Sailboats 12 feet and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered, numbered, and have two decals (a permanent decal and validation decal). Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration and taxation. Also exempt are a vessel’s lifeboat and government-owned boats.
Boating registration is covered under: MCA 61-3-107 and MCA 23-2-508.
Boat owners must obtain a certificate of ownership (title) and certificate of number (registration) and pay all fees to the County Treasurer in the county where the owner resides. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel.
Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days.
Homemade boats or boats manufactured before 1972 that require registration must first have a hull identification number. Generally, the 12-digit hull identification (HIN) number is on the exterior of the vessel’s transom in the upper-right corner.
A boat owner may obtain a HIN number from any Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional or area office. The application fee is $5. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer.
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. Visit the Special Use River Permits page for details on requirements for the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Beaverhead, Big Hole, Madison, and Smith Rivers.
The boat number must:
The boat owner will receive one permanent registration decal as proof of payment of fees in lieu of tax. This decal is available at the County Treasurer's Office in the county where the boat owner resides. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boat’s number. The permanent decal is valid until the current owner sells the watercraft.
All motorboats, sailboats, and personal watercraft that are numbered must display two validation decals, one on each side of the boat’s bow behind the boat’s number.
Validation decals may be obtained, free of charge, at any Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional offices or online. New boat owners can obtain a validation decal from their County Treasurer when registering a new boat.
Validation decals are issued in 3-year blocks. The latest validation decals are red and will expire February 28, 2023.
Under MCA 61-3-321, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered. This is done through the County Treasurer's Office.
It is your responsibility to know and follow established rules and regulations.
In addition to state boating laws, local government and federal agency regulations may apply to boating activities in some areas.
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.
MCA 23-2-5 defines the laws for registering and operating watercraft in Montana.
ARM 12.8.212 defines the rules for boating and swimming areas.
ARM 12.11 covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water.
Anyone 13 and 14 years old may operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower only if:
A person must be 18 years or older to rent a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower. All required equipment (see below) and a copy of the rental agreement must be on board rented vessels.
It is unlawful to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorboat, sailboat, water skis, surfboard, or similar device attached to a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol. [MCA 61-8-4]
Operating a vessel in a manner which may endanger the personal health or damage the property of any person is considered negligent operation. A boat's owner is liable for any injury or damage resulting from negligent operation.
Observe all "no wake" and speed-limit signs located on the water. Boaters are responsible for any damage caused by their wake.
Powerboats, sailboats and boats under sail may not be used to kill, capture, take, pursue, concentrate, drive, or stir up any upland game birds, game, or fur-bearing animals. Motor-driven vehicles may not be used to drive, molest, flush or harass any game animal or game bird while hunting.
It is illegal to discharge any garbage, refuse, waste, or sewage into or near the water. Boats equipped with toilets or porta-potties must dispose of waste properly. Because there are so few marine pumpout stations in Montana, boaters should check on the local availability of waste disposal stations before using their on-board facilities.
It is illegal as well as unsafe to overpower a boat. The U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Plate on each boat provides the recommended horse power for that vessel.
Written permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is necessary to conduct a boating race, regatta or other marine event on Montana's waters. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event.
Mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Boating Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.
Boaters must stay at least 200 feet away from a "diver down" flag. If a boat must approach this warning flag, it must do so at a "no wake" speed.
The commonly used diver down warning flags are:
Boating accident reports are required by law and provide valuable information for use in the prevention of future boating accidents. 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 any Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.
Authorized officers of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have peace officer status for enforcement of the boating regulations. Sheriffs, peace officers, and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement officers also have authority to enforce these provisions. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are authorized to stop, halt, or inspect vessels in order to enforce the laws of this state.
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.
These rules of the road are the traffic laws of Montana's waterways. Like other traffic laws, they are legally binding on vessel operators. The rules dictate who has the right of way when vessels meet in open water and in crowded anchorages.
