An Ounce of Prevention

Can Keep Flathead Lake Free of Invasive Mussels

An Ounce of Prevention

Can Keep Flathead Lake Free of Invasive Mussels

An Ounce of Prevention

Can Keep Flathead Lake Free of Invasive Mussels

Protect the lake by following these simple Do-It-Yourself rules and guidelines:

If you are hauling a watercraft of any kind, motorized or nonmotorized you must stop. Here are the details:

If you suspect an infestation orsee a boat or trailer with mussels attached, this is what to do:

Quick Reference

Check Station Information

AIS Check Stations
(Locations and Hours)


Ravalli, MT

83084 US-93, Ravalli, MT 59863
Open March 12th to October 23rd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From May 15th to September 18th the station is open 24/7
Contact: Ravalli office's numbers:
406-883-2888 ext. 5465
406-675-2700 ext. 5465
Mandatory Class I Inspection Station—full inspection and decontamination capability.

Thompson Falls, MT
Located next to Thompson Falls Rural Fire Station on HWY 200
Open April 23rd to September 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.


Polson, MT
406 6th Ave E Polson, MT.
Hours: M-Th by appointment.
Main office numbers:
406-883-2888 ext.7200, 7261
406-675-2700 ext 7200 or 7261

Kalispell, MT
MFWP Region 1 Office, 490 N Meridian Rd, Kalispell
Opens: February 28th Closes: TBA
Hours February 28 to April 24: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Hours beginning April 25th: Saturday through Sunday & Holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courtesy Station, inspection, decontamination, and routing as needed.

Mack Days AIS Information

Mack Days AIS Update
Spring 2021
March 19 to May 16, 2021
Date of this Update: January 14, 2021

Because we are very concerned about AIS issues, Mack Days will require that all boats be inspected in 2021 before launching at any site on Flathead Lake and that proof of inspection be turned in with your first entries or before (you can email a copy of your proof of inspection to Cindy at cindy.benson@cskt.org). This is for the protection of the lake and everyone who cares about it.

Note that as in the past, we are conducting AIS inspections at Blue Bay for boats participating in Mack Days (except for boats coming from out of state or any boat crossing over the Continental Divide).


Thank you everyone and best of luck!

Quick Reference

AIS Check Stations
(Locations and Hours)

Ravalli, MT
83084 US-93, Ravalli, MT 59863
Open March 12th to October 23rd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From May 15th to September 18th the station is open 24/7
Contact: Ravalli office's numbers:
406-883-2888 ext. 5465
406-675-2700 ext. 5465
Mandatory Class I Inspection Station—full inspection and decontamination capability.

Thompson Falls, MT
Located next to Thompson Falls Rural Fire Station on HWY 200
Open April 23rd to September 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.


Polson, MT
406 6th Ave E Polson, MT.
Hours: M-Th by appointment.
Main office numbers:
406-883-2888 ext.7200, 7261
406-675-2700 ext 7200 or 7261

Kalispell, MT
MFWP Region 1 Office, 490 N Meridian Rd, Kalispell
Opens: February 28th Closes: TBA
Hours February 28 to April 24: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Hours beginning April 25th: Saturday through Sunday & Holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courtesy Station, inspection, decontamination, and routing as needed.

Mack Days AIS Information

Mack Days AIS Update
Spring 2021
March 19 to May 16, 2021
Date of this Update: January 14, 2021

Because we are very concerned about AIS issues, Mack Days will require that all boats be inspected in 2021 before launching at any site on Flathead Lake and that proof of inspection be turned in with your first entries or before (you can email a copy of your proof of inspection to Cindy at cindy.benson@cskt.org). This is for the protection of the lake and everyone who cares about it.

Note that as in the past, we are conducting AIS inspections at Blue Bay for boats participating in Mack Days (except for boats coming from out of state or any boat crossing over the Continental Divide).


Thank you everyone and best of luck!

Protect the lake by following these simple Do-It-Yourself rules and guidelines:

If you are hauling a watercraft of any kind, motorized or nonmotorized you must stop. Here are the details:

If you suspect an infestation orsee a boat or trailer with mussels attached, this is what to do:

Quick Reference

Check Station Information

AIS Check Stations
(Locations and Hours)


Ravalli, MT

83084 US-93, Ravalli, MT 59863
Open March 12th to October 23rd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From May 15th to September 18th the station is open 24/7
Contact: Ravalli office's numbers:
406-883-2888 ext. 5465
406-675-2700 ext. 5465
Mandatory Class I Inspection Station—full inspection and decontamination capability.

