Do not operate your boat within 20 feet of the exterior boundary of a designated swimming area marked by white and orange buoys. Allrequired equipment (see below)and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels. 21 December 2020 The closest access point to Wild Horse is Big Arm State Park on the western shore. Earlier this year, the tribes suggested allowing gill nets to land more lake trout, but this idea has sparked a huge debate about how many native fish may also be caught in a gill net in an effort to reduce the lake trout numbers. Ennis Lake, Madison County: Closed to all motorboats in Kobayashi Bay swimming area as marked by buoys. It is roughly 34 miles long and five miles wide. If you keep these things in mind, you should have a good trip.". The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. 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. 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). Also exempt are a vessels lifeboat and government-owned boats. (2) Motorized watercraft of 20hp or less are permitted from June 16 to September 30. Lake Trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. Steinbeck went on to write about his trip two years later in his novel, Travels with Charley; In Search of America. 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. 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. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. A "no-wake" speed must be maintained when within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, swimming raft, non-motorized boat, or anchored vessel. A beautiful wooden boat restored by Greg McCormick, a Polson resident and Lakers member, is up for auction online through December 1st. You can buy the lots or rent them by the week or month. The catch and release restrictions are important to comply with. Devil's Elbow Campground from the shore to 100 feet into the river channel or as buoyed. All white lights required by the rules must be visible from a distance of at least two miles. 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. (W~#C?{m2. Also exempt are a vessels lifeboat and government-owned boats. 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 lake was formed by constructing a 2-mile-long dam across the Big Muddy River floodplain. 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. 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. Observe all "no wake" and speed-limit signs located on the water. Boaters must stay at least 200 feet away from a "diver down" flag. 17.37 mile(s) Connect. Take a look at the new fees that were approved on January 4, 2022 and will be effective March 1, 2022: The largest white crappie ever collected by electrofishing on Lake Springfield measured 15" and weighed just over 2 lbs! Flathead (all species except dusky flathead) Common name/s. 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. All motorboats, sailboats, andpersonal watercraftthat are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boats bow behind the boats number. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. Middle Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, only the channel between Middle and Lower Thompson lakes. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. Privacy Policy 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 Swan and Flathead Rivers, fed by water from the snow-capped peaks on either side, empty into the lake near Bigfork along the northeast shoreline, and the result is clear and frigid water. 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 The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. B/+,{N 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. Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. 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. Castle Rock Reservoir, Rosebud County: Manually powered or electric motors only. A temporary boating restriction is in effect on Flathead Lake at Skidoo Bay adjacent to the Boulder 2700 Fire within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation. When two boats are meeting at right angles, the boat on the right (the privileged vessel) has the right of way. From Flathead Lake, there's usually a snow-capped mountain in sight. People from all over the world search our website for Flathead Lake real estate. Tribal members can request $10 bear spray with their Tribal ID. Fishing: Popular with locals for large rainbow trout and kokanee. But it gets tricky when strong east winds are blowing. Sheriffs, peace officers, and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement officers also have authority to enforce these provisions. 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. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have one Type I, II or III life jacket for each person on board. Water skiing and other towed recreation is not allowed between sunset and sunrise. There are a number of boat ramps near Polson. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clearwater Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Whitefish, Montana, US is the #1 House in Whitefish, United States McDonald is spokesman for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes who manage the Flathead Indian Reservation on the southern half of the lake. It is illegal as well as unsafe to overpower a boat. #33 very protected, easy to access, power available, 20 ft. slip for powerboat or smaller pontoon, CC&R's require length restrictions, call for . Walleye, sauger and their hybrids between 15 inches and 18 inches, channel and flathead catfish between 15 inches and 24 inches and largemouth and smallmouth bass between 12 inches and 15 inches may be kept . Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. 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. The passing boat is required to stay clear. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. This reservoir is one of Virginia's premier fisheries, offering outstanding fishing and other recreational opportunities. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. 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. 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. 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. The advanced tools of the editor will direct you through the editable PDF template. Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, MT. 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. Written permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is necessary to conduct a boating race, regatta or other marine event on Montana's waters. Spokane Creek Bay within 500 feet from mouth of bay as buoyed. Boats from out of state or country which will not be in Montana for more than 90 consecutive days are exempt from registration. No vessel of any type nor swimming are permitted within 100 yards of the intake structure. 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. Beautiful Rustic Cabin with a bedroom on the main floor and loft bedroom upstairs with breath taking views. 5.0 (7 bookings) And this brings us to a Lake Flathead fish story. Flathead River (North Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge. (Example: MT 1234 AB or MT 1234 - AB), All Motorboats, Personal Watercraft, and Motorized Pontoons less than 16 feet in length, and Sailboats at least 12 feet in length but less than 16 feet in length: $65.50, All Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats at least 16 feet in length but less than 19 feet in length, and Personal Watercraft 16 feet in length or longer: $125.50, All Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats 19 feet in length and longer: $295.50. . 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. White Rock Lake 11. Excellent. