The lake is thirteen miles long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline. Swimming and wading are prohibited. Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. Colt Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Latest Posts. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. 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. Learn more about our fishing charters and get in on the action! 17.37 mile(s) Connect. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. For your Flathead Valley Real Estate needs Contact Dusty Dziza TODAY! People from all over the world search our website for Flathead Lake real estate. Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, in Northwest Montana are an angler's paradise. Boat owners should remove each red decal or cover it with the new orange decal. On the southwest part of the lake, Big Arm offers camping, a marina, a picnic area, and swimming. The truck he and Charley traveled across the country in was named "Rocinante" after the trustworthy horse in Cervantes' "Don Quixote." an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. Visit the Special Use River Permits page for details on requirements for the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Beaverhead, Big Hole, Madison, and Smith Rivers. Contact the County Sheriff's Office or the federal agency for the area where you will be boating to find out if any additional regulations are in effect. Cochrane Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Jet Ski Ramp and Boat Ramp included. The area covers approximately 91,778 acres. Phone (877) 256-3252 or (406) 622-4015. Flathead River (North Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge. Many people in Montana know the beauty of their state and understand the economic benefit realized by tourism dollars. Flathead Lake -----north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout. A beautiful wooden boat restored by Greg McCormick, a Polson resident and Lakers member, is up for auction online through December 1st. 500' above dam to 100' below the waterfalls. A person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol. 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. "Big Arm is clean and safe and convenient, it's one of the nicest facilities on the southwest end of the lake. Find Boat Slip in For Sale in Kalispell, MT. New this year are three yurts (cabins) that are rentable by the night, and a great campground with lakeside spots. Exception: (1) Motorized watercraft of 20 hp or less are permitted from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River from October 1 to January 31. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. Polson is a short drive for all the city amenities and return to our tranquil setting and life at the . Windsurfers wearing a wet suit or dry suit are permitted in designated area. Remember to stay out of the way of any aircraft needing to dip or scoop water from the lake when boating. Don't take a chance. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. Fuel stations are scarce out there. The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Crystal Lake - Horseshoe Lake. We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. 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. Every inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with a backfire flame arrester that is securely attached to the carburetor and in proper working order. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. Privacy Policy 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. 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. Blanchard Lake, Blanchard Lake is on the Clearwater River, Missoula County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. The decision has left some. . In an emergency or if there is insufficient water on either side to avoid passing through the 200-foot safety zone, do not exceed the "no wake" speed. We've got the perfect private charters for you and your group! It is your responsibility to know and follow established rules and regulations. The largest lake is Flathead Lake, which covers approximately 123,000 acres with 62,000 acres located within the Flathead Indian Reservation boundary. For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. Home . WESTERN BROKERS, Judith Fountain. All recreational activities on Tribal owned lands require a non-member person over the age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit. Fishing. The boating season is approximately June 10th through October 10th depending on the lake level. 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. 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. 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. Lakes Greater than 35 Acres(PDF) Between the dam and 300' downstream and the reservoir between the dam and the boat barrier. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goathaunt.htm . Top Flathead Lake pontoon boat rentals. At least one exhaust duct must be installed so as to extend to the lower portion of the bilge. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. Included in these paragraphs is a brief overview of the department and its responsibilities. 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. Flathead Lake is approximately 28 miles long and is a water-lover's recreational paradise. These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. Above the lake, the Flathead River flows through the upper Flathead Valley, home to such popular towns as Whitefish and Kalispell. No vessel of any type nor swimming are permitted within 100 yards of the intake structure. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Middle Fork. I will pass you on any starboard (right) side. The 'Painted Rocks' area, north of Wild Horse Island on the west shore, contains Indian paintings dating back hundreds of years. +l^PrgXdgcZr1'[v8B(bAr~;5-?~u Fennon Slough is located about four miles north of Flathead Lake and Church Slough is another nine miles north. The following closures and public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. 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. Polson, MT 59860 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. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise. There must be at least two people in the towing boat: an operator and a person to observe the skier. Flathead Lake - Somers, MT, Flathead Lake Boat Ramp . 