Important Information About the Fantastic 2025 Yellowstone Boat Float

Every July, the Yellowstone River becomes Montana’s most festive highway. Rafts, kayaks, paddleboards, unicorn floaties, and beer-laden coolers drift eastward in a colorful parade known as the Yellowstone Boat Float, an annual, three-day celebration of wild rivers, summer freedom, and Montana community.

This year’s float is scheduled for July 11–13, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is urging participants and anyone floating the Yellowstone this summer to paddle smart, respect the river, and leave no trace.

Important Information About the Fantastic 2025 Yellowstone Boat Float

Each summer, floaters gather at Mayor’s Landing in Livingston and drift downstream over three days toward Columbus, camping along the way and celebrating on the water with spontaneous dance parties, riverbank BBQs, and laid-back camaraderie.

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There are no tickets, no registration, no corporate sponsors, just people, paddles, and a shared love for the river. For more information, visit the Yellowstone Boat Float page on Facebook.

While the Boat Float is a party, it’s also a real river with real risks. FWP reminds floaters of the following essential safety and conservation guidelines:

River Hazards Are Real

The Yellowstone changes constantly, with new obstacles, channels, and debris forming every season. Make sure you and your crew have the proper skills, knowledge, and equipment before you hit the river. This is not a lazy river ride; it’s Montana.

Life Jackets Save Lives

Every person must have a properly fitting life jacket on board. Children under 12 are required to wear one at all times while the boat is in motion. It’s the law.

Share the River

Anglers, solo paddlers, and multi-day floaters all use this water. Be courteous and give others space. Music is fun, but blasting it near other people trying to enjoy themselves? Not so much.

Pack It In, Pack It Out

Whatever you bring, make sure it leaves with you. Garbage and trampling damage campsites, riverbanks, and native vegetation. Respect the land as much as you respect the water.

Don’t Forget Your Conservation License

Anyone using a Montana Fishing Access Site (FAS) for recreation, even if you’re not fishing, is required to have a Conservation License. If you already bought a hunting or fishing license this year, you’re covered. Otherwise, grab one online at fwp.mt.gov.