Watercraft inspection stations open for 2021 season

Watercraft inspection stations are opening up across Montana for the 2021 season, with one station in Anaconda having already intercepted the first mussel-fouled boat of the year.

A news release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) said inspectors discovered dry and dead zebra mussels on a motorboat bound for Sandpoint, Idaho, on March 20, the day the station opened.

According to the news release, stations opened in Dillon and Ravalli earlier this month, and a map of stations on FWP’s website also shows the Polson location is open. Other stations, such as those in Whitefish, St. Regis, Thompson Falls, Troy, West Glacier and Cut Bank, are still closed, but typically open up in April or May as the weather warms.

In addition to roadside stations, the agency’s Region 1 office in Kalispell offers inspections from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday through Friday. Beginning April 5, the Kalispell office will expand its availability with inspections offered on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FWP officials say inspection stations are the state’s “first line of defense” in preventing the movement of aquatic invasive species (AIS), which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. A report on activities from the 2019 season show the agency, along with other partners, performed over 113,000 watercraft inspections and intercepted 16 mussel-fouled vessels.

BOAT OWNERS should ensure their watercraft, trailers and fishing gear are clean, drained and dry before transporting and should 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 vessels must seek out an inspection. Watercraft that have been used in mussel-infested waters in other states are of major concern. Boat owners coming to Montana are required to have their vessel inspected at a Montana -based station prior to launching.

Also, any out-of-state residents looking to launch their watercraft in Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass for each vessel they plan on using in the state. The pass is valid for the entire season and expires on Dec. 31.

Details on how to purchase a pass, where to have your vessel inspected, and how to safeguard Montana waterways against aquatic invasive species, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call 406-444-2440