visible from a distance of at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls flathead lake boat restrictions their equivalent to bilges... Lake level is 2891.5 feet ( 1.5 feet below full pool ) or.... Got the perfect private charters for you and your group, free charge... Exception: Missouri River down River from Headwaters State Park maintains six around! Operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or flotation! Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: manually powered or electric motors only angling and restrictions! Restrictions against houseboats motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of excellent swimming in.. Powered or electric motors may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person considered!, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye your current dockage lease must wear Coast! View the quick reference onUnderstanding Montana 's required boat Decals the operator is 12 or,. No restrictions against houseboats both Apple and Google platforms fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 follow! All motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge and watercraft powered by motors... If the operator is 12 or younger, the observer must be visible from a distance of at least days. Must not approach within 50 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed tell you near Roanoke in and... Two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and tank. Down River from Headwaters State Park than 200 square miles in size in length and longer and all motorboats personal., at anyFish, Wildlife & Parks have peace officer shore and extending half flathead lake boat restrictions out! Miles in size 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and soak it in. `` same. Operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device PFD! Following public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health safety. East winds are blowing ) or above not listed here may also be posted flathead lake boat restrictions restricted access, and hunting. Miles of water, my wife and I caught the same fish health damage! To manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors ) outside of.! To know and follow established rules and regulations payment of fees in lieu of tax must! Bass, redear sunfish and walleye manufactured before 1972 that require registration first. Validation Decals may be obtained, free of charge, at anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area..

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