Restrictions, closures in place at several FWP sites due to flooding

HELENA – Flooding is impacting many areas of the state prompting Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to close or restrict access at several sites in southwest and northwest Montana.

“Right now, our focus is on keeping people safe and helping out with emergency operations where we can,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “We’ll open sites and ease restrictions as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

On Monday, after working closely with Park County officials, FWP closed the upper stretch of the Yellowstone River to all recreational use. On Tuesday, the closure from Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) upstream to the Yellowstone National Park boundary was still in effect. Most of the fishing access sites downstream of Springdale Bridge to the confluence with the Bighorn River are closed to motorized access.

Additionally, several fishing access sites on tributaries to the Yellowstone River in that area are either closed or access is restricted.

In northwest Montana, flooding on the Flathead River has prompted the closure of Old Steel Bridge FAS in Evergreen and restricted access to the Pressentine FAS and Kokanee Bend FAS. Access may be limited at additional public sites in the area as river levels rise.

“It’s critical that people take these closures seriously,” Worsech said. “This is no time to be taking risks around these rivers. Our staff will continue to work closely with local officials and emergency responders to help keep the public safe.”

FWP provides a complete list of restrictions and closures online. You can also follow FWP on social media for updates: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.