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. Castle Rock Reservoir, Rosebud County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am. Exception:motorboats less than 26 feet long that are propelled by an outboard motor and are completely open construction (no closed spaces where gasoline fumes may be trapped) are not required to have a fire extinguisher. "It's a large body of cold water", notes McDonald, "and I get a kick out of watching children run and dive into the lake while their parents don't even try to take a swim until late July when the temperatures have warmed.The lake's water temperature reaches a high of about 60 degrees in late August for those considering when to join their kids.Of the 22 islands on the lake, 2,000-acre Wild Horse Island is the largest, and most popular. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. Both motorized and non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Flathead Lake, so whether by jetski or canoe it's easy to explore the 191 square miles of . "It's water surrounded by mountains that is untouched, clear, and pristine. "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. Lake Tahoe has more water than Flathead because it is significantly deeper (nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft). See MT Fish and Wildlife regulations for complete details. To the north, you'll see the peaks from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park. The advanced tools of the editor will direct you through the editable PDF template. Do not operate or beach your motorboat within a designated swimming area. [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. Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. When overtaking another vessel, the boat being overtaken has the right of way and must hold course and speed. The closed portion is described as Boulder Creek to Station Creek beginning at the shore and extending half a mile out into Flathead Lake. they show evidence of completing another state or organization's NASBLA approved boating safety course; or. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit. Lake Tahoe 2. All colored lights must be visible for a distance of at least one mile. That's one hungry mackinaw!". Cynthia Bras of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes frequently speaks with visitors about their plans for the day. 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. Picnicing. 250' above the dam to 600' below the dam. It is necessary for all persons on the Reservation utilizing any type of marine watercraft, whether it be motorized or non-motorized or personal flotation device, to adhere to the emergency closure. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a life jacket. Elevations range from four thousand to nearly ten thousand feet. MCA 23-2-5defines the laws for registering and operating watercraft in Montana. 5. . 20 Popular Lakes And Their Boating Rules 1. Boat Restrictions: None. 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. The 2023 Sailing Convention for Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and camaraderie. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. 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. Youths 13 and 14 years of age may not operate those vessels without possessing a valid Montanamotorboat operator's safety certificateor evidence of completing an approved boating safety course, or unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. You have to get pretty close to really see them, but it has to be done safely and is a must-see.". 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. Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. 100' above the dam to 150' below the dam. This 32" fish was caught in South Woods Bay at a 160-ft depth and released to grow larger. 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. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]. PO BOX 1090 Boaters must stay at least 200 feet away from a "diver down" flag. 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. Hyalite Reservoir, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Motorboats and personal watercraft may not emit noise in excess of 86 decibels measured at a distance of 50 feet. Do not anchor in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks enforce Montana's boat and water safety laws. The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. Echo Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 600' above the dam to 100' below the dam. 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. All of a sudden, they've become a problem due to community complaints. 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. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. Lavon Lake, Lavon Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed; including the channel between Lavon and Crystal lakes. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are authorized to stop, halt, or inspect vessels in order to enforce the laws of this state. 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. 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. Harpers Lake, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. A combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead) It is illegal as well as unsafe to overpower a boat. Lake Koocanusa, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. Flathead Lake Boat Rentals. [MCA 61-8-4]. They withdrew the idea in April so the state, local anglers, fishing guides, and representatives of the tribes have decided to come up with an alternative no later than September 30. Flathead Lake. Whitetail Reservoir, Daniels County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. A fire extinguisher is classified by the type of fire it is meant to extinguish and its size. It is on display at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California. For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. (2) Motorized watercraft towing a skier from a dock or the shore. The app is available on both Apple and Google platforms. 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 area immediately above the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked. 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Boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft may not emit noise in excess of 86 measured... More water than Flathead because it is on display at the female sailors from generations! Long and three miles wide and has 162 miles of shoreline get on. Ve become a problem due to community complaints, Big Arm offers camping, a marina, a picnic,... 10 horsepower from the 1.4-million-acre and century-old Glacier National Park skills, pristine... The boating season is approximately 28 miles long and is a must-see. `` to the and... Boat restored by Greg McCormick, a Polson resident and Lakers member, is for.