Construction on a new fishing access site near Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork is expected to begin this spring.  

In a final decision notice issued March 13, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks approved plans to construct a boat ramp, parking lot and pit latrines at the intersection of Montana 82 and Oldenburg Road. Once complete, similar amenities on the eastern bank of the Flathead River will be demolished to make way for the reconstruction of Sportsman’s Bridge. 

The Department of Transportation initiated plans to remodel the 70-year-old bridge in 2021, but efforts hit a speed bump as officials considered the fate of the nearby fishing access site. In 2024, the state wildlife agency decided to relocate the fishing access site to an 18.22-acre plot of land on the western side of Flathead River rather than modifying the existing site. 

“The new location on the west side of the river will provide space for more parking and shoreline accessibility,” reads a project description from the Department of Transportation. “Both [the transportation and wildlife] departments prefer the intersection of Montana 82 with Oldenburg Road for its ease of access and safety features compared to the alternative at Hanging Rock Drive.” 

Public comments were also largely in favor of the move. 

The new access site is planned to include 11 standard vehicle parking stalls and 39 truck/trailer parking stalls, along with a vault latrine. It is also planned to include a boat ramp capable of accommodating two boats at a time.  

A March 13 environmental assessment found that the proposed construction would have only negligible short-term impacts to water quality and wildlife. 

Public Information Officer Vivaca Crowser said construction on the fishing access is anticipated to begin in May and be completed by mid-August. During that time, recreationists will still be able to access the current site off Montana 82. 

The Department of Transportation plans to begin reconstruction of Sportsman’s Bridge in late summer or fall 2025, after the new fishing access site opens. A new bridge with wider travel lanes will be built immediately south of the current structure, allowing the bridge to remain open to traffic during the construction period. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at [email protected] or 758-4433.