Harpers Lake, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. All recreational activities on Tribal owned lands require a non-member person over the age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit. Due to the lakes size and beauty, sailboats are common on the lake, along with pleasure boats of all kinds. 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). Extinguishers approved for motorboats are hand-portable of either B-1 or B-II classification. This is a pretty big deal for people who are not members of CSKT, as the Flathead Reservation hunting, fishing and recreation fees have increased significantly.. Klamath Lake 7. The Type V life jacket must be worn at all times to be acceptable. 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. 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. Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. A beautiful wooden boat restored by Greg McCormick, a Polson resident and Lakers member, is up for auction online through December 1st. Lake Koocanusa, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed. A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation. 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." flathead lake boat restrictions. Closed to boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. 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. See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. Flathead Lake is very popular for pleasure boaters. 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. New this year are three yurts (cabins) that are rentable by the night, and a great campground with lakeside spots. Devil's Elbow Campground from the shore to 100 feet into the river channel or as buoyed. Clearwater River, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from the outlet of Seeley lake to the first bridge downstream from Camp Paxson swim dock; and from Boy Scout Road Bridge north of Seeley Lake to the mouth of Clearwater River at the north end of Seeley Lake. Browns Lake, Powell County: Closed to all boats from April 1 to July 15, that portion of lake as marked or posted. 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. Beaver Creek Reservoir, Hill County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower; boats must travel at no-wake speed. Lake Erie 16. Excellent. Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. For those who prefer to "catch" some scenery, Flathead Lake is user-friendly for bike riders. The . Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. Remember to adequately ventilate your boat before starting it by running your blower for at least 4 minutes - especially after fueling. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. Consider this: A recent state figure suggests there are 100 lake trout for every one bull trout. 250' above the dam to 600' below the dam. Cynthia Bras of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes frequently speaks with visitors about their plans for the day. Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, MT. Do not anchor in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels. 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. 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. 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. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. But these numbers don't do justice to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: It is stunning. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to the east end of Ryan Island. they are accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. 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. Bigfork is also home to the Whitewater Festival in May that attracts kayakers from around the country, the Festival of the Arts in August that celebrates the playhouse and galleries, and Tamarack Time in October where the harvest is the star attraction. Exceptions to Standard Regulations: Flathead River Flathead Lake north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout. Zillow has 37 homes for sale in Lakeside MT matching Flathead Lake. Platycephalidae. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions. 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. Top destinations, domestic and abroad, for a 2023 fishing vacation you'll never forget including fun spots for the nonanglers in your group. View Our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour? 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. Go to shore if you get caught in a storm. 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. 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. 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." 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. 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. Blaine, Choteau, Fergus, Phillips Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. 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. 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. All motorboats, sailboats, andpersonal watercraftthat are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boats bow behind the boats number. Big Bear Lake 13. Polson, MT 59860 Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered and numbered. Allrequired equipment (see below)and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels. 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. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. And this brings us to a Lake Flathead fish story. A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from anyFish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. The 1953 Century Resorter is an 18' boat, and ready to float Flathead Lake! 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. $1,200,000. "Big Arm is clean and safe and convenient, it's one of the nicest facilities on the southwest end of the lake. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- Boats restricted to 5 mph (no wake). Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. 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. 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. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. Between the dam and 300' downstream and the reservoir between the dam and the boat barrier. Under an agreement known as the 1855 Hellgate Treaty, the tribes own 1.3 million acres of the more than 20 million acres on which they originally lived. 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. Federal, State, and Private jurisdictions under Stage I restrictions are: Flathead National Forest including the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, in Flathead, Lake, Missoula, Lewis and Clark, and Powell Counties, Montana. PO BOX 1090 The larger fixed-wing water scooper airplanes may at times also need to use a larger section of the lake. 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. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. Boats may not be left unattended while moored or attached to a public boat dock. [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. 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. If unavoidable travel at no wake speed or at the minimum speed necessary to maintain upstream progress. 17.37 mile(s) Connect. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are authorized to stop, halt, or inspect vessels in order to enforce the laws of this state. Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. When meeting head on, keep to the right. 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. Picnicing. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft. The passing boat is required to stay clear. 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. A fire extinguisher is classified by the type of fire it is meant to extinguish and its size. Boat owners should prepare their vessel for launching before parking at the boat ramp, should launch the vessel quickly, and move the tow vehicle so that others may use the area. RentByOwner 3 Bedrooms Rental Enjoy Flathead Lake! For Robert McDonald of the Salish-Kootenai tribe, there really is a Big Horse spirit of sorts. 21 December 2020 Hebgen Lake, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: Rainbow Point Bay as buoyed; Loneshomehurst Campground within 200 feet of shoreline or as buoyed; Kirkwood Resort Marina and residential area and private marina within 200 feet of shoreline or as buoyed; Happy Hour Marina Yellowstone Holiday Arm Resort within 200 feet of docks or as buoyed. 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. Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. Front Country Campgrounds are exempted from the Stage I campfire restrictions. Are motor boats allowed on Flathead Lake? In 2015, the Salish Kootenai tribes will have the option of taking over management of the dam, a move many expect they'll make. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. RESTROOMS. Flathead Lake - Somers, MT, Flathead Lake Boat Ramp . Take a short drive to restaurant, bar and public boat launch. Exception:Missouri River down river from Broadwater-Gallatin county line. Ennis Lake, Madison County: Closed to all motorboats in Kobayashi Bay swimming area as marked by buoys. 1,020' above the dam to 500' below the dam. The boating season is approximately June 10th through October 10th depending on the lake level. 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. Loon Lake - Lower Thompson Lake. Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats. 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. on Flathead Lake in Woods Bay, MT. 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. One statistic that concerns everyone on Flathead Lake is the number of mackinaw trout, also called lake trout. From Flathead Lake, there's usually a snow-capped mountain in sight. 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." Also, the part of the river extending from the Warden Bridge on 10th Ave. S in Great Falls to the floater take-out facility near Oddfellows Park at Broadwater Bay as posted. Our RV Resort has 60 spacious lots right across the street from Flathead Lake in Big Arm Montana. Whitetail Reservoir, Daniels County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed. Learn more about our fishing charters and get in on the action! For additional information and daily fire updates, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7754 and follow the CSKT Division of Fires Facebook page. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit. FLATHEAD CATFISH . A combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead) Tetrault Lake (Carpenter Lake), Lincoln County: Closed to all motorboats over 10 hp. 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. Personal watercraft must follow the same rules and equipment requirements as other boats. But it gets tricky when strong east winds are blowing. Visit the Special Use River Permits page for details on requirements for the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Beaverhead, Big Hole, Madison, and Smith Rivers. If the operator is 12 or younger, the observer must be at least 18. "There's lots of parking, a good ramp, and it's one of the closest ramps to Wild Horse. Swimming and wading are prohibited. [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. Private Boat Tours on Flathead Lake. 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. 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