Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to finish the Conclow Fishing Access near Dayton this spring and moved one step closer with a variance granted by the Lake County Board of Health on Jan. 7.    

Montana FWP purchased the 15-acre property in early 2025. The new day-use fishing access will include a parking lot, a boat ramp, pit toilet and a walking path that curves down near the lake shore.  

There is also a host campsite on the property, and a host will be there throughout the summer, according to Montana FWP lead engineer Jamie Mongoven. The cost of the project is ongoing but is currently just above $1.6 million, Mongoven said.  

FWP requested a variance to the Lake County Wastewater Treatment System Regulations to allow the pit toilet to remain open year-round. This request included the sanitation facility for the pit toilet and a septic system for the RV host site.  

In its initial staff report, the Board of Health had expressed concerns about the pit privy, including the potential for groundwater pollution, unpleasant odors, visual appearance, and other aesthetic concerns. “Even when designed with sealed doors and secure lids, pit privies can produce unpleasant smells, require frequent maintenance, and may be considered unsightly if heavily used,” wrote the staff.  

During the meeting on Jan. 7, County Commissioner Bill Barron explained that Montana FWP has these setups in most state parks and often has a host or staff to manage and monitor the restrooms. 

The board ultimately approved this variance with certain conditions. 

FWP is also working to obtain a Shoreline Protection permit from the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Shoreline Protection Office, which is the last permit needed to complete construction.