Essentials
Safe Boating & Launching
We encourage all anglers to be safe. Check local weather conditions before going out on the lake. Be weather wise, and tell someone your plans, let them know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Phone Numbers
If you should need emergency assistance call 911 immediately. Keep your cell phone in a plastic zip lock bag or a container that will keep it dry. If you need fuel or towing, the sheriff’s office has contact numbers and will get someone out to you. There is a fee for some services. Our cell number is 406-270-3386.
Launching
Launching a boat must be done from established launching areas. Boat owners should prepare their boat before pulling up to the ramp area. Take the cover off the boat, load supplies and equipment, and do a safety check before backing down the ramp area. Do not allow children or others to get into the boat until it is safely in the water. When you do back down the ramp-launch your boat and then move your vehicle so that others can use the ramp. There is a boat ramp fee at the Blue Bay Campground.
General Courtesy
Don’t crowd in on other boats while out on the water. There is room for everyone out there. Be observant of other anglers lines, anchor ropes, etc. Getting so close that you are running into their equipment or bumping their boat is too close.If someone is jigging/casting out and jigging in—give them at least double the casting length. Keep away from spots they are casting to.
Some anglers like to slowly drift over a spot or troll over it. They do not appreciate having someone come in on them and set anchor right in that spot especially if they are the only boat in the area. Leave markers where you find them. Anglers use them to troll to or around. Use common sense out there!! There are only a few that ruin it for everyone by being over zealous.
Personal Flotation Devices
(PFD’s) (life jackets) should be worn by all persons on board the boat. Legally, there must be a wearable PFD for each person on a boat-it may mean the difference between life and death if you are unexpectedly thrown overboard from the boat. A life jacket does you no good if it is not on when you most need it. The best PFD money can buy is the one you will wear. If you are not going to wear it at least have it readily accessible. Montana law requires a PFD on all children under 12 years of age on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion.
Weather
Check the weather before you go. Be conscious of clouds, wind direction, or other changing conditions. Weather in Montana is unpredictable. If you see a storm approaching give yourself plenty of time to reach your launch area or a safe place. Keep in mind there maybe several boats at once wanting to load at the ramp area. At Blue Bay pull into the marina area and wait.
Lightning can happen miles in front of a storm-watch for hair standing on end, tingling sensations, etc. Get everyone down with Pfd’s on and head for shore. Put down antennas, stay low, you could be the tallest object out on the water and the target of a lightning strike.
During high wind-wave activity you may want to wait out the storm on the back side of an island, in a bay, or on shore. If you are not close to a safe area keep your bow to the wind, go slow, take waves at a 45 degree angle, and work your way to safety or anchor facing the wind.
Ready Your Boat
Check your fuel supply before leaving, and carry extra fuel. Make sure your boat is in good working condition and that you have proper safety gear on board. Safety gear could include the following: life jackets for every person on board, throw-able device (life ring or floating cushion)-required on boats longer than 16 feet, adequate clothing, first aid kit, high calorie snacks, drinking water, visual signaling device (flares, flag, flash light), cell phone (place in a zip lock bag), tools and spare parts for boat motor, extra rope, sun screen, fire extinguisher, whistle or horn, paddles or oars, and bailing bucket.
The Three C’s
Practice the three C’s- caution, courtesy, and common sense. Remember that alcohol impairs your ability to make good decisions and it impairs your coordination. It is unlawful to operate or be in actual physical control of a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boaters fatigue adds even more stress. Because many different types of recreational vessels may be sharing a boating area, show respect by operating at safe speeds and keeping an adequate distance from others. Remember, you are responsible for any damage your boat, or the wake from your boat, may cause. Safe boating begins with you. Please be careful.
Respect Private Lands and Tribal Homelands
Most waterways adjoin private lands or tribal homelands. Many shoreline and rock structure areas hold sacred significance to tribal members. Respect their privacy, customs, and ceremonies. Do not remove or disturb cloth prayer ties, offerings, or other items that have been placed in these areas. These are spiritual offerings, not souvenirs. Irreplaceable information about the past is lost if artifacts are removed or cultural resource sites damaged. Please report any pilfering or vandalism you may observe immediately to local authorities. -US Army Corps of Engineers.
