Riverside Park on the Flathead River has a ramp and so does Sacajawea Park at the northern end of the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. View Our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour? At normal pool, Rend Lake has a surface area of 20,633 acres, a maximum depth of 35 feet, and a mean depth of 10 feet. Glacier National Park. $125+ /hour. 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. "Big Arm is clean and safe and convenient, it's one of the nicest facilities on the southwest end of the lake. Forest Lake, Meagher County: Closed to all motorboats, Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond, Valley County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Call 406-544-7006. A fire extinguisher is classified by the type of fire it is meant to extinguish and its size. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. RESTROOMS. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. The Flathead Reservation contains approximately 980 miles of rivers and streams, 90 lakes, and extensive wetlands within the Reservation. 50230 US HWY 93 Ste. Brand New Must See Dock!! The decision has left some. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clearwater Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. The following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. Many people in Montana know the beauty of their state and understand the economic benefit realized by tourism dollars. Zillow has 37 homes for sale in Lakeside MT matching Flathead Lake. Tribal members can request $10 bear spray with their Tribal ID. The catch and release restrictions are important to comply with. Exception:Missouri River down river from Headwaters State Park. 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. Enter your official identification and contact details. PO BOX 1090 Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. . In addition to state boating laws, local government and federal agency regulations may apply to boating activities in some areas. Clark's Bay from shore to 300 feet from shore or as buoyed. Boaters operating on Waterton Lake who land in the United States are subject to US Customs regulations and are required to check-in prior to traveling to Goat Haunt USA using the cbp roam application. 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. Ennis Lake, Madison County: Closed to all motorboats in Kobayashi Bay swimming area as marked by buoys. The Mission Mountains reaching almost 6,000 feet high are visible in the east and the mile-high Salish Mountains are to the west. Flathead Lake is very popular for pleasure boaters. Morrell Lake, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats, Myron Lake, Myron Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes., Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Park Lake, Jefferson County: Closed to all motorboats, Pelican Point Fishing Access Ponds, Cascade County: Closed to all motorboats. Upper Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in middle and lower lobes. 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. 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. White Rock Lake 11. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goathaunt.htm Docks are to be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted. Flathead Lake -----north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout. Harpers Lake, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. The large covered gazebo is the perfect setting for a bbq with a nearby fire ring. Whitefish: 100 daily and in possession. 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. CONSULTING ENGINEERS. Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. About Us Boating - Non-Motorized The North Fork, Middle Fork, and portions of the South Fork of the Flathead River are within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and are used for floating excursions. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Holland Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Holland Lake Lodge and the Bay Loop campground within 300 feet or as buoyed. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. 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. FLATHEAD CATFISH . The area immediately above the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked. If you keep these things in mind, you should have a good trip.". 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. The Great Salt Lake 6. 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. Rainbow Lake, Rainbow Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Rainy Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. 406-883-4343. 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. (Photo: Donnie Sexton), "The coolest thing about Flathead is the variation of scenery around the lake," recounts Howe. For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. 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. Sirens may not be used or installed except on authorized emergency vessels. The sign or marker must: Understanding Montana's Required Boat Decals, Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate, Personal Watercraft Informational Brochure. Sailboats 12 feet and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered, numbered, and have two decals (a permanent decal and validation decal). Enjoy camping in the trees, picnicking on the grassy area overlooking the lake, or hiking through the mature forest where wildflowers abound from spring to late fall. 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. Inez Lake, Missoula County: Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. Boaters must stay at least 200 feet away from a "diver down" flag. 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. 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. [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. they show evidence of completing another state or organization's NASBLA approved boating safety course; or. In the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead. 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.. (Example: MT 1234 AB or MT 1234 - AB). Check your fuel tank before going out. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. Jet Ski Ramp and Boat Ramp included. 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. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. Parking. Hyalite Reservoir, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. All motorboats, sailboats, andpersonal watercraftthat are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boats bow behind the boats number. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. 5.0 (7 bookings) All of the partners responding to and working to suppress the Boulder 2700 Fire appreciate the publics cooperation to adhere to this temporary boating restriction. Flathead Lake State Park maintains six parks around Flathead Lake, some of which have excellent swimming in summer. 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. 250' above the dam to 600' below the dam. They'd dearly love to keep this American jewel a secret all to themselves. Children 12 years or younger may not operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. 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. Allrequired equipment (see below)and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels. Along its 185 miles of coastline, the lake provides breathtaking views. The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Wayfarers Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, Montana - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging. 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. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. Children 12 years old or younger may not operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. This is a large lake with large areas that have no sheltered spots so small boats can have difficulty getting in when the waves begin getting large, and they can get that way in a hurry. 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." Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- Boats restricted to 5 mph (no wake). Some, however, ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here. The larger fixed-wing water scooper airplanes may at times also need to use a larger section of the lake. 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. 406-212-7175 1-866-351-8485 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. Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. Over the years, we have helped thousands of customers enjoy beautiful Flathead Lake and the surrounding areas. And this brings us to a Lake Flathead fish story. Spokane Creek Bay within 500 feet from mouth of bay as buoyed. These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. This reservoir is one of Virginia's premier fisheries, offering outstanding fishing and other recreational opportunities. 600' above the dam to 700' below the dam. Echo Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Big Hole River, Silver Bow, Madison, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead Counties: Closed to all motorboats. The Flathead River is divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Western United States. Additional Montana Kayaking Laws Resources. "It's a chance to visit a place where the ecosystem is still untouched. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit. Lake Helena, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from April 1 to the opening day of waterfowl season. Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. With years of guiding experience and a genuine passion for fishing and people, we guarantee you will have a wonderful trip. Learn more about our fishing charters and get in on the action! The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. 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