Autumn has been generous this year with warm weather and sunny days, and anglers are enjoying ideal conditions on the region’s abundant lakes and rivers.
Hoping to increase opportunities for anglers, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks installed two new docks this summer at a pair of popular lakes — Blanchard and Horseshoe.
Montana Walleyes Unlimited, the largest sport fishing organization in the state, donated both docks that cost an estimated $5,000 each. The docks were installed to help people launch small boats into the lakes as well as providing a good spot for casting.
Blanchard Lake is two miles south of Whitefish off Blanchard Lake Road and is a day-use site.
Horseshoe Lake is a day-use site in Ferndale off Rainbow Drive.
“These partnerships are very important to us and we really appreciate what they’ve done,” Tony Powell, FWP fishing access coordinator, said.
FWP plans to add handicap-accessible fishing platforms at Pine Grove Pond in Kalispell thanks to donations.
Pine Grove Pond is a 23-acre reservoir off Rose Crossing east of Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell. It is open through October.
For more information about angling opportunities, visit fwp.mt.gov.