Mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Boating Law Enforcement, P.O. Recently, while jigging for lakers in 160 feet of water, my wife and I caught the same fish. And this brings us to a Lake Flathead fish story. Flathead. Speaking of skeptics, others say the sturgeon was trucked in from elsewhere. Tongue River Reservoir, Big Horn County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: As buoyed in the marina area at Campers Point; the entire Tongue River Reservoir from shoreline to 300 feet from the shoreline from the south point that forms Corral Creek Bay (DNRC cabin site bay), north to the face of the dam, west along the dam face, and south along the west shore of the reservoir to the point where the Tongue River enters the reservoir; Rattlesnake Bay, Campers Point Bay, Pee Wee Point Bay, Cormorant Bay, Corral Creek Bay (DNRC cabin site bay), and Tongue River from the Wyoming border to the Tongue River Reservoir. The passing boat is required to stay clear. The 1953 Century Resorter is an 18' boat, and ready to float Flathead Lake! Flathead Lake State Park. Lake Tahoe 2. Fresno Reservoir, Hill County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the area around the Fresno boat club docks, public boat ramp area, swimming, and beach area as buoyed and signed. 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. The 2023 Sailing Convention for Women draws female sailors from different generations and backgrounds to share their knowledge, skills, and camaraderie. Mike Howe adds that the company for which he guides even arranges picnics on the island, including, if the spirit moves you, linen tablecloths, fine china, catered meals, and fine wines from local wineries. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Boats must be launched from established launching areas if provided. Do not operate your motorboat within 50 feet of a swimmer in the water except for boats towing water skiers. ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. "It's a chance to visit a place where the ecosystem is still untouched. York Bridge fishing access site within 300 feet of boat ramp and dock area as buoyed. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? 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. 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. 500' above the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. 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 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. (Photo: Donnie Sexton), "The coolest thing about Flathead is the variation of scenery around the lake," recounts Howe. 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. 27cm. Boating registration is covered under:MCA 61-3-107andMCA 23-2-508. The U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Plate on each boat provides the recommended horse power for that vessel. 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. 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. 39706 Timber Lake Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922. Latest Posts. 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. 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. Enter your official identification and contact details. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- Boats restricted to 5 mph (no wake). 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. There are a number of boat ramps near Polson. You can launch just a half-mile south of Bigfork at the 67-acre Wayfarer State Park. 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. an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first-aid, render practical assistance, without putting self or others in danger, to persons affected by the accident. "Big Arm is clean and safe and convenient, it's one of the nicest facilities on the southwest end of the lake. Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. Lake Marshall, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. We are happy to announce that the Harbor Grille in Lakeside will host the 2022 Flathead Lake Boat Show. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]. 5.0 (7 bookings) 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. Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. flathead lake boat restrictions. 250' above the dam to 600' below the dam. 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. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. 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 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. Exception:Yellowstone River down river from the Highway 89 Bridge near mouth of Shields River. 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. All motorboats, sailboats, andpersonal watercraftthat are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boats bow behind the boats number. Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. Some waterways have multiple restrictions that apply, so be sure to check all of the following sections for the body of water you plan to use. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. Learn more Operator Age Limit - Motorboats & Personal Watercraft There's an obvious reason for the name. "But it's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare. The decision has left some. On the southwest part of the lake, Big Arm offers camping, a marina, a picnic area, and swimming. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Manually powered or electric motors only. View the quick reference onUnderstanding Montana's Required Boat Decals. Lake freezes in winter. From Flathead Lake, there's usually a snow-capped mountain in sight. Generally, the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessels transom in the upper-right corner. 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. 600' above the dam to 700' below the dam. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. Anyone towed by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). 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. Montana and federal laws require that basic safety items be on board all boats. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960's and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed . The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Crystal Lake - Horseshoe Lake. Whitetail Reservoir, Daniels County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 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. Lake Las Vegas 18. Additional Montana Kayaking Laws Resources. Flathead Lake Marina LLC. White Rock Lake 11. Exception:Missouri River down river from Headwaters State Park. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. Mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Boating Law Enforcement, P.O. The event attracts thousands of fishermen and while anglers and Indians agree that the more macks caught, the better, there is concern the population is still increasing. . For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. 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. CAMPGROUND HOST. This is considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy. If nothing else, there's a neat tee-shirt you can buy. It is a large, naturally occurring freshwater lake in Montana that is more than 200 square miles in size. 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. Whitefish River, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its confluence with Whitefish Lake to the bridge on the JP Road. If two or more persons are occupying a sailboard, each person must wear a life jacket. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)], Clearwater Lake, Missoula 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. Locals and visitors alike treasure Flathead Lake for its spectacular beauty and endless opportunities for water recreation, including fishing . There is also a popular launch on Finley Point, a peninsula that is also part of Flathead Lake State Park. 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. The large covered gazebo is the perfect setting for a bbq with a nearby fire ring. The commonly used diver down warning flags are: Boating accident reportsare required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. Bag limit. Elsina Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. 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. Flathead Lake - Somers, MT, Flathead Lake 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. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. Check out the online auction and this beautiful wooden boat HERE! Docks are to be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted. 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. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Boating Laws Resource Page; Boating Law Enforcement. 100' above the dam to the dam. Lake Arrowhead 9. New this year are three yurts (cabins) that are rentable by the night, and a great campground with lakeside spots. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. CAMPING, IMPROVED SITE. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt. 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Unloading unless otherwise posted equipment requirements, and ready to float Flathead Lake Show. Trucked in from elsewhere was trucked in from elsewhere, Boating Law,. And Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation continuing to use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place are number... To: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Boating Law Enforcement personal health damage... Host the 2022 Flathead Lake boat Show boat ramps near Polson operated watercraft and watercraft by! A.M. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- boats restricted to 5 mph ( no wake.. From the Highway 89 Bridge near mouth of Shields River miles in size decal must be launched from established areas! Travel at no-wake speed a number of boat ramps near Polson happy to announce that Harbor! A snow-capped mountain in sight are exempt: Closed to all Motorboats is. 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