Poker Joe Fishing Access Site to be Closed for Construction

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Poker Joe Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the Bitterroot River between Florence and Stevensville will be closed beginning July 7 while a new parking area and latrine are installed.  

The site improvements, to be completed by the end of July, will help to address traffic and parking concerns.   The new parking area will accommodate up to 12 vehicles, tripling the site’s current vehicle capacity.

The projects are part of an agreement between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and adjacent landowners that ensures public access to the FAS through a road easement. The agreement also establishes that FWP will help direct vehicles to designated parking areas and address concerns related to traffic and visitor pressure on the site.

Some of these measures, such as installing speed bumps and posting signs, have already been implemented.  

Alternative access sites to access this stretch of the Bitterroot during the July 7-31 closure include Bass Creek FAS, a few miles upstream from Poker Joe, which offers walk-in access only. Hand launching of boats at Bass Creek is not recommended.   Florence Bridge, five miles downstream, offers both walk-in and boat access.

For an update on the project, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at (406) 542-5500.

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