Sailboats and manually powered vessels have the right of way over motorized boats in nearly all situations. Motorboats generally should stay clear of sailboats and manually powered vessels and not create a wake which may cause them trouble or to be swamped.
When overtaking another vessel, the boat being overtaken has the right of way and must hold course and speed. The passing boat is required to stay clear.
When meeting head on, keep to the right. Boats going downstream have the right of way over boats going upstream.
When two boats are meeting at right angles, the boat on the right (the privileged vessel) has the right of way. The give-way vessel on the left must slow down and permit the privileged vessel to pass.
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.
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.
All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirs greater than 35 surface acres within the western fishing district are limited to no-wake speed from the shoreline to 200 feet from the shoreline. 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. 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).
Montana and federal laws require that basic safety items be on board all boats.
U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) must fit the intended wearer, be readily accessible, and be in good condition.
All motorboats must carry on board a U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher as listed below:
Motorboats less than 26 feet long must have at least one B-1 fire extinguisher. 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.
A fire extinguisher is classified by the type of fire it is meant to extinguish and its size. Extinguishers approved for motorboats are hand-portable of either B-1 or B-II classification.
Classification (type-size) | Foam (minimum gallons) | Carbon Dioxide (minimum pounds) | Dry Chemical (minimum pounds) | Halon (minimum pounds) |
---|---|---|---|---|
B-I |
1 1/4 |
4 |
2 |
2 1/2 |
B-II |
2 1/2 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
Every inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with a backfire flame arrester that is securely attached to the carburetor and in proper working order.
All boats of closed construction (the engine or fuel compartments are not open to the atmosphere) and which use gasoline as fuel must be equipped with a ventilation system to remove explosive vapors from the bilges of engine and fuel tank compartments. The explosive vapors are heavier than air and accumulate in the bottom of the boat without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition.
Montana requires at least two ventilation intake ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent to vent bilges and fuel tank compartments. 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. At least one exhaust duct must be installed so as to extend to the lower portion of the bilge. The duct should not be located so that a normal accumulation of bilge water would obstruct it.
Remember to adequately ventilate your boat before starting it by running your blower for at least 4 minutes - especially after fueling.
One Long Blast: |
warning signal (coming out of a slip) |
One Short Blast: |
I will pass you on my port (left) side |
Two Short Blasts: |
I will pass you on any starboard (right) side |
Three Short Blasts: |
I am in reverse |
Five or More Blasts: |
danger signal |
Between sunset and sunrise and at other times of restricted visibility, vessels in operation must display navigational lights. All white lights required by the rules must be visible from a distance of at least two miles. All colored lights must be visible for a distance of at least one mile.
Navigation lights include:
Manually propelled (non-motorized) boats may exhibit navigation lights or instead carry a white light which can be exhibited in time to prevent a collision.
Boats at anchor outside of a designated mooring area must display an all-around white anchor light between sunset and sunrise.
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.
Name of Dam |
Restriction |
---|---|
Black Eagle Dam
|
500' above dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. |
Canyon Ferry Dam
|
The area immediately above and below the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked by boat restraining systems, |
Cochrane Dam
|
500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. |
Cochrane Reservoir
|
Closed to boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. |
Flint Creek Dam
|
100' above the dam to 150' below the dam. |
Hauser Dam
|
250' above the dam to 600' below the dam. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to 100' below the dam from December 1 to April 1. |
Hebgen Dam
|
100' above the dam to 100' below the outlet works. |
Holter Dam
|
150' above the dam to 900' below the dam. |
Kerr Dam
|
The area immediately above the dam is closed to all watercraft as posted or marked. |
Madison Dam
|
600' above the dam to 700' below the dam. |
Morony Dam
|
500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. |
Mornoy Reservoir
|
Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. |
Mystic Dam
|
100' above the dam to the dam. 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. |
Rainbow Dam
|
600' above the dam to 100' below the dam. 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. |
Ryan Dam
|
500' above the dam to 100' below the waterfalls. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the dam to the east end of Ryan Island. |
Ryan Reservoir
|
Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. |
Thompson Falls Dam
|
1,020' above the dam to 500' below the dam. |
Toston Dam
|
Between the dam and 300' downstream and the reservoir between the dam and the boat barrier. |
W. Rosebud Dam
|
100' above the dam to the dam. |
The following public use restrictions are in effect for reasons of public health, safety or protection of property. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt.
