The northwest corner of Montana is big, wild country defined by pristine lakes and rivers, vast forests, and sprawling mountain ranges. The region is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, which represents one of the most intact ecosystems in the world. The expansive landscape is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and nearly all of North America's large mammals, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, lynx, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
A large portion of the region is in public ownership, with millions of acres open to hunting and other outdoor recreation activities.
The wildest rivers in Montana and the most natural lakes are located here, including the largest natural freshwater lake in the West, the 125,000-acre Flathead Lake. There are more than 3,000 miles of fishable stream flowing through the region, providing critical habitat for westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and other fish species.
Frontcountry and backcountry recreation opportunities are abundantly available, such as hiking, camping, riding, and boating.
This region is bound by the Flathead Indian Reservation to the south, Glacier National Park and the U.S.-Canada border to the north, the Montana-Idaho border to the west and spans the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to the east.
New in 2024
Foys Bend Fisheries Conservation Area open to limited hunting through drawing in October 2024
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is announcing a new requirement for hunters this season at Foys Bend Fisheries Conservation Area near Kalispell.
Permission is still required to hunt the property and is issued on a limited basis due to the size of the acreage. Hunters can still call the FWP office in Kalispell (406-752-5501) seven days in advance for first-come, first-serve permission from Sept. 1-30.
New this year, from Oct. 1 through Jan. 10, 2025, permission to hunt will be administered by a random drawing. Anyone interested in hunting the Foys Bend property will need to enter an application to the FWP office in Kalispell, 490 N. Meridian between Sept. 1-15. Hunting is still only allowed at the property on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
The lottery system aims to better manage access to Foys Bend FCA, which is open to limited hunting of all species during upland game bird season, archery season, general hunting season, and migratory bird season. Next year, all access starting Sept. 1 will be administered through a lottery system.
Hunters are restricted to one party of no more than four people per day. Firearms are restricted to shotgun, muzzleloader, or traditional handgun. Rifles are prohibited. Except for the firearm restriction, all other current FWP regulations regarding weapons in Hunting District 170 apply. Recreational shooting and hunting of nongame animals are prohibited. No hunting within 200 yards of any building. No dogs allowed except for the purpose. Vehicle parking only at designated parking areas.
Foys Bend FCA is an FWP property located in the lower valley off Steel Bridge Road. For an application to hunt or more information, visit the FWP Kalispell office at 490 N. Meridian or download one here.
