Montana Watercraft Inspection Stations to Open in March

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has opened the first watercraft inspection stations in Kalispell and Ravalli for the 2019 season.  The inspection station will open in Browning later this month.  

 

Boat owners should ensure their watercraft and trailers are clean, drained and dry before transport and need to be aware of Montana’s inspection rules:

  • All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching.
  • All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching.
  • All watercraft launching anywhere within the Flathead Basin that were last launched on waters outside of the Flathead Basin must be inspected.

 

Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter.

 

Snowbirds returning to Montana with a watercraft must seek out an inspection. Watercraft that have been used in mussel-infested waters in other states are of major concern. Boat owners returning to Montana must have their vessel inspected at a Montana watercraft inspection station, even if the watercraft was checked in another state.

 

Watercraft can also be inspected at any Fish Wildlife & Parks area or regional office. For a full list and map along with other information, visit cleandraindrymt.com or call 406-444-2440.