Montana Boating Regulations. 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. (2) Motorized watercraft of 20 hp or less are permitted from October 1 to January 31. Cynthia Bras of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes frequently speaks with visitors about their plans for the day. The explosive vapors are heavier than air and accumulate in the bottom of the boat without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition. Now, he's already facing daily backlash about having it removed. Sheriffs, peace officers, and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement officers also have authority to enforce these provisions. 500' above the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. $1,200,000. The way to complete the Flathead Indian reservation recreation permit form on the internet: To get started on the form, use the Fill camp; Sign Online button or tick the preview image of the document. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. Terms of Use | 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). For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. Along its 185 miles of coastline, the lake provides breathtaking views. 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. Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline. Forest Lake, Meagher County: Closed to all motorboats, Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond, Valley County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. The catch and release restrictions are important to comply with. a green light on the starboard (right) side of the boat, a red light on the port (left) side of the boat, a white light that is visible in all directions (usually located on the stern and higher than the red and green lights). Boating Regulations: River bank erosion along the banks of the Flathead River and sloughs is increased by large and/or fast moving motor craft that produce a significant wake, particularly near shore. give his or her name, address and identification of the boat in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any damaged property. 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. Harrison Lake (Willow Creek Reservoir), Madison County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek Arm and Norwegian Arm as buoyed 6 PM 11 AM. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. The rock flathead is another species found in Victorian waters, but it is less commonly encountered by recreational anglers. The worst thing in the world is being far from shore with a fire on a boat and no way to put it out. 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. 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. They always tell me they don't have clear water like this in the Midwest or on the East Coast.". 14 . Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Middle Fork. (2) Motorized watercraft towing a skier from a dock or the shore. Find Boat Slip in For Sale in Kalispell, MT. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. . Only department approved signs, markers, or buoys may be used to mark a hazard. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit. Sailboats 12 feet and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered, numbered, and have two decals (a permanent decal and validation decal). In addition, one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device must be on board and be immediately available for use. The rules dictate who has the right of way when vessels meet in open water and in crowded anchorages. 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. 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. Exception: (1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from May 1 to June 15. they are accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. Now here's a place so special that the locals prefer we not even write about it, fearing we'll encourage too many folks to visit. 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. Flathead River (Middle Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Bear Creek into the wilderness. Front Country Campgrounds are exempted from the Stage I campfire restrictions. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. Lake Hefner 17. Henry Reservoir, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats, Hidden Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. 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 boating season is approximately June 10th through October 10th depending on the lake level. 119.4 at Broadwater Bay in Great Falls to Black Eagle. When overtaking another vessel, the boat being overtaken has the right of way and must hold course and speed. Boat owners must obtain a certificate of ownership (title) and certificate of number (registration) and pay allfeesto the County Treasurer in the county where the owner resides. 406-883-4343. Generally, the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. 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. Boat owners should remove each red decal or cover it with the new orange decal. "There's lots of parking, a good ramp, and it's one of the closest ramps to Wild Horse. 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. 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. There are many species of flathead, but in Victoria, the Southern Bluespotted (aka 'yank' - pictured right), sand, tiger and dusky flathead are among the most commonly targeted species by recreational fishers. Exception:Missouri River down river from Headwaters State Park. 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. Whether you bring your own boat or rent locally, getting out on the Flathead River is a great way to experience this special place. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state's fishing regulations. When 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." Flathead County Road and Bridge Department is a department within the county government that is under the direct control of the Flathead County Board of County Commissioners. Privacy Policy Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower Montana and federal laws require that basic safety items be on board all boats. Loon Lake - Lower Thompson Lake. Lake Erie 16. All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirsgreater than 35 surface acres within the westernfishing district are limited to no-wake speed from theshoreline to 200 feet from the shoreline. . 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 truck he and Charley traveled across the country in was named "Rocinante" after the trustworthy horse in Cervantes' "Don Quixote." 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. Blaine, Choteau, Fergus, Phillips Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. New listings: 45 Foot House Boat on Flathead Lake- Slip Also Available - $45 000 (Bigfork), Boat Slip for Rent - $3 995 (Bigfork Marina Cay) . Upsata Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 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