Boating

Low water conditions across Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, and the Missouri River are projected to cause significant boating access challenges in 2027. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local partners are collaborating to address recreation needs, while implementing adjustments to the Missouri River System fishing tournament schedule.

The 67th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns October 28 through November 1 with attractions including a floating pickleball court, Windward VIP experiences, Goslings Island Bar, and helicopter transportation. The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and Informa Markets will feature over 50 boat debuts, educational seminars, and family activities.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission opened a new water trail at Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area south of Cozad, featuring 9.5 miles of scenic paddling through backwaters and a 4.5-mile canal route to Plum Creek Wildlife Management Area. Developed by Caden Picquet, the trail offers wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities with a 5 mph no-wake regulation ensuring calm paddling conditions.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, in partnership with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approved approximately $1.5 million in funding for 11 boating access improvement projects planned for 2027, including new ramps, dock replacements, and infrastructure maintenance across Utah's lakes and reservoirs.

Boaters and anglers across Arkansas face lower-than-usual water levels on rivers and reservoirs this fall. The AGFC and Army Corps of Engineers recommend checking posted signs, moving slowly at boat ramps, watching depth finders, and trimming motors up to safely navigate hazards like exposed stumps and shallow areas.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation reopened the launch ramp at Port Allen Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi after completing engineering inspections and sonar surveys. Harbor slips and moorings remain closed due to Hurricane Lowell damage.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Coast Guard personnel rescued a father and son from Lake St. Clair after they became stranded when a line tangled their propeller. DNR Conservation Officers Kris Kiel and Brad Silorey and Coast Guard crews located the boaters 3 miles offshore and transported them to shore, where both were hospitalized for hypothermia.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will close 2026 watercraft registrations in October and reopen November 1 for 2027 registrations. One-year registrations cost $30, while three-year registrations cost $80, with aquatic invasive species sticker options available.

State and local leaders celebrated the completion of renovations to Riverview Public Boat Ramp in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and improvements to Foster's Ferry and Moundville boat ramps on the Black Warrior River. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources partnered with the City of Tuscaloosa and Innovate Alabama to enhance boating and fishing access through new piers, launching slabs, and parking improvements.

This guide explores four key upgrades for shallow-water boats: Z-LAUNCH for dock-free launching, ATLAS Micro Jacker for outboard height adjustment, CMC Tilt & Trim for motor control, and Gator Guards Gator Skinz for improved traction. These upgrades help anglers and duck hunters navigate challenging waters more effectively.

The Honda Marine Cup fishing tournament returns to Gooimeer lake on September 19, 2026, featuring 100 boats in its largest event to date. Organized by Honda Marine Europe with support from Michel Oostdijk, Daan Verbruggen, and Frank van Vliet, the catch-and-release competition emphasizes community engagement and family atmosphere.

BoatU.S. Magazine's September/October issue features ten top boating towns selected by associate editor Kelsey Bonham Bailey and contributing editor Mike Longman, including Traverse City, Michigan; East Greenwich, Rhode Island; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Osage Beach, Missouri; Stuart, Florida; Portland, Maine; Mooresville, North Carolina; Anacortes, Washington; Minnetonka, Minnesota; and Annapolis, Maryland.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warns boaters of challenges at public water access sites due to ongoing drought conditions affecting 48% of the state in severe drought. Low water levels may expose obstructions at boat ramps, and the DNR recommends inspecting ramps, using spotters, and considering early watercraft removal to prevent complications.

Bill Yeargin, board chair and former president and CEO of Correct Craft, was announced as a 2026 inductee into the National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame. Over two decades, Yeargin transformed Correct Craft into a diversified family of businesses spanning boats, engines, watersports, and technology.

Arkansas boaters and anglers are taking to the water after dark to escape summer heat, but nighttime navigation requires proper preparation. Essential safety measures include U.S. Coast Guard-approved navigation lights, life jackets, slow speeds in shallow areas, and filing a float plan with family before launching.

NOAA Fisheries reminds fishermen and boaters to maintain safe distances from whales, recommending 100-600 feet separation and 1500 feet from endangered North Atlantic right whales. Recent reports show humpback whales entangled in monofilament line and fishing gear, causing injuries. The Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network urges avoiding bubble clouds and reporting entangled whales to (866) 755-6622.

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area closed its last public boat ramp on Aug. 15 due to historically low water levels from prolonged drought. Private vendors Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina now provide launch services. Boaters are warned of dangerous mud flats and soft lake beds.

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area in Nebraska recommends private boat launch services from Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina as water levels drop to 2006 lows. Park Superintendent Patrick Schnell advises visitors to schedule services in advance and remain aware of changing water and shoreline conditions.

Garmin's Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology helps boaters prevent collisions by transmitting vessel data and providing situational awareness. Garmin has partnered with the Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce to alert boaters to North Atlantic right whale areas, protecting marine life while enhancing navigation safety.

The Waterways Safety Council invites the public to attend its quarterly virtual meeting on August 19 at 9 a.m. via Microsoft Teams Live. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft will brief council members on ongoing projects and issues affecting recreational boating in Ohio.