Thanks to volunteers and Boy Scouts from Troop 1933, Kalispell, the Shady Lane Pond has a new pavilion to provide shade and a picnic area for visitors to the recreation area. Dillon Moes led the project while working toward becoming an Eagle Scout.
The fishing pond is a perfect place for families and all ages to cast a line to try their luck for stocked rainbow and west cutthroat trout. Although any age can fish, visitors 15-years and older are asked to release their catch for the younger casters.
The area, accessed through the Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access Site, contains a total of 120 acres spanning both sides of the Flathead River. From the parking area on the north side of the river, more than 2.5 miles of trail are available to explore. The trails can be rustic at times. Handicap accessible fishing piers are located at the pond and near the parking area on the south side of the river.
The boat ramp on the north side of the river is one of the most popular in the state for boaters putting in or floaters taking out. While in the area, keep an eye out for bald eagles and osprey. Maps for the area can be picked up from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
How to get there: From downtown Kalispell, go east on U.S. Highway 2 (East Idaho Street). Continue straight onto State Highway 35. Turn south on Shady Lane Drive, which dead ends at Holt Stage Road. Turn east on Holt Stage Road, the main entrance is on the north side before the river.