Pine Creek, Montana – Governor Greg Gianforte joined Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Director Christy Clark near Livingston to officially open the new Siskin Island Fishing Access Site, a project that expands public access to one of Montana’s most treasured waterways while also protecting valuable wildlife habitat.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of an effort that will allow Montanans and visitors to enjoy more opportunities for fishing, floating, camping, hunting, and outdoor recreation on the upper Yellowstone River.
Governor Gianforte said the project represents another important investment in Montana’s outdoor heritage and its commitment to keeping public lands accessible.
“It’s great to help cut the ribbon on Siskin Island to expand public access along the Yellowstone for Montanans to fish, float, and enjoy the outdoors,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The Yellowstone River is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 and we are glad to play a part in keeping this river healthy and accessible for future generations.”
Donation creates new public recreation area
Earlier this month, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officially accepted the donation of an 82-acre island complex located on the upper Yellowstone River. The property now becomes the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site, creating another location where the public can enjoy the river while helping preserve its natural resources.
The island complex is located approximately 13 miles south of Livingston and can be reached by water between the Mallards Rest and Pine Creek fishing access sites.
The property was donated to FWP by the Trust for Public Land, which worked with the previous landowners to transfer the land into public ownership. State officials praised both organizations for making the project possible and ensuring the land will remain available for future generations.
FWP Director Christy Clark said the partnership represents an important investment in both conservation and public recreation.
“Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proud and excited to be a part of this effort to strengthen wildlife habitat and public access on the upper Yellowstone River,” Clark said. “We’re grateful to Trust for Public Land and the previous landowners for their foresight and willingness to bring this island complex into public stewardship.”
Fishing, camping, and conservation plans
State officials said the new fishing access site will serve multiple purposes beyond simply providing another place to fish.
FWP plans to manage the property with a focus on habitat conservation while also allowing a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors will be able to use the site for day-use recreation, fishing, floating, and hunting, although hunting will be subject to a weapons restriction.
The agency also plans to offer float-in camping at a designated campsite that will require a reservation. Because the island is surrounded by the Yellowstone River, the primary way to reach the property will be by watercraft, making it a destination for people floating the river.
Additional rules governing the site, along with details about the online campsite reservation system, are expected to be released by FWP in the coming weeks.
Expanding access remains a statewide priority
Governor Gianforte has repeatedly identified expanding public access to Montana’s outdoor spaces as one of his administration’s priorities.
According to the governor’s office, since he took office, Montanans have gained access to more than 245,000 acres of public land. Those efforts include the creation of new Wildlife Management Areas in the Big Snowy Mountains, Bad Rock Canyon, and North Wildcat Coulee along the lower Yellowstone River. The state has also expanded public access at Mount Haggin and established a new state park at Somers Beach.
Officials said the addition of the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site continues that effort by opening another section of the Yellowstone River to public recreation while protecting wildlife habitat and preserving one of Montana’s most important natural landscapes for years to come.
