FWP plans access site for Island Lake

The state is seeking to develop public access at Island Lake south of Libby to create improved opportunities for fishing and boating at the lake.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing to develop a section of property into a fishing access site with a developed gravel access road, a parking area, a concrete boat ramp, three or four designated campsites, a concrete vault latrine, information and directional signs, fire rings and fencing.

The parking area would accommodate six to eight vehicles. Camping would be allowed at the site with a nightly camping fee of $7.

Island Lake sits roughly 30 miles southwest of Libby and is surrounded by land formerly owned by Plum Creek Timber Co. Access to the lake is off of U.S. Highway 2, by turning north on Pleasant Valley Fisher Road at Happy’s Inn then traveling 15 miles to the lake.

Existing facilities at the site include a pioneered access road that crosses private land, an unimproved access road that runs from the parking area south and connects with Coniff Road and a pioneered boat launch, parking area and camping area. FWP proposes developing the pioneered access and boat launch.

Island Lake is popular for open-water fishing and ice fishing, as well as for weekend camping. Surveys conducted by FWP show that Island Lake has seen an increase in angler use in recent years. Species in the lake include largemouth bass, longnose sucker, northern pike minnow, peamouth, pumpkinseed and yellow perch.

There are also recreation opportunities for hunting, wildlife viewing and picnicking.

According to FWP, the development of the access site would cost about $65,000. Development of the site is expected in the fall.

In 2000, FWP acquired 37 acres along Island Lake for the purpose of providing public access to the lake and developing a fishing access, along with protecting wildlife habitat. About eight acres of the site is classified as wetlands.

The proposal is out for a 30-day public review through May 11.

Copies of the proposal are available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov under Public Notices and available for viewing at local libraries.

Comments may be directed to Tony Powell, FAS coordinator, at (406)751-4423 or email to tpowell@mt.gov.