Your Polson dock is more than a place to tie up the boat. It is a frontline defense that protects Flathead Lake and your shoreline investment from aquatic invasive species. If you want simple, effective steps that work at the dock level, you are in the right place. You will learn the local rules, a practical checklist, and exactly what to do if you find something suspicious. Let’s dive in.
Why prevention at Polson docks matters
Flathead Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the West and a centerpiece of life in Polson. Several aquatic invaders are already present in the region, including flowering rush and curlyleaf pondweed, which can foul docks and reduce access (learn more about local invaders). Zebra and quagga mussels remain a top threat, but monitoring partners reported no established mussel detections in Flathead Lake through the 2024 field season (2024 monitoring summary). Prevention at your dock is the fastest, most reliable way to keep it that way.
Know the rules before you launch
- All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launching, and boats entering the Flathead Basin that last launched outside the basin must be inspected prior to launching locally (state rules and guidance).
- The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes operate mandatory inspection stations for Reservation waters around Polson; follow posted policies and hours (CSKT prevention info).
- Transporting aquatic invasive species or surface water is illegal in Montana; penalties can be severe. If you discover AIS, you must notify authorities and follow instructions (see MCA 80-7-1012) (law reference).
- The Clean, Drain, Dry standard is the expected practice for every trip.
Your dock defense plan
Every trip: Clean, Drain, Dry
- Clean: remove plants, mud, and animals from hulls, trailers, ladders, ropes, anchors, and bumpers. Scrub crevices where hitchhikers hide.
- Drain: empty livewells, bilges, ballast tanks, and any water-holding compartments before you leave the access.
- Dry: let boats and gear dry completely. If you move between waters, five days of drying time is a good target in normal conditions (how to Clean, Drain, Dry).
Monthly dock and gear checks
- Inspect pilings, floats, ladders, and hardware at least monthly during the season and after big storms or heavy use.
- Look for small attached shells, snails, or unusual mats of vegetation. Take photos and wear gloves.
- Scrape or brush growth into a bag and dispose of it on land, well away from the water. Do not return fragments to the lake (dockside ID tips).
When you store or move dock sections
- Do not transport docks, lifts, or sections with visible plants or mollusks. Call authorities first; many jurisdictions restrict moving contaminated equipment, and decontamination may be required (legal overview).
- If a dock must be moved, clean and decontaminate on site, then allow full drying before transport. When in doubt, ask an inspector for approved steps (decontamination FAQ).
How hot is hot enough
- Trained decontamination crews often use 140°F hot-water sprays for short contact times to kill zebra or quagga mussels.
- For homeowner cleaning, water at least 120°F is a practical target. Always check manufacturer guidance for your equipment, and use professional decon when needed (temperature guidance and home cleaning basics).
About anti-fouling gadgets
You may see commercial devices marketed for mussel control. Consider them optional tools at best. Rely first on proven prevention, and check with CSKT or FWP before installing new devices to ensure they align with local policy.
If you suspect an invasive species
- Photograph the find with close-ups and wide shots. Note the date, time, and exact location.
- If safe, collect a small sample using gloves. Seal it in a bag or jar. Do not put it back in the water.
- Report it right away. Use the Montana FWP AIS reporting form or call TIP-MONT at 1-800-TIP-MONT (report a suspected AIS). If you are on Reservation waters, also contact CSKT’s program for instructions (CSKT prevention info).
- Follow agency directions. They may request on-site inspection, DNA sampling, or containment. The Flathead Lake Biological Station and partners support early detection across the lake (monitoring partners).
Quick checklist for Polson dock owners
- After every outing: Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear.
- Monthly in season: inspect pilings, ladders, and floats; bag and trash any growth found on land.
- After guests: require Clean, Drain, Dry and inspections for boats arriving from outside the Flathead Basin.
- Before hauling docks or lifts: hot-water rinse and full dry on shore; call for guidance if you see attached organisms.
- If you spot suspicious shells or clusters: photograph, bag a small sample, and report immediately.
Protecting your shoreline investment
Strong prevention protects the lake you love and the value of your waterfront. Simple dock routines, paired with local inspection programs, help keep Flathead Lake open, clear, and enjoyable for everyone.
If you are considering buying or selling on Flathead Lake, you deserve a trusted local guide who cares about stewardship and lifestyle fit. For concierge-level insight on lakefront ownership in the Flathead Valley, connect with Megan Helgeson.
FAQs
What invasive species threaten Polson docks on Flathead Lake?
- Invasive plants like flowering rush and curlyleaf pondweed are present in the region and can foul docks; zebra and quagga mussels are a high-risk threat that managers work to keep out (overview of invaders).
Are zebra or quagga mussels in Flathead Lake today?
- Monitoring partners reported no established zebra or quagga mussel detections through the 2024 season, so prevention remains critical (2024 monitoring summary).
Do I need an inspection if my boat came from another waterbody?
- Yes. Boats entering Montana must be inspected before launching, and boats entering the Flathead Basin that last launched outside the basin require inspection prior to launching (inspection requirements).
What water temperature should I use to clean dock gear?
- Home cleaning with at least 120°F water is a practical target, while trained decon crews often use 140°F hot-water sprays; when in doubt, use professional inspection and decontamination services (decon guidance).
Who do I call if I find suspicious shells on my dock?
- Report immediately to Montana FWP using the AIS reporting page or TIP-MONT hotline, and contact CSKT if you are on Reservation waters for local response instructions (report an AIS and CSKT prevention info).
