Montana kayak, canoe and paddleboard rules
Last checked Oct 26, 2026 against the official sources listed below. Rules change; confirm with the agency before you go.
| Registration | No registration (no motor) Manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration. |
|---|---|
| Launch or access permits | No statewide paddlecraft access permit found on the official pages we checked. Parks and local launches may charge their own fees. |
| Life jackets, whistle and light | Federal rules apply (see below). |
| Aquatic invasive species | Nonresident non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, rafts, SUPs and more) need a $10 Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launching. Stop at open inspection stations. |
Official sources
River conditions: Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs MT
Federal rules on every state's waters
- Life jacket: a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Children under 13 must wear one while underway unless the state sets its own age rule.
- Sound signal: carry a whistle or horn; your voice doesn't count.
- Light: from sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility, have a white light (flashlight or lantern) ready to show in time to prevent a collision.
- Night signals: manually propelled boats are exempt from daytime visual distress signals but must carry night signals on coastal waters after dark.
Sources: 33 CFR Part 175 · USCG Boater's Guide to Federal Requirements · USCG Boating FAQ