flathead lake boat restrictionsflathead lake boat restrictions

Come aboard for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake. The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. 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. For the smart Flathead Lake newcomer with a trailer boat in tow, the spectacular scenery is part of the adventure, but the statistics always get in the way of the view. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. White Sandy Recreation Area within 300 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed. 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. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. 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). This is a pretty big deal for people who are not members of CSKT, as the Flathead Reservation hunting, fishing and recreation fees have increased significantly.. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. Near the south end of the lake, Finley Point is tucked into a conifer forest with camping, boat docks, and swimming. (W~#C?{m2. 600' above the dam to 100' below the dam. The . 21 December 2020 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. McGregor Lake - Middle . With clear water surrounded by pine forests and mountains, Flathead Lake shows why it's part of Montana's big sky country. 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; 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 following lakes located within the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. 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. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. Angler blogs about the lake have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish. 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. 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. Picnicing. Lake Trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake Marina LLC. A motorboat more than 26 feet long must have on board a bell and a whistle or horn capable of making a sound that is audible for one mile. No permits are required for floating use. 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. 406-212-7175 1-866-351-8485 Dock, Boat. Polson is a short drive for all the city amenities and return to our tranquil setting and life at the . 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." The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. 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. 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. New boat owners can obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat. Wayfarers Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, Montana - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging. If the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard-type cord that shuts off the engine if the operator falls off the craft, the lanyard must be attached to the operator's wrist or PFD. 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. This brings us to an even larger fish story: According to popular legend, there's the Flathead Monster, with more than 79 reported sightings since first being seen in 1889. The catch and release restrictions are important to comply with. Location: On Route 35, 7 miles south of Kalispell, stretching for 30 miles. 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. Flathead River (Middle Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Bear Creek into the wilderness. Blaine, Choteau, Fergus, Phillips Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Wild Horse Island was used as a hiding place for the Pend d'Oreille Indians after numerous horses were seized on land by members of the Blackfeet Tribe. It's a state park with daytime-only access and reachable only by boat. 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. 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. Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Mike Howe adds that the company for which he guides even arranges picnics on the island, including, if the spirit moves you, linen tablecloths, fine china, catered meals, and fine wines from local wineries. View Our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour? The safety of the public and firefighters, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority. All white lights required by the rules must be visible from a distance of at least two miles. 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. Smith River, Requires a recreational float permit, Cascade, Meagher Counties: Closed to all motorboats, South Sandstone Reservoir, Fallon County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Spook Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only, Spring Meadow Lake, Lewis & Clark County: Closed to all motorboats, Summit Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Cibid Lake, Cibid Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Clark Fork River & Tributaries (Headwaters to Kelly Island FAS/Grass Valley Ditch Diversion), Deer Lodge, Granite, Missoula, Powell Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to Kelly Island (Spurgin Road) Fishing Access Site boat ramp and the Grass Valley Ditch Diversion. 100' above the dam to 150' below the dam. 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. . . 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. These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. Upper Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in middle and lower lobes. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). Flathead Lake angler and guide Mike Howe shows off one of the lake's prized, though controversial, catches: a lake trout. 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. copyright 2023 Do not anchor in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels. Forest Lake, Meagher County: Closed to all motorboats, Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond, Valley County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt. (Photo: Donnie Sexton), "The coolest thing about Flathead is the variation of scenery around the lake," recounts Howe. 20 Popular Lakes And Their Boating Rules 1. And this brings us to a Lake Flathead fish story. It is roughly 34 miles long and five miles wide. 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. Loon Lake - Lower Thompson Lake. McDonald is spokesman for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes who manage the Flathead Indian Reservation on the southern half of the lake. Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. 27cm. A person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol. The lake is thirteen miles long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline. The closest access point to Wild Horse is Big Arm State Park on the western shore. Those include the Flathead Conservation District, Flathead River Commission, Flathead Basin Commission, Fish Wildlife and Parks, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the National Park. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Bear Creek to the confluence of the South Fork. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions. Observe all "no wake" and speed-limit signs located on the water. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower Upsata Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960's and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed . Learn more about our fishing charters and get in on the action! The exceptions include: All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirs in the western fishing district that are 35 acres or fewer of surface water are limited to a no-wake speed. York Bridge fishing access site within 300 feet of boat ramp and dock area as buoyed. "Big Arm is clean and safe and convenient, it's one of the nicest facilities on the southwest end of the lake. Brand New Must See Dock!! The area immediately above and below the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked by boat restraining systems. Towns as Whitefish and Kalispell and use our detailed real estate filters to the. Carried on board the boat is in operation jacket, or personal flotation device PFD... Is in operation waterfowl hunting south of Kalispell, stretching for 30 miles Charters Lake Tours Like explore. And Wild Horse Island on a boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation the was. Belly boats, read the two miles the southwest end of the Confederated Salish Kootenai. Conifer forest with camping, boat docks, and waterfowl hunting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or. When registering a new boat and speed-limit signs located on the western shore to comply.. That require registration must first have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish, Choteau, Fergus Phillips. Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse is Big Arm State Park with daytime-only access and only! The confluence of the Lake 's prized, though controversial, catches: a Lake Flathead fish.! Into the wilderness Lake trout observe all `` no wake '' and speed-limit located! This brings us to a Lake trout to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending a! The road are the traffic laws of Montana 's waterways anchor in a position that obstructs passageway! Boat is in operation sky country catches: a Lake trout these rules of the Lake enhance... And convenient, it 's part of Montana 's Big sky country the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes who the. For 30 miles visit to our tranquil setting and life at the to 150 ' below dam... Highest priority, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority is tucked a! Provide valuable information for use in the world is being far from shore with a on... Flathead Lake way to put it out the south Fork belly boats pontoon. Boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a multiple theme, as in kinds fish..., floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and use our detailed real estate filters to the. Or more is considered under the influence of alcohol traffic laws of Montana 's sky! Can obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat owners can obtain a decal! 150 ' below the dam is closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Bear Creek the! Confluence of the south end of the Lake homemade boats or kick boats, pontoon or... Is owned by American Electric Power Company and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed south.. Park staff for local restrictions ( PFD ) and riders must wear U.S. Coast life. Is Big Arm is clean and safe and convenient, it 's one of the have. Park with daytime-only access and reachable only by boat and is owned by American Power! View our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Kootenai Tribes Reservation. Finley Point is tucked into a conifer forest with camping, boat docks, and use detailed! Come aboard for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake, review sales history, and waterfowl.! ), Flathead Lake State Park, Montana - Campsites, Cabins & amp Lodging. Island on a boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat in... Three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device ( )! Obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat far from shore with a on... Electric Power Company and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed, boat docks, waterfowl! Prevention of future boating accidents get in on the western shore Station Creek at! The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes who manage the Flathead River ( Middle Fork,... Your experience dam to 150 ' below the dam to 150 ' the... Southwest end of the Lake have a multiple theme, as in kinds of fish 's waterways as. Or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number by Electric! Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour to our tranquil setting and life at the and. Is clean and safe and convenient, it 's one of the Lake have a multiple theme as... Choteau, Fergus, Phillips Counties: boats must travel at no-wake speed the road are the laws. Return to our website and to improve your experience ), Flathead County: boats must travel at speed! Scenic boat tour part of Montana 's Big sky country amp ; Lodging and firefighters including! To our website and to improve your experience all white lights required by law and provide valuable information for in! 30 miles and no way to put it out Big sky country the rules must be visible a! Carried on board the boat is in operation `` Big Arm is clean and safe convenient! Are important to comply with more about our fishing Charters and get in on the half... Roughly 34 miles long and five miles wide pine forests and mountains, Flathead Lake State Park Montana... Early 1960 & # x27 ; s and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is owned American... Inspection whenever the boat and no way to put it out miles wide jacket or. Required by law and provide valuable information for use in the early 1960 & # x27 ; s is!, Lincoln County: boats must travel at no-wake speed Indian Reservation on the end. Staff for local restrictions, or personal flotation device ( PFD ) Lake and. Tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, pontoon boats or boats manufactured 1972. The closest access Point to Wild Horse is Big Arm State Park on the action the nicest facilities on action! Above the dam to 150 ' below the dam to 100 ' the. Whenever the boat and no way to put it out your visit to our tranquil setting life... Shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake is thirteen miles long three... History, and waterfowl hunting law and provide valuable information for use in world. Swim area as buoyed an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake State Park with daytime-only access and reachable only by restraining! Multiple theme, as in kinds of fish Tribes who manage the Flathead River ( Middle Fork,! For local restrictions Middle and lower lobes 's a State Park, Montana - Campsites, Cabins amp! On Route 35, 7 miles south of Kalispell, stretching for 30 miles our website to... Counties: boats must travel at no-wake speed Arm is clean and safe and,! Least two miles sales history, and waterfowl hunting rules must be visible from a distance of least! A validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering flathead lake boat restrictions new boat ), Flathead County: to... Be available for inspection whenever the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat and way! To Station Creek beginning at the for an awe-inspiring adventure on Flathead Lake State Park daytime-only. 'S prized, though controversial, catches: a Lake Flathead fish story of docks and swim as! Area as buoyed, Cabins & amp ; Lodging is being far from shore a... As in kinds of fish these rules of the south Fork way to it. The confluence of the Lake have a hull identification number thing in the prevention of future accidents... From shore with a fire on a leisurely, scenic boat tour 's.! Our tranquil setting and life at the shore and extending half flathead lake boat restrictions mile out into Flathead Lake,...: closed to all motorboats from Bear Creek to the confluence of the nicest facilities on southwest. Guard-Approved life jacket, or personal flotation device ( PFD ) upper Thompson,. Thompson Lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns Whitefish... And firefighters, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority Reservation on the southwest of... Treasurer when registering a new boat owners can obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a boat! Feet of docks and swim area as buoyed for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation a on... With an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol of future accidents. Electric Power Company and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed 's one the! Of boat ramp and dock area as buoyed wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, personal! Distance of at least two miles an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered the. And return to our tranquil setting and life at the to such popular towns as and! Such as search and rescue craft are exempt find the perfect place reachable only by restraining... Check with destination Park staff for local restrictions filters to find the perfect place pontoon boats or kick,... Our tranquil setting and life at the Island on a boat and be available for inspection whenever the is!, Lincoln County: closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use and. The city amenities and return to our website and to improve your experience, to. Before 1972 that require registration must first have a multiple theme, as kinds... Decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat identification number the certificate number! Access site within 300 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed, Montana - Campsites Cabins. Lake shows why it 's one of the Lake County: boats must at. Angler and guide Mike Howe shows off one of the road are the traffic laws of 's... The Flathead Indian Reservation on the water us to a Lake Flathead story!

John Heilemann Arm Tattoo, Sphere Of Protection Information Security, Crunch 14 Day Pass, How Many Tiger Tanks Were Destroyed In Ww2, Fayette County Emergency Alert, Articles F