HELENA – Following conversations with officials in Stillwater County, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has closed to recreation of the Yellowstone River in Stillwater County, the Stillwater River, and West Rosebud Creek from Rosebud Isle Fishing Access Site to the confluence of Rosebud Creek and Rosebud Creek to the confluence with the Stillwater.
FWP, working with Stillwater County, moved to close the rivers to recreation due to many hazards, including downed powerlines, exposed pipelines, and structures that may still collapse into the river as erosion continues. In addition, county emergency and rescue resources are already at capacity. The county and FWP will continue to monitor conditions and work to open these areas to recreation again as quickly as possible.
Following is a list of sites that are also closed due to flood damage, leaving the sites unsafe:
- Absaroka FAS
- Buffalo Jump FAS
- Castle Rock FAS
- Cliff Swallow FAS
- Fireman's Point FAS
- Jeffrey's Landing FAS
- Moraine FAS
- Swinging Bridge FAS
- White Bird FAS
- Rosebud Isle FAS
- Holmgren Ranch FAS
- Indian Fort FAS
Closures will be strictly enforced.
Refer to the FWP website [lnks.gd] for current list of closures and restrictions. Site closures in other areas of the state may be put in place as flooding occurs. FWP will work to reopen closed areas as soon as conditions allow.
Flooding poses significant safety hazards, especially to recreationists. High water levels and related river hazards can appear and evolve without warning including bank collapses, debris jams, as well as exposed and dangerous infrastructure. Recreationists can avoid accidents and injury to themselves and others by observing all safety closures and avoiding other areas with high flows.