These restrictions apply to all rivers and streams in the counties.
County |
Restriction |
---|---|
Beaverhead County |
Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower |
Broadwater County |
Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. |
Gallatin County |
Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower |
Jefferson County |
Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower |
Madison County |
Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower |
Park County |
Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower |
Silver Bow County |
Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower |
The following list of waterbodies have restrictions on the type of watercraft allowed, define no-wake speed areas, and identify lakes with water-ski directional rules.
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
Beaver Creek Reservoir, Hill County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower; boats must travel at no-wake speed.
Beaver Lake (near Whitefish), Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from 5 AM-10 AM and 7 PM-11 PM each day.
Beaverhead River, Beaverhead, Madison Counties: See the Montana Fishing Regulations for special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents.
Beavertail Pond, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only
Big Hole River, Silver Bow, Madison, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead Counties: Closed to all motorboats. All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. See the Montana Fishing Regulations for special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents.
Bighorn River, Big Horn County: Closed to all motorboats from Afterbay Dam to the Bighorn Fishing Acess Site.
Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River.
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. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]
Blackfoot River, Missoula, Powell Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]
Blanchard Lake, Blanchard Lake is on the Clearwater River, Missoula County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower.
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
Browns Lake, Powell County: Closed to all boats from April 1 to July 15, that portion of lake as marked or posted.
Cad Lake, Cad Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Broadwater, Lewis & Clark Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed within 300 feet of dock or as buoyed in the following areas: White Earth, Goose Bay, Yacht Basin, Cave Bay, Little Hellgate, Magpie Bay, Carp Bay, and from Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp.
Carpenter Lake (Tetrault Lake), Lincoln County: Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower
Carter Ponds (Upper & Lower), Fergus County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Castle Rock Reservoir, Rosebud County: Manually powered or electric motors only. No vessel of any type nor swimming are permitted within 100 yards of the intake structure.
Cibid Lake, Cibid Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Clark Fork River & Tributaries (Headwaters to Kelly Island FAS/Grass Valley Ditch Diversion), Deer Lodge, Granite, Missoula, Powell Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to Kelly Island (Spurgin Road) Fishing Access Site boat ramp and the Grass Valley Ditch Diversion. [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.
Exception: (1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from May 1 to June 15. (2) Motorized watercraft of 20 hp or less are permitted from October 1 to January 31. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]
Clark Fork River (Harper’s Bridge FAS to St. John’s FAS), Missoula, Mineral Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from Harper’s Bridge Fishing Access Site to St. John’s Fishing Access Site. Exceptions: (1) Motorized watercraft, except personal watercraft, are permitted from October 1 to June 15. (2) Motorized watercraft of 20hp or less are permitted from June 16 to September 30. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]
Clark Fork River (St. John’s FAS to mouth of Fish Creek), Mineral County: Closed to all motorized watercraft From St. John's Fishing Access Site to the mouth of Fish Creek (also known as the Alberton Gorge Whitewater section). [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]
Clearwater Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only
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.
Cochrane Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting.
Colt Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only
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. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction.
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
Echo Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed.
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.
Elsina Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only
Ennis Lake, Madison County: Closed to all motorboats in Kobayashi Bay swimming area as marked by buoys.
Fitzpatrick Lake, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats
Flathead Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from Bigfork Bay to 100 yards west of the Highway 35 bridge, and as buoyed.
Flathead River (North Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from the Canadian border to Camas bridge. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from the Camas bridge to the confluence of the Middle Fork.