Thompson Falls, MT
Located next to Thompson Falls Rural Fire Station on HWY 200
Open April 23rd to September 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.


Polson, MT
406 6th Ave E Polson, MT.
Hours: M-Th by appointment.
Main office numbers:
406-883-2888 ext.7200, 7261
406-675-2700 ext 7200 or 7261

Kalispell, MT
MFWP Region 1 Office, 490 N Meridian Rd, Kalispell
Opens: February 28th Closes: TBA
Hours February 28 to April 24: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Hours beginning April 25th: Saturday through Sunday & Holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courtesy Station, inspection, decontamination, and routing as needed.

Mack Days AIS Information

Mack Days AIS Update
Spring 2021
March 19 to May 16, 2021
Date of this Update: January 14, 2021

Because we are very concerned about AIS issues, Mack Days will require that all boats be inspected in 2021 before launching at any site on Flathead Lake and that proof of inspection be turned in with your first entries or before (you can email a copy of your proof of inspection to Cindy at cindy.benson@cskt.org). This is for the protection of the lake and everyone who cares about it.

Note that as in the past, we are conducting AIS inspections at Blue Bay for boats participating in Mack Days (except for boats coming from out of state or any boat crossing over the Continental Divide).


Thank you everyone and best of luck!

Zebra and Quagga Mussels Can Use Your Boat to Invade Additional Waters

Once a boat has been in infested waters, it could carry invasive mussels. These mussels can spread to new habitats on boats trailered by commercial haulers or the public. Zebra and quagga mussels attach to boats and aquatic plants carried by boats. These mussels also commonly attach to bait buckets and other aquatic recreational equipment. An adult female zebra mussel can release up to a million eggs in a year. Please take precautions outlined on this website to help reduce the chance that zebra or quagga mussels will spread from your boat or equipment to uninfested areas.

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Zebra and Quagga Mussels Can Use Your Boat to Invade Additional Waters

Once a boat has been in infested waters, it could carry invasive mussels. These mussels can spread to new habitats on boats trailered by commercial haulers or the public. Zebra and quagga mussels attach to boats and aquatic plants carried by boats. These mussels also commonly attach to bait buckets and other aquatic recreational equipment. An adult female zebra mussel can release up to a million eggs in a year. Please take precautions outlined on this website to help reduce the chance that zebra or quagga mussels will spread from your boat or equipment to uninfested areas.

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CLEAN.

Completely remove all mud, water, and vegetation before leaving the access area.

Inspect your boat, trailer, and all gear. Pay attention to crevices and hidden areas.

Remove all vegetation (by hand or sprayer).

Flush Live wells, engine live wells, ballast tanks and motors.

Dispose of debris in trash or on dry land away from water or ramp.

DRAIN. 

Drain all water from watercraft and equipment.

Drain or remove water from boat, bilge, live well, engine, internal compartments, and bait buckets by removing drain plugs before leaving the access area.

DRY. 

Aquatic invaders can survive only in water and wet areas.

Dry your watercraft and fishing equipment thoroughly; this will kill most invasive species.  It is recommended that you dry your boat or other watercraft in the sun for 4 days.

The longer you keep your watercraft, trailer, waders, and other equipment outside in the hot sun between fishing trips, the better.

Boaters, Anglers, Paddlers, and Seaplane Pilots

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Boaters, Anglers, Paddlers, and Seaplane Pilots

CLEAN.

Completely remove all mud, water, and vegetation before leaving the access area.

Inspect your boat, trailer, and all gear. Pay attention to crevices and hidden areas.

Remove all vegetation (by hand or sprayer).

Flush Live wells, engine live wells, ballast tanks and motors.

Dispose of debris in trash or on dry land away from water or ramp.

DRAIN. 

Drain all water from watercraft and equipment.

Drain or remove water from boat, bilge, live well, engine, internal compartments, and bait buckets by removing drain plugs before leaving the access area.

DRY. 

Aquatic invaders can survive only in water and wet areas.

Dry your watercraft and fishing equipment thoroughly; this will kill most invasive species.  It is recommended that you dry your boat or other watercraft in the sun for 4 days.

