Where Are Boats Allowed on Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake has nearly 200 square miles of open waters to sail. That said, some Flathead Lake boating areas are better than others. It’s important to know the lay of the land (and water).
Let’s look at everything you need to know about where to boat on Flathead Lake—from launching to discovering our favorite hidden gems!
Where Can I Launch at Flathead Lake?
There are several places where you can launch a boat on Flathead Lake. Some popular sites include the deep-water launching point at Yellow Bay State Park, the ramp at Lakeside or the Dayton Public Boat Launch.
You can also set sail from a few other locations, including:
- Somers
- Wayfarers
- Sportsman’s Bridge
- Elmo Fishing Access
When Can I Launch a Boat at Flathead Lake?
It depends on when you launch! Most sailors think that May to September is the best time to sail on Flathead Lake because you can launch from just about anywhere.
While many docks are typically seasonal, there are year-round launching locations like the popular Sportsman’s Bridge, which has both high and low water ramps.
How Can I Launch a Boat at Flathead Lake
Taking sailing courses is a great way to learn the basics before branching out on your own. You can learn some of the basic launching techniques in ASA 101, which is designed to help prepare you for when you sail independently as a Go Sail Flathead Lake member.
Where Are the Best Flathead Lake Boating Areas
Deciding where to boat on Flathead Lake can be tricky—it’s a large body of water with lots of launching sites to choose from. Most sailors (especially beginners) will want to stick to deeper waters, which make it easier to navigate the open lake.
Here are a few of the best Flathead Lake boating areas and what to expect:
- Wild Horse Island: This is a moderately challenging route, but reaching the islands is a bucket list destination for Montana sailors. The 2,000+ acres of remote land on southwest Flathead Lake is excellent for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Sommers Bay: Launch at this popular location, and you can sail one of the most scenic Flathead Lake boating areas. It is ideal for fishing and swimming, and there’s a state park nearby.
- Big Arm Bay: Start at the boat ramps or docks at Big Arm State Park before enjoying the mellow waters of Big Arm Bay.
- Finley Point: This popular state park is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. It has hiking trails, campsites, and some of the best trout and salmon fishing on the lake.
Do I Need a Permit to Launch at Flathead Lake?
Permits are required for many Montana residents and out-of-state sailors to launch from the southern end of Flathead Lake, since it is on tribal land. If you are not a resident of Montana, you’ll also need a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass (AISPP) for boating anywhere on the lake.
Go Sail Flathead Lake Launching Location
If you become a member at Go Sail Flathead Lake, you can use one of our boats at any time. We launch from the Dayton Public Boat Launch, which is a short sail from Wild Horse Island! This sets you up at one of the best Flathead Lake boating areas and is close to Big Arm and Finley Point.
Book a sailing tour to see all the best sites GSMT offers. You can email us for a map with depths and helpful notes about specific sailing locations.