Flathead River (Middle Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Bear Creek into the wilderness. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Bear Creek to the confluence of the South Fork.
Flathead River (South Fork), Flathead County: Closed to all motorboats from Spotted Bear Creek into the wilderness. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower from Spotted Bear footbridge to the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Forest Lake, Meagher County: Closed to all motorboats
Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond, Valley 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.
Frenchtown Pond, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats
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.
Gartside Reservoir, Richland County: Manually powered or electric motors only
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.
Harpers Lake, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors
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.
Hauser Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in the following areas: Lakeside Marina and Hauser Lake State Park at Black Sandy beach within 300 feet of the docks or as buoyed. Spokane Creek Bay within 500 feet from mouth of bay as buoyed. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. Devil's Elbow Campground from the shore to 100 feet into the river channel or as buoyed. Clark's Bay from shore to 300 feet from shore or as buoyed. York Bridge fishing access site within 300 feet of boat ramp and dock area as buoyed. White Sandy Recreation Area within 300 feet of docks and swim area as buoyed.
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.
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.
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, Lewis & Clark County: Manually powered or electric motors only. Swimming and wading are prohibited. Windsurfers wearing a wet suit or dry suit are permitted in designated area.
Henry Reservoir, Toole County: Closed to all motorboats
Hidden Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only
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.
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. Gates of the Mountains Marina Marina within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed.
Holter Lake (upper), Lewis & Clark County: No water skiing on Saturday and Sunday and all legal holidays from the mouth of the canyon on upper Holter Lake to Gates of the Mountains near Mann Gulch, as marked.
Hyalite Reservoir, Gallatin County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Inez Lake, Missoula County: Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction.
Johnson Reservoir, Dawson County: Manually powered or electric motors only
Lake Alva, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no wake speed
Lake Dinah, Missoula County: Closed to all motorboats
Lake Elmo, Yellowstone County: Manually powered or electric motors only
Lake Helena, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from April 1 to the opening day of waterfowl season.
Lake Koocanusa, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in Cripple Horse Bay within 300 feet of docks or as buoyed.
Lake Marshall, Missoula County: Limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors
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.
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
Middle Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, only the channel between Middle and Lower Thompson lakes.
Missouri River (see also Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs), Gallatin, Broadwater, Lewis & Clark, Cascade Counties: Closed to all motorboats from the Burlington Northern Railway Bridge No. 119.4 at Broadwater Bay in Great Falls to Black Eagle. 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. 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.
Missouri River, Lewis & Clark County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from Hauser Dam downstream to Beaver Creek.
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). Phone (877) 256-3252 or (406) 622-4015. Blaine, Choteau, Fergus, Phillips Counties: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Morony Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting.
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
Placid Creek, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its headwaters to the confluence with Placid Lake.
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
Ryan Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting.
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.
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.
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. Boats pulling, taking off with, and landing water skiers will travel in general counterclockwise direction.
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
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.
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. 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.
Tetrault Lake (Carpenter Lake), Lincoln County: Closed to all motorboats over 10 hp.
Thompson Lakes, Refer to Middle or Upper Thompson lakes for restrictions., Lincoln County
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. Exceptions: (1) 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. (2) Motorized watercraft towing a skier from a dock or the shore.
Topless Lake, Topless Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Upper Carter Pond, Fergus County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Upper Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in middle and lower lobes.
Upsata Lake, Missoula County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
Whitefish River, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from its confluence with Whitefish Lake to the bridge on the JP Road.
Whitetail Reservoir, Daniels County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed
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.
Wood Lake, Lewis & Clark County: Closed to all motorboats
Individuals and nonprofit organizations may identify hazards on state waterways by placing a sign or marker at the hazard. Only department approved signs, markers, or buoys may be used to mark a hazard. A white plastic milk jug attached by a cord to the hazard may also be used. The sign or marker must: