The 62nd Yellowstone Boat Float
July 11 through July 13, 2025
Yellowstone Boat Float thrives on the enthusiasm of a loose association of volunteer boat floaters, all passionate about the river and preserving its beauty. Thanks to their dedicated efforts Otter Creek and Indian Fort Fishing Access Sites have received permits from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, allowing for free camping. These spirited volunteers organize essential amenities and graciously collect donations from fellow floaters to cover permit fees.
With camping on a first-come, first-serve basis, all participants are encouraged to respect public lands by following key principles: leave no trace, pack in and out, drive only on designated roads, light fires solely in designated fire rings, and minimize impact on the rivers' riparian areas. Together, they foster a community that cherishes and protects our beloved waterways.
Common Stops On Boat Float
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Mayors Landing, Livingston, MT
Historical launching point for the Yellowstone Boat Float. Float participants historically set up camp Thursday evening before launching early Friday Morning. This stretch of river is as long as it is free, at around 42 miles to Otter Creek Fishing Access, be prepared for a long day on the water especially if a head wind or thunderstorm is forecasted.
Notable Downstream Hazards: Highway 89 Bridge, located roughly six river-miles downstream from Mayors Landing, leads the river into a sharp corner creating strong eddies and creating a risk of pinning watercraft on the bridge pylon.
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Springdale Fishing Access, Livingston, MT
An alternative launch point on Friday, Springdale Fishing Access allows for a shorter float for participants launching late morning to early afternoon. The stretch of river from Springdale to Otter Creek Fishing Access is roughly 19 river-miles long.
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Otter Creek Fishing Access, Big Timber, MT
First stop on the Yellowstone Boat Float, Otter Creek Fishing Access allows free camping for floaters permitted by MTFWP. Camping is first-come first-serve, and campers are asked to leave no trace.
Boaters launch from here early morning Saturday and float roughly 20 miles to Indian Fort Fishing access.
Notable Downstream Hazards: Boat Flipper Rapids, located river-left roughly five river-miles downstream of Otter Creek, is a common stop on the river where experienced floaters test their metal as a crowd watches from the banks.
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Burger Beach, Yellowstone River between Otter Creek FAS and Indian Fort FAS
Located on the river between Otter Creek FAS and Indian Fort FAS, burger beach is only accessible by boat. Organized by Hagerman Ranch as a private event for boat floaters, participants can enjoy local beef in the form of hamburgers. On Saturday, the Hagerman Ranch grills their very own raised beef and accepts donations from floaters.
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Indian Fort Fishing Access, Reed Point, MT
Indian Fort is the second stop on the Yellowstone Boat Float and is also permitted for free camping by MTFWP. Campsites are first-come first-serve, and campers are asked to leave no trace.
Avid floaters launch Sunday morning and float 16.5 river-miles to Itch-Kep-Pe Park in Columbus. This is the least populated section of the float offering a serene experience great for fishing or just relaxing.
Notable Downstream Hazards: The “Twin Bridges” (Interstate I90 Bridge and Railroad Bridge), located 5.5 miles down river from Indian Fort. The railroad bridge over the Yellowstone river forces a the river into a strong corner and creates a very high risk of a watercraft becoming pinned on the many pylons.
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Itch-Kep-Pe Park, Columbus, MT
Last stop on the modern boat float. Itch-Kep-Pe offers free camping year round.
Historical Yellowstone Boat Float ran all the way to Billings.
