Best Montana Lakes for Boating in 2025
Making plans for next summer? Sailing is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors and Montana’s incredible lakes during the warmer months of the year.
Where should you cast off on a nautical adventure in 2025? Learn more about the best Montana lakes for boating.
Flathead Lake
It’s no secret that Flathead Lake is the best Montana boating lake. There are nearly 200 square miles of sailable waters, with beginner-friendly and advanced locations. It’s also home to the only ASA sailing school in the state.
You, your family, and friends can learn how to sail with Go Sail Flathead Lake, where we teach ASA courses to nearly any skill level. Whether you want to learn the basics in ASA 101 or are ready to start racing in ASA 102, Go Sail Flathead Lake is here to teach you!
We launch from Dayton Public Boat Launch, which is near some of the best sailing on Flathead Lake. You can sail to Big Arm Bay or Wild Horse Island, each of which has relatively calm waters that are ideal for learning how to sail.
The scenery is also incredible, with big horn sheep, falcons, and beautiful blue waters around the rolling mountains.
Hebgen Lake
There are 2 marinas at Hebgen Lake, and is also home to the Hebgen Lake Yacht Club. It’s located near the border of Wyoming and is one of the most scenic lakes in the state.
Conditions are ideal for intermediate sailors. The waters are fairly deep, at an average of 70 feet. The lake gets pretty steady winds, with an average around 9 mph.
The waters are clean and clear, and it’s a great fishing lake.
You can find launching sites at Quake Lake, Lonesomehurst, and Rainbow Point. Quake Lake is our favorite launch site, where you can see the “ghost trees” that resulted from the 1959 earthquake.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir
If you are in central Montana, Canyon Ferry is a popular lake for sailing. It is a long, scenic stretch of water with nearly 100 miles of shoreline. There is a lot to do around the area, including camping, swimming, and hiking.
You can find launch points all around the lake, but most sailors start on the south or north ends. Conditions are typically ideal for beginner to intermediate sailors, where winds typically don’t exceed 10 mph.
Whitefish Lake
Whitefish Lake has 2 boat launches, at Whitefish Lake State Park and City Beach. It’s located near Glacier National Park, and the scenery is beautiful. Guests visit for the clear waters and outdoor activities.
There are not a lot of windy days on this lake, but that makes it a popular option for beginner sailors who want to get more comfortable on the water when the wind picks up a bit.
Visit Us at Go Sail Flathead Lake
We are excited about the sailing season in 2025 and have spots available for you to become a member or take ASA courses with our team. Come sail Flathead Lake with GSMT!