Boating:
Fun on the Water

Whether you have a motorized boat or man-powered boat, you're sure to find plenty of rivers and lakes to explore. Motorboats are allowed on most lakes and on some larger rivers, while smaller lakes and rivers may have restrictions. All motorboats must have a valid license and all users should wear a PFD. To help prevent the spread of invasive weeds and species, boaters should be sure to inspect, clean and dry their equipment before entering a new body of water.

Quick Links

Operating Rules

Children 12 years old 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.

Youths 13 and 14 years of age may not operate those vessels without possessing a valid Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate or evidence of completing an approved boating safety course, or unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

Motorboat Certificates

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers a boat safety education program that includes a home-study course for motorboat and personal watercraft operators. Individuals 13 years of age or older who successfully complete the course will receive a motorboat operator's certificate. To obtain a motorboat home-study course packet contact your regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks office or call the state headquarters at 406-444-2535. Boating classes are also offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Renting Boats and Watercraft

To rent a boat with a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower, the renter must be at least 18 years old.

Water Skiing & Towed Devices

  • Water skiing and other towed recreation is not allowed between sunset and sunrise.
  • There must be at least two people in the towing boat: an operator and a person to observe the skier. If the operator is 12 or younger, the observer must be at least 18.
  • Anyone towed by a boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.
  • Water skiers must not approach within 50 feet of swimmers or enter a designated swimming area.

Personal Watercraft: Jet Skis, Water Bikes, Etc.

  • All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.
  • If the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard-type cord that shuts off the engine if the operator falls off the craft, the lanyard must be attached to the operator's wrist or PFD.
  • A "no wake" speed must be maintained when within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, swimming raft, non-motorized boat, or anchored 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.
  • All rules regarding safe operation of a boat apply to personal watercraft as well.
  • For more regulations and tips read please read Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Personal Watercraft Brochure (PDF)

Swimming Areas

Designated swimming areas are marked with white and orange buoys. It is unlawful to deface, disturb, remove or relocate any authorized buoys.

For more information on boating in Montana and for rules and regulations, please Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Boat Rentals

Featured Listings

Region 1

Apgar Village Lodge

Located amid giant cedar trees at the south end of beautiful Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, just two miles north of West Glacier. Glacier Park's only AAA approved lodging facility with 48 motel and rustic cabin units; kitchens in most cabins. Cafe, gift shops, boat rental, visitor center.
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Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge

Flathead Lake Lodge is a historic third generation family run and operated Guest Ranch located in the mountains of Northwest Montana and directly on the shores of Flathead Lake. The Lodge offers the ultimate family vacation with unlimited horse & water recreation and is located only 35 miles from...
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Dayton Yacht Harbor

Located off Highway 93 on the west shore of Flathead Lake just 29 miles south of Kalispell and 20 miles north of Polson, Dayton Yacht Harbor offers excursions, sailing lessons, sailboat rentals, new and used sailboats for sale, summer slips and winter dry storage and West Marine Chandelry. Months...
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Far West Boat Tours

The Far West is the perfect way to enjoy the sights and sounds of glorious Flathead Lake. The crew of the Far West invites you to join us for a relaxing, educational and intriguing tour aboard out historic Montana cruise ship.
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Far West Boat Tours

The Far West is the perfect way to enjoy the sights and sounds of glorious Flathead Lake. The crew of the Far West invites you to join us for a relaxing, educational and intriguing tour aboard out historic Montana cruise ship.
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Glacier Park Boat Company

Let us help you experience Glacier's awesome majesty on our scenic boat tours. Step onto our historic boats and we'll glide across beautiful alpine lakes nestled among majestic peaks. Our skilled crew provides a commentary on all of our lake cruises. Guided hikes and small boat rentals are also...
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Glacier Raft & Outdoor Center

Glacier Raft Company extends an invitation to join them for an experience that will be the highlight of your vacation - an adventure on the river. Learn a bit of history and geology and view abundant plant and animal life as the professional Glacier Raft Company crew show you the beauty and...
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Great Northern Resort & Guides

