The 12 Best Places for Boating in Montana

With a collection of glacially carved lakes, man-made reservoirs, and mighty rivers cutting through the wide-open valleys, Montana is one of the best places on earth for boating enthusiasts.

Many of the local lakes are also prime destinations for anglers, but even those without healthy populations of fish offer opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Whether you are interested in power boating, sailing, or kayaking; have your own boat, or are looking to hire; and are seeking a day-use destination or somewhere you can camp, we have you covered with a list of where you will find the best boating in Montana.

Hebgen Lake

An idyllic man-made lake near Yellowstone National Park in Southwest Montana, Hebgen Lake is one of Montana’s top still-water fishing and boating destinations.

Only 20 minutes west of the park, the lake is home to an abundance of brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout.

Hebgen Lake is famous for an earthquake that hit the area in 1959, which caused significant damage and formed Quake Lake immediately downstream.

In the area surrounding the lake, visitors can enjoy camping at the Rainbow Point and Cherry Creek campgrounds, as well as hiking.

Brush Lake State Park

Located in Glasgow Montana, in Valley County, Brush Lake is an ideal location for boating, as well as swimming, and other water sports. The lake also has white sandy beaches and surrounding grassy areas that provide the perfect setting for a family getaway.

There is a boat ramp in the northeastern area of the lake, which is a day-use area. You’ll also find a dock and picnic area here. Visitors are welcome to camp at the 12 nearby campgrounds which boast electric campsites.

Brush Lake is deep and clear, stretching for a mile. While it is a boater’s dream, it doesn’t boast any fish population due to the water’s composition.

However, it is crystal-clear and stunning to view, either from the shore or from a boat.

Noxon Rapids Reservoir

Noxon Rapids Reservoir is a section of the Clark Fork River in Western Montana. It’s located along Highway 200, one of the most picturesque stretches of road in the state.

Boating enthusiasts come from all over Montana to enjoy the reservoir, which stretches for 25 miles.

The reservoir, which spans from Thompson Falls to Noxon, is popular for general boating, along with water skiing and jet skiing.

It is also a great destination for anglers, as the waters are rich in largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye fish.

Flathead Lake

As the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, Flathead Lake is naturally one of the best places for boating in Montana.

There are more than 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline to explore, and the lake has traditionally been a prime destination for sailing, power boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing against a backdrop of the Swan and Mission mountains.

Visitors to the lake can camp nearby or lodge in one of the various motels and rental cabins around the shoreline. Supplies can be picked up in the towns around the lake, including Kalispell, Bigfork, and Polson.

It’s important to note that the southern half of Flathead Lake is located within the territory of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. To use this area, you must purchase a tribal recreation permit.

Lake Mary Ronan

Located a few miles to the west of Flathead Lake, Lake Mary Ronan State Park offers a quiet destination where boaters can escape from the crowds and enjoy Montana’s natural beauty. The lake is bordered by a forest and is also the perfect setting for a camping trip, with 25 campsites in the area.

The lake is known for its fishing potential, but is also great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and of course, motorboating. There is a stretch of beach where the whole family can settle down for a picnic, and the surrounding area is ideal for wildlife watching too.

The lake is accessible right through the year, even becoming a popular destination for ice fishing in the winter. T