All watercraft must stop at open inspection stations
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from FWP
MONTANA – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer in Montana, and as boaters venture out to our rivers and lakes, please keep in mind the rules aimed at protecting our waters and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
All watercraft must stop at all open inspection stations they encounter. All watercraft coming into Montana from out-of-state must seek out an inspection prior to launching.
Non-residents transporting and launching watercraft in Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass. All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected.
All watercraft launching anywhere within the Flathead Basin that were last launched on waters outside of the Flathead Basin must be inspected. Watercraft leaving Tiber reservoir must be inspected at an FWP decontamination station.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and partner agencies operate more than 25 roadside watercraft inspection stations across the state.
Typically, boat inspections are brief and include a short interview and check to make sure watercraft are not transporting mud, water, plants or invasive organisms. Larger or more complex boats may require additional time for an inspection.
Watercraft owners can make their inspection quick and easy if they consistently practice clean, drain and dry every time they leave an access area:
Clean all mud and debris from the watercraft and trailer. To find a watercraft inspection station or to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.