Our log chalets provide a perfect base for exploring Glacier Country. Enjoy a full kitchen with all linens, dishes and cookware. Our larger units feature full bath with tub/shower combinations and 3 queen size beds upstairs in two bedrooms, with a half bath downstairs. Our smaller units have...
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Lake McDonald Lodge, Cabins, and Inn

Built in 1914, Lake McDonald Lodge is nestled on the shores of the largest lake inside Glacier National Park. Lake McDonald has 100 guest rooms split between the lodge, cottages, and a motor inn and offers a unique gift shop, campstore, lounge, restaurant, and pizzeria. Red Bus tours, boat cruises...
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Lodge at Whitefish Lake

The only full-service resort on Whitefish Lake. 85 rooms including large guest studios, suites and condominiums, fireplaces, decks with mountain or lake views, complimentary high-speed internet. Boat Club restaurant and lounge. Full service Spa, outdoor pool and hot tub, and full service Marina...
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Marina Cay Resort

Northwest Montana's finest year round resort on Bigfork Bay. We offer suites, two & three bedroom condos, many with lake views. Enjoy Flathead Lake, Glacier Park, Golf at Eagle Bend or five other championship golf courses, skiing, and snowmobiling. Walking distance to Bigfork Village, shopping...
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Montana's Best Vacation Homes

Private vacation homes in the spectacular Flathead Valley. Modern mountain cabins with a rustic feel and fabulous lake shore locations on Flathead Lake, Ashley Lake, Echo Lake and Lake Blaine. Prime bookings from June through September are available. Book your Montana Vacation today!
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Questa Sailing Charters

Come sailing on a 51-foot sailing sloop!
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Timbers Motel

We invite you to visit Timbers Motel, nestled comfortably in a vacation paradise. Enjoy being part of the action or kick back and delight in the beauty of Mother Nature. Just a few minutes away from Timbers Motel you can enjoy water sports on Flathead Lake, golfing at Eagle Bend Golf Course or...
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Wild River Adventures

We provide 1/2 day to 6 day adventures at Glacier National Park. Whitewater rafting, horseback rides, trout fishing, and mountain biking. For nearly a quarter century, we have been Glacier Park's adventure headquarters.
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Region 2

Double Arrow Lodge

The Double Arrow Lodge provides deluxe lodging, cozy cabins and lodge rooms, conference and retreat facilities, exceptional food and beverage service, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and year round activities including: championship golf, scenic hikes, trail rides, tennis, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling...
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Montana Island Lodge

Exclusive upscale conference center on an island. Log mansion, superb 5-star service, incredible comforts of home, ideal for small groups, organizations, retreats, incentives, board meetings, family reunions, weddings. 11 suites, two hot tubs, fitness center, steam room, big-screen TV/VCR...
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Seeley Sport Rentals, Inc.

Located in Seeley Lake, we offer recreational rentals for all seasons. Pontoon, ski and fishing boats. Waverunners, canoes and mountain bikes. ATV's, snowmobiles and all the accessories you need including guide services. Reservations recommended. Call and we will help you with where to play...
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Seeley Swan Vacations, LLC

Beautiful, privately owned homes & cozy cabins for rent. Located in lakefront, riverfront, or quiet mountain settings. Year round vacation paradise.
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Tamaracks Resort

17 Lake front cabins with kitchens & fireplaces, completely furnished and modern. Beautiful setting along 1700 feet of Seeley Lake's shoreline. RV camping, gift shop, Wi-Fi internet, TV's, laundry, beach, boat launch and morrage, boat and canoe rentals; open most of the year. Summer, Fall, &...
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Region 3

Family Inn

Located just across the river from the University of Montana and close to historic downtown Missoula with its galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, pubs & bistros. You will enjoy your stay in our spacious rooms with queen beds, business center with high speed internet, guest laundry...
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Other Listings

