Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) closed the gates or created temporary barriers at many fishing access sites (FASs) this week due to high water and flood conditions around west-central Montana.
The FASs remain open to walk-in access, but users are urged to avoid these areas and exercise extreme caution if they do get near or in the water. The affected sites include:
Clark Fork:
Schwartz Creek
Turah
Kelly Island (all access points)
Kona Bridge
Harpers Bridge
Bitterroot:
Hannon Memorial
Woodside Bridge
Bell Crossing
Blackfoot:
Harry Morgan
Monture Creek
Clearwater Crossing
Warmer temperatures and increased precipitation are driving heightened streamflow and causing portions of access sites to be under water. Boaters and anglers should not assume a river is the same as it was during a previous trip and should be prepared for dangers during spring high-water season that may include:
- debris in water
- cold water
- heavy currents
- logs that get lodged together and create a hazard
- bridge abutments that catch debris and create swirling waves turbid, muddy water that makes other hazards in the water difficult or impossible to see
(ViaMT FWP)
