Pine Grove Pond, a reservoir off Rose Crossing east of Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell, has developed into one of the most popular public fishing sites in town, and recently several people gathered to celebrate the site’s expansion.
On April 11, representatives from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Flathead Land Trust and Whitefish Credit Union gathered with members of the public to present the newly updated site, which now stretches 23 acres.
Over 4 acres was added to the fishing site and improvements have taken place in preparation for its opening. At the ceremony, Flathead Land Trust, Whitefish Credit Union, Charles and Sarah Barrow and Carol Fontaine were recognized for their efforts to make the expansion possible. Also, Robin Street was honored for his efforts donating the original 13 acres that became Pine Grove Pond.
Open six months a year in a peaceful idyllic setting that seems far removed from the nearby urban cityscape, it boasts more than 25,000 visits annually, mostly among youth anglers and their families.
The new land provides a buffer between the popular fishing access site and the neighboring private land. It also adds nearly 750 feet of river shore to the site. A new area has been constructed to provide additional parking and to reduce vehicle congestion along the access road.
Pine Grove Pond is located 3 miles northeast of Kalispell off Rose Crossing east of Whitefish Stage Road and just west of the Whitefish River. The site is open April through October.