Small Boating Flathead
Flathead Lake South West
The South West (Lower Mid) side of Flathead lake is a day sailors paradise. During the summer, early June to early September, the natural wind cycle means steady wind starting around 1000 usually easterly and building to a high F3/Low F4 until around noon. The wind will stay steady and full until around 1700 when the evening lull happens. Wind will be variable from then on and the cycle repeats. Unless of course it doesn't. If the wind is from the west it's advisable to seek shelter and prepare for a blow. Flathead is truly an inland sea and the weather changes can be rapid and dramatic. In small boats you must be prepared for this and plan accordingly. But there is no better place to be then on Dayton Bay on a summer morning with the wind rising and knowing you have a full day of sailing in front of you.
Home to the South Flathead Yacht Club, Dayton MT is a natural stepping off point for a small boat voyage. The gem of the lake, Wild Horse Island is just a short trip away from the public launch. It should be noted however the water front is designed around those who have slips at the Dayton Yacht Harbor and public access can be tough to figure out. The map to the left shows the area surrounding the Yacht Harbor. The Yacht Harbor, the boat yards and the dock are private property. Seek permission at the office to be on the premises especially if you would like to look around the dock or the yards.
Orange is trailer parking. This is on the north side of the community park and is signed as such. Parking overnight is not expressly prohibited and leaving your vehicle and trailer over the weekend is possible at your own risk.
Light Green is single vehicle parking. If you're aboard another vessel or hand launch the south east side of the community park is where the parking is. During the weekend Yacht Harbor members park in this area as well.
Green is the public launch ramp. During the summer it can get quite busy and be ready to launch when an opportunity becomes available. For small sailboats needing to set up a mast and prep it is suggested you set up in trailer parking or out of the way near the yard. When parking, move your vessel to the non ramp side of the dock and position to the far end so others may use the ramp.
Yellow is a safe path to move mast up.
Red is OVERHEAD DANGER. There may be other overhead obstacles so be aware. Scout your route before you drive it.
Blue are public refreshers. Upper is in the park and the lower is the portable refresher at the public swim dock.
Dayton Bay has good holding for overnight stays. It's better to be more south westerly as the bottom is mud and you have room to swing or drag before you hit the dock full of sailboats.
Big Arm State Park is one of the gems of small boat sailing on the west side of the lake. Although the winds are not as predictable as Dayton, Big Arm Bay can provide a fine day of sailing. The ramp is double sided meaning your can set your boat to the weather side after launching and other boaters can use the ram while you park. The parking lot above the launch area has sufficient room to prep a sailboat provided you arrive early enough to take advantage of it. This park can fill up fast and is increasing in popularity. Overnight parking is available in the upper overflow parking, marked in purple on this map. Ask at the kiosk for a parking pass when you arrive, let them know you'll be boating the lake overnight. There are many passage opportunities from Big Arm that a small boater can take advantage of. Around Melita Island, across the lake to Finley Point or The Dayton Run, Dayton and back, are all good choices. The winds as mentioned are not as steady or predictable at Dayton. They do tend easterly but there are several areas where local topography can cause wind variances. As you head towards the Cromwell Narrows be aware of the wind curving around the region, altering your beating course. The bottom should be decent holding but we know of no one who has attempted and overnight stay in Big Arm Bay. Yet.
Flathead Lake South East
The South East (Lower Mid) can be a wonderful place for rowers and paddlers. The Bull Islands, Bird Island, and shoreline make for hours of exploring. There are days where the water is still as glass for hours on end and sails will flap forlornly. But it's also a place for big winds and big seas. We have experienced both. And in the same weekend! Shoulder seasons are the most tempestuous.
Flathead Lake Marine Trail
The Flathead Lake Marine Trail is a series of routes that lead to campgrounds at Flathead Lake. This website will give you more information and you can download the full size .PDF file of the map HERE. Note: Flathead Lake is treacherous at all times of the year. Just because you have directions does not mean you can cross. Consider it the true inland sea it is and plan accordingly. Don't boat above your own competence. Always prepare and expect weather.