The longer you keep your watercraft, trailer, waders, and other equipment outside in the hot sun between fishing trips, the better.

 

If You are Transporting a Watercraft

You Must Stop Watercraft Inspection Stations

It's the Law

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Inspections include an interview, boat inspection, and if needed, decontamination with pressurized hot water of at least 140° F to remove and kill invasive species.

If You are Transporting a Watercraft

You Must Stop Watercraft Inspection Stations

It's the Law

My Image

Inspections include an interview, boat inspection, and if needed, decontamination with pressurized hot water of at least 140° F to remove and kill invasive species.

If You are Transporting a Watercraft

You Must Stop Watercraft Inspection Stations

It's the Law

My Image

Inspections include an interview, boat inspection, and if needed, decontamination with pressurized hot water of at least 140° F to remove and kill invasive species.



Watercraft Inspection Requirements

Latest Update on AIS Inspections for Spring 2021 Mack Days


Because we are very concerned about AIS issues, Mack Days will require that all boats be inspected in 2021 before launching at any site on Flathead Lake and that proof of inspection be turned in with your first entries or before. This is for the protection of the lake and everyone who cares about it.

Inspection stations will be open at an early date. Inspections may also be done at the CSKT NRD office in Polson or FWP Offices (call ahead)

OR

A Mack Days Inspection can be done at Blue Bay except for boats coming from out of state or any boat crossing over the Continental Divide.

When we have more information on sites for inspections we will post it here.

Watercraft includes stand up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and inflatables. The law applies to non-motorized watercraft owners and they will be ticketed if they drive by any open mandatory watercraft inspection station.


To ensure a speedy inspection, CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft prior to arrival at a watercraft inspection station. At the inspection station inspectors will check to ensure live wells, anchors, bilges, engines and ballast tanks are clean and dry. Boat owners need to open up live wells and take off boat covers at the inspection station.

Inspection Requirements

Watercraft Inspection Requirements

Latest Update on AIS Inspections for Spring 2021 Mack Days


Because we are very concerned about AIS issues, Mack Days will require that all boats be inspected in 2021 before launching at any site on Flathead Lake and that proof of inspection be turned in with your first entries or before. This is for the protection of the lake and everyone who cares about it.

Inspection stations will be open at an early date. Inspections may also be done at the CSKT NRD office in Polson or FWP Offices (call ahead)

OR

A Mack Days Inspection can be done at Blue Bay except for boats coming from out of state or any boat crossing over the Continental Divide.

When we have more information on sites for inspections we will post it here.

Watercraft includes stand up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and inflatables. The law applies to non-motorized watercraft owners and they will be ticketed if they drive by any open mandatory watercraft inspection station.


To ensure a speedy inspection, CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft prior to arrival at a watercraft inspection station. At the inspection station inspectors will check to ensure live wells, anchors, bilges, engines and ballast tanks are clean and dry. Boat owners need to open up live wells and take off boat covers at the inspection station.



CSKT Rules and Regs

CSKT AIS Boating and Watercraft Regulations Flathead Indian Reservation

This boating season, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) require all boats traveling into the Flathead Basin to be inspected by a watercraft inspection station prior to launching into any Flathead Basin waters.

Watercraft that are already within the Flathead Basin when the pilot project took effect on March 16th, 2018 do not require a new inspection. Only boats that leave the basin and launch in outside water bodies, must be inspected before launch once they return to the Flathead Basin.

CSKT in collaboration with MFWP are operating mandatory watercraft inspection stations in Ravalli, MT and Thompson Falls, MT to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Additionally, inspections can be arranged with CSKT at 406 6th Ave E in Polson Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (406) 675-2700 ext. 7200 to arrange a watercraft inspection appointment.

Inspections can also be obtained at MFWP Kalispell Region 1 offices seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Watercraft includes stand up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and inflatables. The law applies to non-motorized watercraft owners and they will be ticketed if they drive by any open mandatory watercraft inspection station.

To ensure a speedy inspection, CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft prior to arrival at a watercraft inspection station. At the inspection station inspectors will check to ensure live wells, anchors, bilges, engines and ballast tanks are clean and dry. Boat owners need to open up live wells and take off boat covers at the inspection station.

State of Montana Rules and Regs

Summary of Montana AIS Laws

Watercraft Inspections
If you are carrying or towing any watercraft or water-based equipment (non-motorized and motorized), you MUST stop at all watercraft inspection stations you encounter in Montana.

