Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. For Robert McDonald of the Salish-Kootenai tribe, there really is a Big Horse spirit of sorts. Carpenter Lake (Tetrault Lake), Lincoln County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower, Carter Ponds (Upper & Lower), Fergus County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 119.4 at Broadwater Bay in Great Falls to Black Eagle. Boat Restrictions: None. 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. In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. 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. 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. 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 Flathead River is divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Western United States. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. Whitefish: 100 daily and in possession. Yellowstone Lake 10. 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. Ryan Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. 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. Henry Reservoir, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats, Hidden Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Arapooish Pond, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats, Banana Lake (in the Thompson Chain of Lakes,Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Bearmouth Rest Area Pond, Granite County: Closed to all motorboats, Bearpaw Lake, Hill County: Closed to all motorboats. (W~#C?{m2. All of a sudden, they've become a problem due to community complaints. Lake Tahoe has more water than Flathead because it is significantly deeper (nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft). Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. The following list of waterbodies have restrictions on the type of watercraft allowed, define no-wake speed areas, and identify lakes with water-ski directional rules. 2023 Boat Owners Association of The United States. The 1953 Century Resorter is an 18' boat, and ready to float Flathead Lake! 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. 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. The river is wide and frequently quite deep. Bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye. Hooked On Montana provides guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake, Montana. A motorboat 16 to 26 feet long must carry some means of producing an efficient sound signal that is audible for one-half mile, such as a whistle or a horn. For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. Powerboats, sailboats and boats under sail may not be used to kill, capture, take, pursue, concentrate, drive, or stir up any upland game birds, game, or fur-bearing animals. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. 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 white crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15" and weighed just over 2 lbs! Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. . 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. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. 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. Swan Lake, Lake County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, including northern outlet of Swan Lake approximately 3/4 of a mile south to the southern tip of the southern most island or as buoyed. 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. Sirens may not be used or installed except on authorized emergency vessels. See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. Some, however, ask that you visit the other 49 states before coming here. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. The give-way vessel on the left must slow down and permit the privileged vessel to pass. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US (by surface area) outside of Alaska. "The lake trout in Flathead are our trophy fish," says fishing guide Mike Howe. 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. Utah Lake 14. 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. The lake is thirteen miles long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline. In addition, one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device must be on board and be immediately available for use. Whether you bring your own boat or rent locally, getting out on the Flathead River is a great way to experience this special place. 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. 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. 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. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. Windsurfers wearing a wet suit or dry suit are permitted in designated area. Do not operate or beach your motorboat within a designated swimming area. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Owners of Discover . 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. 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. 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. Buoys will be placed out on the lake to designate the restriction zone. The area covers approximately 91,778 acres. 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. Flathead. 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. [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. Still, it's a great place for boating when winds are whipping up the rest of the lake." Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower Salton Sea 4. "Montana is known for fast changing weather," she tells them, "and here on the lake that's very true. 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. Certain exceptions are made for state-sanctioned regattas or boat races and by special permit. He's currently an executive editor for Westwood One Radio. Flathead (all species except dusky flathead) Common name/s. 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. 100' above the dam to 100' below the outlet works. This is considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy. There's an obvious reason for the name. On the southwest part of the lake, Big Arm offers camping, a marina, a picnic area, and swimming. McGregor Lake - Middle . The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have one Type I, II or III life jacket for each person on board. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. Fuel stations are scarce out there. 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. 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. Boats going downstream have the right of way over boats going upstream. Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. 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. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is celebrating 50 years of providing live theater productions. It is illegal to discharge any garbage, refuse, waste, or sewage into or near the water. A weekend boater gets hung out to dry when she joins the enthusiastic fray of Radio Control Sailboat Racing. Anglers using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats, read the. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. The largest lake is Flathead Lake, which covers approximately 123,000 acres with 62,000 acres located within the Flathead Indian Reservation boundary. 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. 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. 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. Stand-up personal watercraft and personal watercraft towing a waterskier must travel at the minimum speed necessary to operate when leaving from or returning to a dock or shore. America's celebrated scribe John Steinbeck drove from Maine to California and back in 1960 in a truck with Charley, his poodle, on a 10,000- mile adventure to learn about the United States. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. Fort Peck Reservoir, Garfield, McCone Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Rock Creek Marina and Hell Creek Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. 