Region 1

Company Phone Location
Montana's Duck Lake Lodge

http://ducklakelodge.com		 406-338-5770 Babb
Sunny Shores

 406-849-5622 Big Arm
Accommodations Flathead Lake

 406-837-5617 Bigfork
Flathead Lake Lodge

http://flatheadlakelodge.com		 406-837-4319 Bigfork
Bigfork Water Sports

http://bigforkwatersports.com		 406-249-3732 Bigfork
Pointer Scenic Cruises

 406-837-5617 Bigfork
Woods Bay Marina and RV Resort

http://woodsbay.com		 406-837-6191 Bigfork
Woods Bay Point Retreat

 406-837-5617 Bigfork
Woods Bay Restort

http://woodsbayresort.com		 406-837-3333 Bigfork
Glacier Fishing Charters

http://landwehroutfitters.com		 406-892-2377 Columbia Falls
Lakeview Cottage

 406-885-2001 Columbia Falls
Dancing Bear Campground

http://dancingbearcampground.com		 406-872-5750 Coram
Loon Song Lodge

http://vrbo.com/43686		 406-253-8445 Kalispell
Thompson Chain-of-Lakes

http://fwp.mt.gov		 406-752-5501 Kalispell
Wild Wave Watercraft

http://wildwaverentals.com		 406-844-2400 Kalispell
Bayshore Resort Motel

http://bayshoreresortmotel.com		 406-844-3131 Lakeside
Lakeside Bay Marina

 406-844-2400 Lakeside
McGregor Lake Resort

http://mcgregorlakeresort.com		 406-858-2253 Marion
Absolute Water Sport

http://wildwaverentals.com		 406-883-3900 Polson
Flathead Boat Company

 406-883-0999 Polson
Bow & Arrow Vacation

http://lumivista.com/BnB		 406-737-7877 Ronan
S and S Sports

http://sandssports.com		 406-644-2950 Ronan
St. Mary KOA Kampground

http://goglacier.com		 406-732-4122 St Mary
Wild Wave Watercraft

http://sandssports.com		 406-857-6750 Somers
Glacier Raft Company

http://glacierraftco.com		 406-888-5454 Ronan
S and S Sports

http://sandssports.com		 406-644-2950 West Glacier
Great Northern Whitewater Resort

http://gnwhitewater.com		 406-387-5340 West Glacier
Lake Five Resort

http://lakefiveresort.com		 406-387-5601 West Glacier
Many Glacier Campground

http://nps.gov/glac		 406-888-7800 West Glacier
Crestwood Resort

http://crestwoodresort.com		 406-862-7574 Whitefish
Extreme Motorsports

http://wfmextrememotorsports.com		 406-862-8594 Whitefish
Lodge at Griddle Cake Lake

http://vrbo.com/77149		 406-862-9010 Whitefish

Region 2

Company Phone Location
Angler's Roost

http://anglersroost-montana.com		 406-363-1268 Hamilton
Montana Flyfishing Center

http://montanaflyfishingcenter.com		 406-363-3801 Hamilton
Dunrovin Ranch

http://dunrovinranchmontana.com		 406-273-7745 Lolo
Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures

http://trailadventures.com		 406-728-7609 Missoula
Pipestone Moiuntaineering

http://pipestonemountaineering.com		 406-721-1670 Missoula
Trail Head

http://trailheadmontana.net		 406-543-6966 Missoula
Holland Lake Lodge

http://hollandlakelodge.com		 406-754-2282 Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake Recreational Rentals

http://Seeleylakerentals.com		 406-677-7368 Seeley Lake
The Lodges on Seeley Lake

http://lodgesonseeleylake.com		 406-677-2376 Seeley Lake

Region 3

Company Phone Location
The Montana Cabin

http://themontanacabin.com		 406-889-5181 Eureka
Sportsmen Info Center

http://thecaboosemotel.com		 406-293-6201 Libby
Koocanusa Resort and Marina

http://Koocanusarestort.com		 406-293-7474 Libby
Kootenai River Guest Cabins

http://montana-flyfishing.com		 406-293-7578 Libby
Sandman Motel

http://sandmanmotel.us		 406-293-8831 Libby
Sandman Motel Down-Under

http://sandmanmotel.us		 406-293-7795 Libby
Bighorn Lodge B And B

http://bighornlodgemontana.com		 406-847-4676 Noxon
Clark Fork River OUtfitters

http://flyfishbigsky.com		 406-826-4220 Saint Regis
Clark Fork Trout & Tackle

http://clarkforktrout.com		 406-649-2538 Saint Regis
Joe Cantrell Outfitting

http://joecantrelloutfitting.com		 406-649-3474 Saint Regis