BOZEMAN – Emergency closures went into effect on Tuesday at three fishing access sites in southwestern Montana due to flooding.

The sites include Selway Park Fishing Access Site on the Beaverhead River, and Valley Garden and Ennis fishing access sites on the Madison River. These sites will be closed until further notice.

Recent cold weather has led to ice jams on rivers in these areas, causing ice and debris to flow into the sites. The combination of unsafe conditions includes flooded areas, moving ice and debris, and potentially unstable trees. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will reopen the sites when conditions allow.

Additional site closures may be in effect already or required later, depending on weather and river flows. Current restrictions and closures of FWP-managed lands and waterbodies can be found online at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.

Recreationists are encouraged to use caution when visiting rivers because of unseen hazards, as well as flow and ice conditions that can change suddenly. For more information about river recreation safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating/river-ethics.