Boating and Boat Rentals in Western Montana + Glacier National Park

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Boating Watersports in Western Montana

Watersports in Western Montana

Note: As of July 1, 2023, Conservation Licenses are required for everyone age 12 and older to access most state lands, including wildlife management areas, fishing access sites and wildlife habitat protection areas. This requirement does not include state parks. Please recreate responsibly. Learn more here.

Boating is one of those classic summer pastimes—getting the whole family out on the sparkling Flathead Lake to water ski, or heading out on the Blackfoot River for a solo drift-boat fishing trip. Motor or man powered, your boat has a place in Montana, and so does your next boating adventure.

Motorboats are allowed on most lakes and some larger rivers, while smaller lakes and rivers may have restrictions. All motorboats must have a valid license and all users should wear a personal floatation device (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.

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Operating Rules

Motorboat Certificates

Renting Watercrafts

Operating and Safety 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.

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 visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks boating rules.

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 & 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 and 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 a 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 water skier 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, please read Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Personal Watercraft Brochure.

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