Flathead Lake Boating Guide

Dayton Harbor is the closest launch site to Wild Horse Island. This Flathead Lake island is undoubtedly one of the top adventure destinations on Flathead Lake for boaters and other visitors. Yet, it still never seems to be overcrowded! It’s a great spot to picnic and take a hike. 

When you are looking for spots to anchor near Wild Horse Island, keep in mind that sailboat racers use the Great South Bay for overnights prior to races in Big Arm and Mack Alley is a popular fishing area with powerboaters.  Skeeko Bay is a popular bay on Wild Horse Island for sailors and offers good holding. 

Hiking on the island is fabulous and great for the kids to release pent-up energy from the sail down! Remember to check in at the shore station and pay the nominal fee. Montana Fish and Game patrol the island regularly so, as always, have your documents and safety equipment in order.

There are no public docks on Wild Horse Island and you can’t camp overnight onshore. Learn more about the history of Wild Horse Island here.

Cedar Island is a Flathead Lake hidden gem. The State of Montana owns the land and it’s open to the public— yet rarely visited. 

The Southwest Bay is an excellent overnight stop and features a good gravel bottom for anchoring. You can stern tie, but you’ll get wet venturing to shore. If you dive or snorkel, the rock formations offshore provide great viewing. Additionally, the abandoned Marshall home on the island’s northwest shore has a spot large enough to tie up 2–3 boats and some people choose to camp in or around the home itself! Be wary of the rock ledges surrounding the island. 

Learn more about the history of Cedar Island and the Marshall home here.

There are many Flathead Lake bays a short distance from Dayton Harbor that we would recommend visiting when you sail in the area. Here are a few to take note of:

• West Shore State Park: This spot is only open for day anchorage and you’ll need a skiff to get to shore. Keep in mind it doesn’t provide much shelter if a storm passes through.
• Table Bay: This is a private facility but it is a great weather hole when moving up and down the lake.
• Shelter Bay: A deep sheltered bay with development along the shore.
• Canal Bay: A highly developed bay with good holding and protection.
• Indian Bay: Whiskey Cove at the south end of the bay is a super weather hole, but not an overnight location

If you need to stop to refuel on Flathead Lake, Big Arm resort is a good place to stop as you head south from Dayton. The resort features a fuel dock (no pump out), refreshments, and some basic supplies.

Sailing around Juniper Island and the other small islands in Somers Bay makes for a great family adventure. It’s close enough to shore that it takes away some of the stresses of family cruising but also far enough away to really feel immersed in the beauty of Flathead Lake.

Boating down to Lakeside is a solid option if you’d like to take a break from the water and grab a coffee or get some last minute provisions! Peaceful Bay in Lakeside is also a tranquil spot for day anchorages and to weather a passing storm. Just be aware if you swim in the water that this can be a hotspot for swimmer’s itch.

If you are launching your boat from Somers, Hockaday Bay is an excellent destination for a day sail with guests. It is about an hour and a half sail from the dock. This bay features great anchorages and is sheltered from the north winds.

Hughes Bay can get quite full of water skiers so it’s better to sail here in the early morning and go deeper into the bay (it curves around) to avoid the traffic. This is another spot you’ll want to be wary of swimmer’s itch, if you plan on jumping off the boat.

Just south of Hughes Bay is Deep Bay. Based on this Flathead Lake Bay’s name, you might not be surprised to learn– the beach is narrow and drops off quickly! Most boats can anchor with the bow tied to shore and the stern facing south, or just swing on a hook. If you are looking to enjoy the sunshine while sailing on Flathead Lake, keep in mind that the west side of the bay loses the late sun while the east side is blocked from the morning sun.

You can visit Wayfarers (Flathead Lake State Park), on the northeastern shores of Flathead Lake, from Somers or directly launch from here. If you do launch from Wayfarers, you can sail south and get to Woods Bay fairly quickly, as well. There are bars and restaurants on the east side of the bay. The Sitting Duck has docking facilities, and if you want to stay the night try the west side of the Woods Bay near the marina.

Bird Island is another Montana State wildlife island and is a great spot for day anchorage or calm nights. You can visit the island but be aware that no overnights are allowed.