Watercraft inspections open in Kalispell, Ravalli

Watercraft inspection stations are reopening across Northwest Montana, starting with early-season operations in Kalispell and Ravalli, with additional inspection stations to open later this spring.

Free boat inspections are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Montana Fish, Wildife and Parks’ regional headquarters in Kalispell located near the fairgrounds. In addition, FWP will offer inspections at the Region 1 office seven days a week beginning March 16.

In partnership with the agency, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are staffing the watercraft inspection station along U.S. 93 in Ravalli. The station is currently operating seven days a week.

For the Flathead Basin specifically, all boats launching within the area must receive an inspection prior to launching if they last launched outside of the basin. Water bodies within the Flathead Basin boundaries include Lake McDonald, Whitefish Lake, the Hungry Horse Reservoir, Flathead Lake and many more.

All anglers/watercraft participating in the upcoming Flathead Lake Mack Days tournament, which begins March 20, will need proof of a 2020 boat inspection that will be turned in with entries.

To find boat inspection sites, maps of the Flathead Basin boundaries and additional rules go to www.cleandraindrymt.com. To find information regarding non-resident watercraft launching in Montana go to fwp.mt.gov.