Flooding Forces Closure of Three Southwest Montana Fishing Access Sites

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Flooding and high water flows have forced the closure of three fishing access sites in southwest Montana.   The closed sites are Four Corners and Gallatin Forks (Nixon Bridge) on the Gallatin River near Manhattan and High Road on the Big Hole River near Twin Bridges. The closures will remain in effect until flood conditions subside.  

Boaters are advised not to venture onto any southwest Montana river until flood-stage flows recede. The water is very cold from melting snowpack and the flows are high and powerful. Snags and debris could also come down the river creating dangerous conditions. Flood-stage flows are also undercutting banks, creating potentially hazardous conditions along rivers.

 

With the above-normal snowpack and water content in the mountains and a forecast of rain throughout the weekend, flows on area rivers are expected to increase. As river levels rise, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials advise boaters, campers, and visitors to southwest Montana fishing access sites and parks to use caution if venturing out on the water or along the banks.

It is likely that additional closures will be necessary at other fishing access sites and parks as conditions change. Users are urged to check with FWP for site closures before heading out.

 

“We are monitoring our sites closely and may need to put additional closures in place to address safety concerns,” said Jerry Walker, Regional Parks Manager. “In particular at this time, we are watching Missouri Headwaters State Park closely.”

 

Although access sites along the Yellowstone, Madison, Beaverhead, Jefferson, Upper Missouri, and Ruby Rivers remain open, as well as other sites on the Big Hole and Gallatin, visitors should use caution and check the current list of closures.

 

Sites not impacted by the flooding will remain open to camping and day-use. Rivers will also remain open during high water, but FWP reminds boaters and floaters to use caution on the swift, cold water and to watch out for floating debris and logjams. Recreationists should consider using area lakes until after the peak of river runoff subsides.

 

FWP will post any fishing access site closures for southwest Montana on the web under Recent Region 3 News at http://fwp.mt.gov/r3/default.html and will place signs and barricades at closed fishing access sites. Contact the FWP Bozeman office at 406-994-4042 for additional information.