Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will close the boat ramp at Sportsman's Bridge Fishing Access Site on the Flathead River from March 16 to mid-April for improvements including steepening and lengthening the concrete ramp and removing rocks that hindered boat launches.
Skeeter Boats launched skeetersaltwater.com, a dedicated website and social media channels for saltwater anglers. The platform features Skeeter's full saltwater model lineup, customization options, and lifestyle content tailored to coastal and offshore fishing communities.
Montana's Smith River permit lottery remains highly competitive, with 8,711 residents and 2,860 nonresidents applying for 995 available float permits in the 2026 drawing. June 15 was the most sought-after launch date with only a 1.87 percent success rate. Remaining permits and a Super Permit drawing offer additional opportunities through March 15.
Yamaha expands its matte brown outboard lineup with the F90 and F115 models, offering a low-sheen finish ideal for waterfowl hunters. The company also introduces Helm Master EX enhancements including Dock Hold docking control, expanded bow thruster compatibility with Sleipner and Lewmar, and a new default trim assist setting for Spring 2026 availability.
Skeeter Boats introduced the WXR1910F, a compact bass boat combining refined tackle management, responsive handling, and deep-V design. Powered by a Yamaha V MAX SHO 200 and featuring a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor, the model delivers big-water performance with enhanced storage and fishability.
Yamaha Financial Services and Fluid Motion, LLC announced a multi-year exclusive financing agreement beginning February 1, 2026. Yamaha Financial Services will provide dealer inventory and preferred retail financing for Fluid Motion's Ranger Tugs, Cutwater, and Solara boat brands in the U.S.A. and Canada.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit announced the marine technicians who successfully earned Yamaha Master Technician Certification during 2025. To earn the certification, experienced marine technicians must complete six week-long courses covering outboard engine operating systems, proper installation, service and maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting skills.
North Dakota watercraft owners should note that 2026 is the first year of a new three-year registration period. The price to register motorboats under 16 feet in length in North Dakota, and all canoes, is $30; motorboats from 16 feet to less than 20 feet in length is $45; and motorboats at least 20 feet in length is $60. Fees are prorated.
Idaho Fish and Game’s Frank C. Jones King Hill fishing and boating access site is now open after being closed since Oct. 20 while crews have been completing necessary upgrades to the parking area. The closure has been part of an ongoing effort to enhance fishing and boating access for anglers and other recreational users.
The boat ramp at Gallatin Forks Fishing Access Site will be closed during construction scheduled for Dec. 8-9. The rest of the site will remain open during the project.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island was struck by the ferry Katie Underwood. A total of forty-one (41) occupants were on board at the time of the incident. No injuries have been reported.
Winter paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing winter beauty. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers be prepared to paddle in cold weather.
The boat ramp at Verdel Landing Wildlife Management Area in Knox County will close temporarily Nov. 20 for a renovation project, with expected reopening sometime next spring.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reopened the Gordon Public Boat Ramp on the Chattahoochee River in Houston County. The boat ramp is located just off Boat Landing Road near Gordon, Alabama.
At its November meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a final rule establishing a year-round slow-speed minimum-wake boating restricted area in Broward County within a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway between Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge and Sunrise Boulevard Bridge adjacent to Lauderdale Beach.
Through a partnership with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program — approximately $1.5 million in funding was made available for 10 new boating access improvement projects planned for 2026.
November is Manatee Awareness Month, highlighting a time when Florida’s manatees are starting their seasonal movements to warmer waters around the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that Floridians and visitors should be extra mindful this time of year to watch for manatees when on the water.
Yamaha Rightwaters will repower and support The University of Georgia’s® (UGA®) Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant fleet, which works to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension, over a 5-year period.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a final rule establishing a boating restricted area in Broward County within a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway between Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge and Sunrise Boulevard Bridge adjacent to Lauderdale Beach.
Boat ramps will be closed temporarily this week at Mallard’s Rest and Gallatin Forks fishing access sites while maintenance staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks repair the ramps.