New Long Awaited Access on Stillwater

The Riverside Inn Fishing Access Site

On Friday June 26, 2009 , a ceremony was held marking the grand opening of a new fishing access site on the popular Stillwater river. Formerly referred to as the Riverside Inn site , about 2 miles downstream from Absarokee, this site fills a vital need .

Now called "Jeffrey's Landing" the 3.7-acre site is a victory for access advocates and Fish , Wildlife and Parks staffers who have spent a decade securing public access in the vicinity.

Gary Hammond , the Region 5 FWP Supervisor who ramrodded this acquisition said "It's our new crown jewel . This has been a place we've wanted for such a long time.".

PLWA President John Gibson recalled a meeting several years back, when a FWP commissioner from Billings stated unequivocally that the state had no need for more access sites. He said "Let's look at this, a public river with public fish within 50 miles of the largest metropolitan area in Montana - and 99 percent of the shoreline is private property . I'm glad to see all these kids here today. They're the ones who will benefit."

PLWA officers and members have been key players in securing this access and a strong direct force in its creation.

related articles I-161 Guest Opinion ( 08/18/2010 )   Citizen Initiative 161 is sponsored by Montana resident hunters, tired of battling negative impacts caused by the current law guaranteeing Montana hunting outfitters 7,800 non-resident clients. These impacts include the loss of hunting access and the privatization of our wildlife. Sixteenmile Creek Acquisition Project ( 07/06/2010 )   Sixteenmile Creek Acquisition Project Needs Support and Comment. Two members of Public Land/Water Access Assoc.

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