Montana Administrative Code

12.11.1404 COCHRANE DAM Cochrane Dam is located in Cascade County on the Missouri River and forms Cochrane Reservoir. The waters 500 feet above the dam to 500 feet below the dam are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming. The closed waters will be identified and de…

12.11.1405 MORONY RESERVOIR Morony Reservoir is located in Cascade County. Morony Reservoir is closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Fishing from shore is permitted except in areas where public access is prohibited as …

12.11.1406 MORONY DAM Morony Dam is located in Cascade County on the Missouri River and forms the Morony Reservoir. The waters 500 feet above the dam to 500 feet below the dam are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming. The closed waters will be identified and deli…

12.11.1407 RYAN RESERVOIR Ryan Reservoir is located in Cascade County. Ryan Reservoir is closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Fishing from shore is permitted except in areas where public access is prohibited as marked…

12.11.1408 RYAN DAM Ryan Dam is located in Cascade County on the Missouri River and forms Ryan Reservoir. The waters 500 feet above the dam to 100 feet below the waterfalls are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming. The closed waters will be identified and delinea…

12.11.1415 RAINBOW DAM Rainbow Dam is located in Cascade County on the Missouri River and forms Rainbow Reservoir. The waters 600 feet above the dam to 100 feet below the waterfalls are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming. The closed waters will be identified an…

12.11.1601 BRANUM POND Branum Pond is located in Custer County. Branum Pond is closed to use for any motor-propelled watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2001 MAR p. 18, Eff. 1/12/01.

12.11.1701 WHITETAIL RESERVOIR Whitetail Reservoir is located in Daniels County. Whitetail Reservoir is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) . Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History…

12.11.1801 JOHNSON RESERVOIR Johnson Reservoir is located in Dawson County. Johnson Reservoir is limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft power by electric motors. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Histo…

12.11.1901 GEORGETOWN LAKE Georgetown Lake is located in Deer Lodge and Granite counties. In Deer Lodge County, Georgetown Lake is limited to a controlled no wake speed as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) in the following area: from the mouth of Stuart Mill Bay as marked by buoys and …

12.11.1910 SILVER LAKE Silver Lake is located in Deer Lodge County. The water within 100 feet of the intake structure is closed to all boating, sailing, floating, and swimming. The closed water will be identified and delineated by buoys or signs. Authorizing statute(s): 87-1-303,…

12.11.2001 SOUTH SANDSTONE RESERVOIR South Sandstone Reservoir is located in Fallon County. South Sandstone Reservoir is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.102(1) . Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1…

12.11.202 RIVER DEFINITIONS The following definitions apply to this subchapter: "Beaverhead River" means that portion of the river from its headwaters to Jessen Park in Twin Bridges. "Big Hole River" means the river from its headwaters to its confluence with the Jefferson River. …

12.11.205 BEAVERHEAD RIVER RECREATIONAL USE RESTRICTIONS Starting on the third Saturday in May through Labor Day, recreational use of the Beaverhead River from Clark Canyon Dam to Jessen Park in Twin Bridges shall be allowed and restricted in designated river reaches as follows: …

12.11.206 USE OF TEMPORARY CLIENT DAYS ON THE BEAVERHEAD RIVER One-boat outfitters may apply on an annual basis for up to 60 temporary client days on the Beaverhead River unless the outfitter has: surrendered or transferred client days; or had a Beaverhead River commercial use pe…

12.11.207 REVIEW OF RIVER RECREATION RULES FOR BEAVERHEAD RIVER The commission shall review the rules governing recreational use on the Beaverhead River every five years. The statewide rules governing river recreation management shall apply to future recreation management actions…

12.11.210 BIG HOLE RIVER RECREATIONAL USE RESTRICTIONS Starting on the third Saturday in May through Labor Day, recreational use of the Big Hole River from its headwaters to Notch Bottom fishing access site shall be allowed and restricted by defining eight river zones with one zo…

12.11.2101 CRYSTAL LAKE Crystal Lake is located in Fergus County. Crystal Lake is limited to manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2001…

12.11.2105 LOWER CARTER POND Lower Carter Pond is located in Fergus County. Lower Carter Pond is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) . Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, …

12.11.211 USE OF TEMPORARY CLIENT DAYS ON THE BIG HOLE RIVER One-boat outfitters may apply on an annual basis for up to 60 temporary client days on the Big Hole River unless the outfitter has: surrendered or transferred client days; or had a Big Hole River commercial use permit r…

12.11.2110 UPPER CARTER POND Upper Carter Pond is located in Fergus County. Upper Carter Pond is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) . Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, …

12.11.212 REVIEW OF RIVER RECREATION RULES FOR THE BIG HOLE RIVER The commission shall review the rules governing recreational use on the Big Hole River every five years. The statewide rules governing river recreation management shall apply to future recreation management actions…

12.11.215 NEW OUTFITTER MORATORIUM AND OUTFITTER RESTRICTIONS ON THE BEAVERHEAD RIVER An outfitter with documented use of the Beaverhead River prior to December 31, 1998, may continue to operate on the Beaverhead River, except as provided in (2). An outfitter authorized to outfit…

12.11.220 NEW OUTFITTER MORATORIUM AND OUTFITTER RESTRICTIONS ON THE BIG HOLE RIVER An outfitter with documented use of the Big Hole River prior to December 31, 1998, may continue to operate on the Big Hole River, except as provided in (2). An outfitter authorized to outfit on th…

12.11.2201 BEAVER LAKE Beaver Lake (near Whitefish) is located in Flathead County. Beaver Lake is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) during the following times: 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, …

