When one envisions Montana, the sights of sprawling ranchlands, majestic mountain ranges and miles of crystal-clear streams come to life: all of which are iconic to Big Sky Country. What our Treasure State also beholds are some of the largest freshwater lakes that draw sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. Be it north, east, south or west, Montana promises those who have a passion for the sport to experience the pieces of paradise that we love to call home.
Whether you have an interest in sailing or not, there are some magnificent lakefront homes with boat docks for sale in Montana. View our Top Picks, then contact the Hollinger Real Estate team in Montana. For generations, we have specialized in helping our clients sell or buy homes and properties on the lakes and streams throughout Flathead Lake and beyond.
Flathead Lake
Northwest Montana
With our real estate office in Montana a half mile from a couple of public boat launches on Flathead Lake, we begin our list of the best spots to sail in Montana in our charming lake town of Bigfork. As home to the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake draws the novice to most advanced sailing enthusiasts, for all the right reasons.
The Lake is approximately 30 miles long and 16 miles wide and offers several harbors and yacht clubs that welcome locals and visitors alike. With its vast setting, there are several islands and sheltered coves that are ideal for dropping anchor, stopping for a scenic picnic, or boat camping overnight. The largest is Wild Horse Island which offers well-marked hiking trails and lots of history.
For more information about sailing Flathead Lake, annual races, sailing charters and more, reach out to these very active sailing clubs and organizations in Montana.
North Flathead Yacht Club (NFYC) in Somers
South Flathead Yacht Club (SFYC) in Dayton.
Eastern Montana
Fort Peck Reservoir
To the east of the state, Fork Peck Reservoir is best kept secret for sailing enthusiasts and hugely popular for the avid fisherman. Although the sailing community is small without any developed sailing charters, sailboat rentals or events, it’s home to the Fork Peck Sailing Club. They are your best resource for information on where to launch your boat.
Just in case you enjoy tossing a line in the water, bring your gear. Fork Peck Reservoir is a fisherman’s paradise and still holds the world record for Saugeye measure in at 15.66 pounds: FYI – the co-world record is 8.75 pounds!
Hebgen Lake
Southwest Montana
In the far southwest corner of Montana is Hebgen Lake. Although it’s a popular lake to sail, its just as famous for its “ghost trees” that look like a shocking collection of sailboat masts stretching out of its peaceful surroundings. The trees are significant remnants of Montana’s largest earthquake of 1959.
The best connections for information about sailing the Lake are through the Kirkwood Resort and Marina, which is also home to the Hebgen Lake Yacht Club. The Club is private and welcomes new members to participate in their regattas, holiday events, cook-outs and their oh-so-popular “raft-ups!”
Canyon Ferry Reservoir
Central Montana
Wrapping up our list of the top spots to sail in Montana is Canyon Ferry Reservoir. It is equally as popular as Flathead Lake is to the north due to its central location to Butte, Helena and Great Falls.
As the Reservoir covers nearly 25 miles of classic Montana” wide-open spaces, “there is no shortage of water on which to sail to your heart’s content. Throughout its 96 miles of shoreline, there are numerous public boat launches with minimal fees and friendly locals to assist if need be. There are not any rentals or charters here, we have found the Canyon Ferry Yacht Club is the best resource for insight about sailing in central Montana. In fact, you won’t be surprised if they welcome you to join their membership or let you join them for an afternoon sail. And if you are a history buff, there are endless tales of the adventures of Lewis and Clark who made this region, and our state, a significant part of history.
Live It. Love It.
If “living the lake life” seems like an ideal life for you , reach out to Hollinger Real Estate which specializes in Montana lakefront property, mountain cabins and vacation escapes in the “Last Best Place.”
