Heads up, river rats: The Flathead River is officially taking a little staycation right under the Sportsman’s Bridge on the Montana Highway, according to FWP.

The construction crews are playing a game of Tetris with giant steel girders to build the new bridge, and having boats floating underneath while heavy metal is flying around is a recipe for a bad day.

Here is the lowdown on what you need to know:

The No-Go Zone

• Where: 20 feet upstream to 500 feet downstream of Sportsman’s Bridge.
• Who: Everyone. No floating, no boating, no exceptions.
• When: Right now, until FWP decides the danger zone is safe again. (They’ll take down the signs and drop a press release when it’s clear).

Have Your Say (or Just Ask Questions)

If you have feelings about this, you can officially complain—or just voice your thoughts—by July 24, 2026.

• For official comments: Hit up Rebecca Corcoran at Rebecca.Corcoran@mt.gov.
• Got questions? Give Kara Thompson a shout at kara.thompson@mt.gov or call her at (406) 594-8071.

Find another spot to launch for now, stay safe, and let the hard hats do their thing!