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. Due to the lakes size and beauty, sailboats are common on the lake, along with pleasure boats of all kinds. The U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Plate on each boat provides the recommended horse power for that vessel. A pair of bays on the northwest side of the island are used for protection from high winds and are deep enough for anchoring sailboats with keels. Gartside Reservoir, Richland County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Permits and special restrictions are in place on some of the rivers in Montana as a way to protect the recreational experience and the river resources. Polson, MT 59860 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. There's an obvious reason for the name. 406-212-7175 1-866-351-8485 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). RentByOwner 3 Bedrooms Rental Enjoy Flathead Lake! (Photo: Donnie Sexton), "The coolest thing about Flathead is the variation of scenery around the lake," recounts Howe. If a boat must approach this warning flag, it must do so at a "no wake" speed. Lake Hefner 17. Utah Lake 14. 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. $125+ /hour. 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. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. Pat Piper has written for many magazines including BoatUS Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Diabetes Health and has written/ghostwritten eight books. Mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Boating Law Enforcement, P.O. [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. Now, he's already facing daily backlash about having it removed. 100' above the dam to 150' below the dam. Because of this, anglers will need to obtain a south Flathead Lake tribal license, which costs $12 and is available at most water-related businesses along the shoreline. 27cm. Owners of Discover . We've got the perfect private charters for you and your group! Enter your official identification and contact details. 500' above dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Do not operate your motorboat within 50 feet of a swimmer in the water except for boats towing water skiers. A vast variety of recreational opportunities are available at Flathead Lake, drawing tourists from all over the globe. The largest fresh water lake in the West, Flathead Lake provides miles of great boating. 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. A personal watercraftis a motor boatthat the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of. The truck he and Charley traveled across the country in was named "Rocinante" after the trustworthy horse in Cervantes' "Don Quixote." 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. Riverside Park on the Flathead River has a ramp and so does Sacajawea Park at the northern end of the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. Motorboats 40 feet to not more than 65 feet long must have at least three B-1 or one B-1 , and one B-II fire extinguishers. 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. At least one intake duct must be installed so that it extends to the point at least midway to the bilge, or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake. Benjamin Lard bought his first houseboat on Flathead Lake, in Montana, in January 2016. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. 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. Lakes 35 Acres or Less(PDF) "There's lots of parking, a good ramp, and it's one of the closest ramps to Wild Horse. A white plastic milk jug attached by a cord to the hazard may also be used. Near the south end of the lake, Finley Point is tucked into a conifer forest with camping, boat docks, and swimming. A combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead) This is located on the east shore of Flathead Lake. Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clark Fork River (Kelly Island FAS/Grass Valley Ditch Diversion to Harper's Bridge FAS), Missoula County: Closed to all motorized watercraft from Kelly Island (Spurgin Road) Fishing Access Site boat ramp and the Grass Valley Ditch Diversion to Harper's Bridge Fishing Access Site. an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. CAMPGROUND HOST. . Sirens may not be used or installed except on authorized emergency vessels. Harpers Lake, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. 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. 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. They always tell me they don't have clear water like this in the Midwest or on the East Coast.". Certain exceptions are made for state-sanctioned regattas or boat races and by special permit. Sailboats and manually powered vessels have the right of way over motorized boats in nearly all situations. CONSULTING ENGINEERS. Platycephalidae. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered and numbered. 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. 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. Georgetown Lake, Deerlodge, Granite Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from the mouth of Stuart Mill Bay as marked by buoys and continuing to shore. 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." Thompson Lakes, Refer to Middle or Upper Thompson lakes for restrictions., Lincoln County. When overtaking another vessel, the boat being overtaken has the right of way and must hold course and speed. The decision has left some. Flathead River (Middle Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Bear Creek into the wilderness. Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. Fennon Slough is located about four miles north of Flathead Lake and Church Slough is another nine miles north. The river is wide and frequently quite deep. Windsurfers wearing a wet suit or dry suit are permitted in designated area. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue, scientific purposes or special events with the directors prior written approval are exempt. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. From Flathead Lake, there's usually a snow-capped mountain in sight. Fishing. Pyramid Lake 8. There is also a popular launch on Finley Point, a peninsula that is also part of Flathead Lake State Park. Flathead Lake State Park. It is illegal to discharge any garbage, refuse, waste, or sewage into or near the water. Boat Restrictions: None. The application fee is $5. Located on the lake's northeast corner, Bigfork, Montana, has a population of 1,400 residents and is home to 50 shops,antique stores, restaurants, and more than a dozen art galleries. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are authorized to stop, halt, or inspect vessels in order to enforce the laws of this state. Upsata Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Certain Tribal campgrounds and recreation areas may have special regulations, which are posted, on site. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. Elsina Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. The lake (including the Yellowstone River from the lake upstream to County Highway F) is open to fishing with the following regulations. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Middle Fork. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower Wood Lake, Lewis & Clark County: Closed to all motorboats. More restrictive noise standards are in effect for Flathead Lake (Flathead and Lake Counties), Echo Lake (Flathead County) and Swan Lake (Lake County) because of population density and heavy recreational use. Colt Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Personal watercraft prohibited on the headwaters of the Missouri River downstream to its confluence with Prewett Creek, except in Missouri River reservoirs, and including all tributaries but not their reservoirs. Boat Ramp. The lake is thirteen miles long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline. Kalispell, MT. (Example: MT 1234 AB or MT 1234 - AB). 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. 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. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. It's an oasis and provides a wonderful chance to slow down, step back, and soak it in.". The rock flathead is another species found in Victorian waters, but it is less commonly encountered by recreational anglers. You have to get pretty close to really see them, but it has to be done safely and is a must-see.". Well aware of having heart disease but more so of the pending Interstate Highway System under construction, Steinbeck lamented the fact that it would soon be possible to drive across the country "and not see a single thing." The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. 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