A new fishing access site near Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork is now open to the public.

The new 18.22-acre site encompasses about 1,000 feet of shoreline along the west bank of the Flathead River off Oldenburg Road and includes a concrete boat ramp, 11 standard-size parking stalls and 39 truck/trailer parking stalls. 

“The new Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site is a nice upgrade for our community and visitors,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Regional Supervisor Amber Steed in a July 31 statement. “This site not only preserves access to the Flathead River but also enhances safety and capacity for recreationists, addressing the growing demand in the Flathead Valley.” 

State wildlife officials initiated the project in 2021 after it became clear that plans to widen the 70-year-old Sportsman’s Bridge would affect the nearby Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site. After public comment, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks decided to relocate the site from its former location on the east bank of Flathead River to the location off Oldenburg Road. The former site on the east side of the river is permanently closed. 

Construction is expected to begin on Sportsman’s Bridge this week. Traffic will continue to travel on the existing bridge while a new structure is built, with minimal traffic impacts expected. 

FARTHER SOUTH, construction on the Conclow Fishing Access Site near Dayton is just beginning.  

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks partnered with A2Z Engineering to design the site, which is expected to include 32 truck/trailing parking stalls, 11 standard-size parking stalls, a concrete boat dock, vault toilets and an ADA accessible walkway to the shoreline. A single RV space with hookups is included in the plans to accommodate a site host. 

On Aug. 4, construction crews will begin widening the road to accommodate the expected increase in traffic near the fishing access site. A left-hand turn lane will be installed near the intersection of U.S. 93 and Montibello Lane to allow safe access to the site. 

Crews will be working on the road Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through August. Drivers traveling through the area can expect reduced speeds, though delays are projected to be minimal. 

Construction on the Conclow Fishing Access Site will begin in fall 2025 after the roadwork wraps up. Ten companies submitted construction bids for the project last month, ranging from $471,500 to $1.23 million, but officials have not yet publicly selected a winner. 

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