12.11.2204 ECHO LAKE Echo Lake is located in Flathead County. Echo Lake is limited to a controlled no wake speed pursuant to ARM 12.11.115 except for the following areas: the upper three islands in the southwest corner of section 5, approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the entranc…

12.11.2205 FLATHEAD LAKE A portion of Flathead Lake is located in Flathead County. In Flathead County, Flathead Lake is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1), in the following areas: Bigfork Bay to a point approximately 100 yards west of the Highwa…

12.11.2206 FLATHEAD RIVER A portion of the Flathead River is located in Flathead County. Church Slough is closed to boating March 1 to April 10. Fennon Slough is restricted to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1). The North Fork of the Flathead River: is clo…

12.11.2208 LAKE FIVE Lake Five is located in Flathead County. ARM 12.11.115 exempts Lake Five from the controlled no wake speed defined in ARM 12.11.101(1). Personal watercraft as defined in 23-2-502, MCA are prohibited. All vessels towing a person water skiing, tubing, or any si…

12.11.2210 LITTLE MCGREGOR LAKE Little McGregor Lake is located in Flathead County within the Thompson Chain of Lakes. Little McGregor Lake is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) . Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing stat…

12.11.2225 TEPEE LAKE Tepee Lake is located in Flathead County. Tepee Lake is closed to use for any motor-propelled watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2021 MAR p. 432, Eff. 4/17/21.

12.11.2301 BOZEMAN PONDS Bozeman Ponds are located in Gallatin County. Bozeman Ponds are closed to use for any motor-propelled watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2001 MAR p. 18, Eff. 1/12/01.…

12.11.2305 EAST GALLATIN POND East Gallatin Pond is located in Gallatin County. East Gallatin Pond is closed to use for any motor-propelled watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2001 MAR p. 18, E…

12.11.2307 HEBGEN DAM Hebgen Dam is located in Gallatin County on the Madison River and forms Hebgen Lake. The waters 100 feet above the dam to 100 feet below the outlet works are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming. The closed waters will be identified and deli…

12.11.2308 HEBGEN LAKE Hebgen Lake is located in Gallatin County. Hebgen Lake is limited to a controlled no wake speed as defined in ARM 12.11.101 in the following areas: Rainbow Point Bay no wake or as buoyed; and Loneshomehurst Campground within 200 feet of the shoreline or as …

12.11.2310 HYALITE RESERVOIR Hyalite Reservoir is located in Gallatin County. Hyalite Reservoir is limited to a controlled no wake speed as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) . Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW,…

12.11.2315 GALLATIN COUNTY All rivers and streams in Gallatin County east of the continental divide are closed to the use of all watercraft propelled by machinery of over 10 horsepower with the following exceptions: on the Missouri River, downriver from Headwaters State Park. Aut…

12.11.2401 FORT PECK RESERVOIR (REPEALED) Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2001 MAR p. 847, Eff. 5/25/01; REP, 2012 MAR p. 884, Eff. 4/27/12.

12.11.2701 BEAR MOUTH REST AREA POND Bear Mouth Rest Area Pond is located in Granite County. Bear Mouth Rest Area Pond is closed to use for any motor-propelled watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NE…

12.11.2705 FLINT CREEK DAM Flint Creek Dam is located in Granite County on Flint Creek and forms Georgetown Lake. The waters 100 feet above the dam to 150 feet below the dam are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming. The closed waters will be identified and deline…

12.11.2710 GEORGETOWN LAKE Georgetown Lake is located in Deer Lodge and Granite counties. In Deer Lodge County, Georgetown Lake is limited to a controlled no wake speed as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) in the following area: from the mouth of Stuart Mill Bay as marked by buoys and …

12.11.2801 BEARPAW LAKE Bearpaw Lake is located in Hill County. Bearpaw Lake is closed to use for any motor-propelled watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2001 MAR p. 18, Eff. 1/12/01.

12.11.2805 BEAVER CREEK RESERVOIR Beaver Creek Reservoir is located in Hill County. Beaver Creek Reservoir is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) . Beaver Creek Reservoir is closed to the use of all watercraft propelled by machinery of over 10 ho…

12.11.2810 FRESNO RESERVOIR Fresno Reservoir is located in Hill County. Fresno Reservoir is limited to a controlled no wake speed, as defined in ARM 12.11.101(1) , in the following areas: the area around the Fresno boat club docks; public boat ramp areas; and swimming and beach a…

12.11.2901 PARK LAKE Park Lake is located in Jefferson County. Park Lake is closed to use for any motor-propelled watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History: NEW, 2001 MAR p. 18, Eff. 1/12/01.

12.11.2905 JEFFERSON COUNTY All rivers and streams in Jefferson County east of the continental divide are closed to the use of all watercraft propelled by machinery of over 10 horsepower. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303,…

12.11.301 PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES Wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices must be readily accessible to all persons on the vessel. All vessels 16 feet in length and over must have one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable personal flotation device that is …

12.11.305 VENTILATION SYSTEMS Every motorboat or vessel on the waters of this state shall meet the following ventilation system requirements: at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of…

12.11.310 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Motorboats or vessels on the waters of this state shall have the following fire extinguishing equipment: less than 26 feet in length if the motorboat or vessel carries passengers for hire or has any of the conditions listed in subsection (d) of this r…

12.11.3101 KERR DAM Kerr Dam is located in Lake County. The area immediately above Kerr Dam is either closed as posted or marked by barrel booms to the use of all watercraft. Authorizing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA Implementing statute(s): 23-1-106, 87-1-303, MCA History:…