New Fishing Access Proposal Aims to Boost Recreation in Prairie County

TERRY, Mont. — Local residents, anglers, and families could soon see improved access to the Yellowstone River as the Bureau of Land Management opens a 15 day public comment period on a community supported proposal for a new fishing access site near Terry in Prairie County.

The proposed Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Terry Fishing Access Site would enhance recreational opportunities and strengthen outdoor access in an area where communities have long voiced the need for safer, more reliable river entry points. The proposal has prompted a letter of support with 50 signatures from Prairie County residents.

Public comments will be accepted by the BLM until Nov. 9.  

A venue for submitting comments, instructions for sending written comments, and additional project information is available at the BLM ePlanning National NEPA Register. Search using NEPA number DOI-BLM-MT-C020-2026-0151-EA.

The project includes road improvements, a concrete vault latrine, parking area, and a concrete boat ramp. The upgrades would make the site easier and more welcoming for all kinds of users. Currently, the public can access this BLM public land by an existing dirt road that runs two miles south from the Coal Creek Road.

“Building a new access site at this location gives recreationists another option for safe launching or retrieval on this stretch of the river,” said Miles City Field Manager Eric Lepisto. “People can enjoy this new option to either shorten their river runs, or to access more of the river downstream without having to cross private land or float farther to the next boat ramp.”

Improving recreational access along the lower Yellowstone has been a priority for Gov. Greg Gianforte and for FWP. In 2021 a citizen task force representing agriculture, business, conservation and recreation interests was created to bolster this effort, and its work prompted the Montana Legislature to devote more than $4 million to expanding public access.

“We’re working on the governor’s initiative to reduce access gaps to the lower Yellowstone River, and this is right in the heart of an access gap,” said Brian Burky, FWP regional parks and outdoor recreation manager. “You could float from this location to the Fallon Bridge Fishing Access Site in half a day or a little more.”

Work on the Prairie County project would be funded through lower Yellowstone access project money and federal Dingell-Johnson taxes on fishing equipment.