Public Access to Streams

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By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: Apr 13, 2009 at 7:52 PM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 14, 2009 at 10:30 AM MDT

BILLINGS - For years, Montana outdoorsmen and women have enjoyed public access to streams. A new law signed by Governor Brian Schweitzer Monday at Riverfront Park clarifies the right to public access.

"I think it's a really good day if you fish in Montana," said State Rep. Kendall Van Dyk, the bill's sponsor, a democrat from Billings. The bill only had a handful of votes cast against it, but Van Dyk said the vote tally is deceptive.

"The number's make it look like a landslide," he said, "but it was actually extremely challenging." Similar bills have been proposed before, but failed on party line votes. As a fisherman, Van Dyk said he worked hard to make a compromise between landowners and outdoorsmen. While outdoorsmen gain legal access to public waterways via roads and bridges. The governor said landowners also get something out of the deal.

"They can build a fence that keeps an Angus bull in, but can't build a fence that keeps a sportsman out," Schweitzer said. With the most public access to waterways in the region, experts say the bill will also encourage tourists to come to Montana for fishing trips.

"It helps ensure the economic viability of the state," said Mark Aagenes from Montana Trout Unlimited. "Fishing is a more than $3,000,000 industry in Montana this enhances that."

To read the law in its entirety, click here.

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