The Blackfoot River, from Weigh Station Fishing Access Site (FAS) to the confluence with the Clark Fork River, is closed until Saturday, May 12 for safety while reconstruction work continues on the Interstate 90 bridges. The river is closed to all usage, such as floating, swimming, wading and fishing.
On April 19th the Fish and Wildlife Commission passed a biennial rule allowing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to close this short stretch of the Blackfoot River as necessary during the construction period for the bridge piers, which is slated to last for the next two years.
FWP anticipates other construction-related closures of the Blackfoot River from Weigh Station FAS to the Clark Fork confluence this summer, and river users should check the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov for updates. River access sites immediately upstream of the closure area will be signed when closures are in place.
In addition, FWP cautions that the Blackfoot and other area rivers are running at very high flows right now. River levels continue to rise, and flows are already greater than average spring runoffs that floaters are used to experiencing. High flows cause large trees and debris to be dislodged and sent down the river, often creating hidden dangers beneath the water’s surface.
(via MT FWP)