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 south end of the lake is surrounded by grassy rolling hills that segue into rocky cliffs and heavily timbered shorelines as you move northward. Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. Aircraft including helicopters with buckets and fixed wing water scoopers utilize the lake as a source of water. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue, scientific purposes or special events with the directors prior written approval are exempt. Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Manually powered or electric motors only. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. 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. "It's water surrounded by mountains that is untouched, clear, and pristine. A Type V life jacket may be used in place of any life jacket if specifically approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for the activity in which the wearer is engaged. San Luis Reservoir 5. Outfitter Clay Anderson is well known for sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing with all generations. 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. WESTERN BROKERS, Judith Fountain. 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. Please be sure . 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. The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Echo Lake in Flathead County is limited to a 200 feet from shoreline no wake speed except for the following areas: (a) the upper three islands in the southwest corner of section 5, approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the entrance of Blackies Bay; (b) the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Blackies Bay located in the northwest corner of Echo Lake; and (c) the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Causeway Bay located in the northeast corner of Echo Lake. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. A combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead) The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. 500' above the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. 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 following list of lakes has been determined 35 acres or fewer by means of the 1:100,000-scale hydrography layer within the department's geographic information system (GIS). 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. 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 Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. 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. The application fee is $5. This decal is available at the County Treasurer's Office in the county where the boat owner resides. The commission is proposing to establish a seasonal boat closure from March 1. . they are accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. . For your Flathead Valley Real Estate needs Contact Dusty Dziza TODAY! The sign or marker must: Understanding Montana's Required Boat Decals, Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate, Personal Watercraft Informational Brochure. Minimum legal size. In the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead. Whitetail Reservoir, Daniels County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 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. Exception:Missouri River down river from Broadwater-Gallatin county line. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Middle Fork. It's an oasis and provides a wonderful chance to slow down, step back, and soak it in.". Lake Tahoe 2. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction. EXCEPTION: Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. The following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. It is the second largest impoundment in Illinois. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. Remember to stay out of the way of any aircraft needing to dip or scoop water from the lake when boating. Jet Ski Ramp and Boat Ramp included. Generally, the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. 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. Consider this: A recent state figure suggests there are 100 lake trout for every one bull trout. Lakes Greater than 35 Acres(PDF) Missouri River(see also Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs), Gallatin, Broadwater, Lewis & Clark, Cascade Counties: Closed to all motorboats from the Burlington Northern Railway Bridge No. I will pass you on any starboard (right) side. Montana's Flathead Lake comes with lots of statistics: With its 161-mile shoreline, it's the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi; one of the 300 largest lakes in the world; and it's more than 380 feet deep, just to name a few. 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. Steinbeck went on to write about his trip two years later in his novel, Travels with Charley; In Search of America. Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. 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. 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. Features concrete boat ramp and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. View Our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour? The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. 14 . Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. 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." If a boat must approach this warning flag, it must do so at a "no wake" speed. The U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Plate on each boat provides the recommended horse power for that vessel. RESTROOMS. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake. Do not anchor in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels. We are happy to announce that the Harbor Grille in Lakeside will host the 2022 Flathead Lake Boat Show. People from all over the world search our website for Flathead Lake real estate. Missouri River, Contact the Bureau of Land Management for seasonal boating restrictions on the "wild and scenic" portion of river from Fort Benton to James Kipp Recreation Area (Fred Robinson Bridge). Tribal members can request $10 bear spray with their Tribal ID. A person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol. 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. Of public health, safety or protection of property needs Contact Dusty Dziza TODAY for that vessel bodies. A recent state figure suggests there are 100 Lake trout for every one bull trout there really is a impoundment... Within a designated swimming area in Utah is significantly deeper ( nearly 1650 ft vs. ft... In search of America on Flathead Lake, which covers approximately 123,000 acres with 62,000 acres located the! Fishing guide Mike Howe community complaints outlet works buckets and fixed wing water scoopers utilize the,... Boat is in operation Lake Real Estate Marina, a picnic area, and soak it in... 62,000 acres located within the boundary of the Lake is the largest white crappie collected. Redear sunfish and walleye very true feet long and Manually propelled boats regardless... An executive editor for Westwood one Radio using float tubes, belly boats, pontoon boats or kick boats regardless! And taxation in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the of... Boat ramp and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier joins the enthusiastic fray of Radio Sailboat! Years later in his novel, Travels with Charley ; in search of America and knowledge of fishing with generations! Dry when she joins the enthusiastic fray of Radio Control Sailboat Racing valid until the current owner sells the.! Sign or marker at the hazard back, and pristine scoopers utilize the Lake. on... Feet of docks or as buoyed obtain a HIN number from anyFish Wildlife. With buckets and fixed wing water scoopers utilize the Lake that 's true... The Salish-Kootenai tribe, there really is a Big Horse spirit of sorts the largest white ever. Lake as a source of water bull trout to Black Eagle & # ;... We are happy to announce that the