< All Public Input & Actions

Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River seasonal boating restrictions in effect

Montana-Dakotas
North Central DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument

FORT BENTON, Mont. – Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument staff remind motorized vessel operators of seasonal boating restrictions along river segments designated as wild and scenic.

From June 15 through Sept. 14, seasonally restricted segments within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River include:

  • Pilot Rock to Deadman’s Rapids (River Mile 52 to 84.5):
  • Motorized watercraft travel downstream only at no-wake speeds: every day.
  • Holmes Council Island to Fred Robinson Bridge (River Mile 92.5 to 149):
  • Motorized watercraft travel downstream only at no-wake speeds: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • No motorized watercraft travel: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

In these segments, upstream travel by motorized watercraft is limited to administrative, emergency or law enforcement watercraft. A no-wake speed is defined as a speed where no white water occurs in the path of the vessel or in waves created by the vessel.

Open segments allowing motorized travel upstream and downstream all year long are:

  • Fort Benton to Pilot Rock (River mile 0 to 52)
  • Deadman’s Rapids to Holmes Council Island (River mile 84.5 to 92.5)

Depending on water levels and the size of your boat, there are inherent dangers on the river with gravel bars, rocks, and other hazards.

Monument staff have a few additional reminders for recreationists along the river:

  • A lifejacket is required for each passenger in any kind of boat.
  • Campers are advised to haul or stage potable water along their routes.
  • Personal toilets are required for overnight campers.
  • Expect to see cattle grazing along the river.
  • To support nesting birds, camping is not allowed on islands until August.
  • Avoid camping beneath large cottonwood branches.
  • Always file a float plan with friends or a loved one.
  • Be bear (and raccoon!) aware and responsible with food.
  • Fees paid here stay here; the cash you leave in fee slips pays for maintenance of those exact boat ramps and camp sites.

The Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton continues to provide information, and maps and guides for purchase, plus videos about the monument. The center’s hours of operations are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 406-622-4000. To view our maps, guides and regulations online, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/montana-dakotas/upper-missouri-river-breaks/plan.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.