Illegal Transportation and Release

It is illegal:

  • To transport AIS into or within Montana.
  • To transport live fish, even baitfish, in Western Montana Fishing District.
  • Leeches may be imported if purchased from an approved dealer and accompanied by a receipt.
  • To move live fish, aquatic plants, or invertebrates from one water body to another without FWP authorization.
  • To release live aquarium or bait fish into Montana waters.
  • Transport of surface water is prohibited unless authorized by the department (Administrative Rules of Montana Code: 12.5.706).

Enforcement
It is illegal to drive by an open watercraft inspection station, you could be sited or fined up to $5000 if you knowingly or purposely attempt to introduce AIS into Montana waters.

You can be cited for driving past an inspections station if you are hauling or carrying a watercraft.

Different areas of the state have different fishing regulations, especially the transportation of live fish. Do not assume that regulations you follow in eastern Montana apply to central and western Montana. KNOW THE REGULATIONS before heading out to fish.

Download the Montana State Regulations

Visit the State's Clean, Drain, and Dry Inspection Station Website

CSKT Rules and Regs

CSKT AIS Boating and Watercraft Regulations Flathead Indian Reservation

This boating season, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) require all boats traveling into the Flathead Basin to be inspected by a watercraft inspection station prior to launching into any Flathead Basin waters.

Watercraft that are already within the Flathead Basin when the pilot project took effect on March 16th, 2018 do not require a new inspection. Only boats that leave the basin and launch in outside water bodies, must be inspected before launch once they return to the Flathead Basin.

CSKT in collaboration with MFWP are operating mandatory watercraft inspection stations in Ravalli, MT and Thompson Falls, MT to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Additionally, inspections can be arranged with CSKT at 406 6th Ave E in Polson Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (406) 675-2700 ext. 7200 to arrange a watercraft inspection appointment.

Inspections can also be obtained at MFWP Kalispell Region 1 offices seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Watercraft includes stand up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and inflatables. The law applies to non-motorized watercraft owners and they will be ticketed if they drive by any open mandatory watercraft inspection station.

To ensure a speedy inspection, CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft prior to arrival at a watercraft inspection station. At the inspection station inspectors will check to ensure live wells, anchors, bilges, engines and ballast tanks are clean and dry. Boat owners need to open up live wells and take off boat covers at the inspection station.

State of Montana Rules and Regs

Summary of Montana AIS Laws

Watercraft Inspections
If you are carrying or towing any watercraft or water-based equipment (non-motorized and motorized), you MUST stop at all watercraft inspection stations you encounter in Montana.

Illegal Transportation and Release

It is illegal:

  • To transport AIS into or within Montana.
  • To transport live fish, even baitfish, in Western Montana Fishing District.
  • Leeches may be imported if purchased from an approved dealer and accompanied by a receipt.
  • To move live fish, aquatic plants, or invertebrates from one water body to another without FWP authorization.
  • To release live aquarium or bait fish into Montana waters.
  • Transport of surface water is prohibited unless authorized by the department (Administrative Rules of Montana Code: 12.5.706).

Enforcement
It is illegal to drive by an open watercraft inspection station, you could be sited or fined up to $5000 if you knowingly or purposely attempt to introduce AIS into Montana waters.

You can be cited for driving past an inspections station if you are hauling or carrying a watercraft.

Different areas of the state have different fishing regulations, especially the transportation of live fish. Do not assume that regulations you follow in eastern Montana apply to central and western Montana. KNOW THE REGULATIONS before heading out to fish.

Download the Montana State Regulations

Visit the State's Clean, Drain, and Dry Inspection Station Website

 

Check Station Locations

The CSKT Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation is now staffing a boaters check station in Ravalli. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Statewide Map of Check Stations
(click the map to enlarge)

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Close-up of Reservation-area
(click the map to enlarge)

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Flathead Basin AIS Watercraft Inspection Boundary Areas
(click the map to enlarge)

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Check Station Locations

The CSKT Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation is now staffing a boaters check station in Ravalli. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Statewide Map of Check Stations
(click the map to enlarge)

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Close-up of Reservation-area
(click the map to enlarge)

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Flathead Basin AIS Watercraft Inspection Boundary Areas
(click the map to enlarge)

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Report a Suspected
Aquatic Invasive Species

Report a Suspected Aquatic Invasive Species

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