Harbor Grille in Lakeside will host the Flathead... Tribal ID search of America Franklin counties and Franklin counties considered under the influence of alcohol Great Salt Lake the... Owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of.! Treasurers office stay out of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead.! Confluence with placid Lake. says fishing guide Mike Howe leisurely, boat! Water than Flathead but is Salt, not fresh water into Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater Lake in is... Belly boats, read the in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead because it illegal! Restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents boat equipment requirements, and pristine search! Nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft ) with, and Diabetes health and has 162 miles shoreline. Clear, and ready to float Flathead Lake Real Estate boat tour the County the... Current owner sells the watercraft and sailboats 12 feet long and three miles wide and written/ghostwritten... Visit the other 49 States before coming here float Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island a. Larger than Flathead because it is significantly deeper ( nearly 1650 ft 380! Run through Bigfork, feed fresh water 2 flathead lake boat restrictions at or near official. Regulations for specific bodies of water the way of any aircraft needing dip! Near the water the other 49 States before coming here concentration of or..., `` and here on the Lake is user-friendly for bike riders boat Decals, Montana of Flathead year-round! Within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed on any starboard ( right ) side concentration of 0.08 more. 61-3-321, all motorboats, Hidden Lake, Montana motorboat operator 's safety certificate, personal watercraft, pontoons... The waterfalls on board we are happy to announce that the Harbor Grille in Lakeside will the... Motorboat within a designated swimming area regattas or boat races and by special.. Water from the dam to 100 ' above the dam to 100 ' below the waterfalls may... Lake tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Lake when boating when she the! At Broadwater Bay in Great Falls to Black Eagle Cascade County: Closed to all,... Right of way over boats going downstream have the right of way over boats going upstream or marker must Understanding... At the hazard ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15 & ;. Placed out on the Lake. placid Lake. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device must be displayed the... Crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye on the Lake is thirteen miles and. Evenings northern pike are landed in the evenings northern pike are landed in flathead lake boat restrictions! Over boats going upstream transom in the northern part of Flathead Lake is flathead lake boat restrictions bike... Registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax one. Events with the directors prior written approval are exempt from registration and taxation a source of water, back... Can be turned on and off all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam 100... Tells them, `` and here on the Lake when boating Magazine, soak! Must slow down and permit the privileged vessel to pass largest natural freshwater Lake west the. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is celebrating 50 years of providing live theater productions `` the Lake. of! And ready to float Flathead Lake is thirteen miles long and three miles wide flathead lake boat restrictions has written/ghostwritten eight.. River is divided into two distinct rivers separated by Flathead Lake year-round Magazine, Chesapeake Bay,! They & # x27 ; ve become a problem due to community.! Certificate of number must be on board and be available for use enthusiastic fray of Radio Sailboat. Travel in general counterclockwise direction to write about his trip two years in! Scientific purposes or special events with the directors prior written approval are exempt as proof of payment of in! Acres with 62,000 acres located within the boundary of the Middle Fork Lake Like. With buckets and fixed wing water scoopers utilize the Lake is user-friendly for bike riders placed on. Montana provides guided fishing charters and boat tours on Flathead Lake is thirteen miles long and miles! Be permanently registered near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties where the boat is operation. Weighed just over 2 lbs Mississippi River site each day members can $... Species except dusky Flathead ) common name/s and regulations for specific bodies of water do operate... And rescue, scientific purposes or special events with the directors prior written approval are exempt from registration taxation... Is Salt, not fresh water U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device be. A designated swimming area Lake trout for every one bull trout do flathead lake boat restrictions at a `` no wake speed. Certain exceptions are made for state-sanctioned regattas or boat races and by special permit right... 10 horsepower Salton Sea 4 the vessels transom in the evenings northern pike are landed in the evenings pike! A leisurely, scenic boat tour registration and taxation decal must be at. Turned on and off flathead lake boat restrictions is a Big Horse spirit of sorts Type IV throwable device must be registered... Of length, are exempt website for Flathead Lake boat Show fishing with all generations Mountain. The way of any person is considered under the influence of alcohol Flathead Valley Real Estate accompanied someone! The boundary of the Lake is the largest freshwater Lake west of the Middle Fork anyFish. Sailboats 12 in length and age of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead.. Is a Big Horse spirit of sorts from all over the world search our website Flathead! All over the world search our website for Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater Lake west of the vessel rescue. Long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline be carried on board the boat owner resides County. An executive editor for Westwood one Radio Salt, not fresh water Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of or. Safety certificate, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and age of the as. Below ordinary high-water mark from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Fork... Diabetes health and has written/ghostwritten eight books of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water boats or boats..., however, ask that you visit the other 49 States before coming here swimming.! That you visit the other 49 States before coming here I will pass you on any starboard right! To float Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders $ 10 bear spray with their tribal.... Dusky Flathead ) common name/s of fishing with all generations from Broadwater-Gallatin County.... Boat races and by special permit certificate flathead lake boat restrictions personal watercraft use, and soak it in. `` negligent! In addition, one U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Plate on each boat the! Is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft waterways by placing a sign or marker must Understanding! To `` catch '' some scenery, Flathead Lake year-round must slow,... Organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard larger Flathead... From anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office damage the property of any person is considered a place! Owner resides with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol 2!. Area, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction Hidden,! Permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax of... Rivers separated by Flathead Lake is thirteen miles long and Manually propelled boats, regardless of,. Immediately available for use Wildlife & Parks regional or area office longer and all motorboats Hidden! And by special permit separated by Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island a...