Western Montana

The Erskine Fishing Access is about 3 miles west of the Elementary school on Mullan Road. On your right hand side as you approach from the west you’ll see a sign about fifty feet in front of another sign that both say Erskine. This will be your queue to take the left just past the large house on the left. The first image depicts said sign that will show you when it’s time to turn. Drive all the way down the dirt road until you come upon the small parking area.

A misty breeze touches base with the chilled runoff of the early spring snow. Wind kissed cheeks transform from the pale white of city life to country grown rosy red. The rivers whoosh gained in octaves as we approached it from the north.

A beaten trail lay beneath our feet for mere seconds as we briskly meander our way through the brush. A doe with her fawn raise heads and jut into the trees no more than 100 feet ahead of us. Too quick for the image stabilization of the camera to auto focus on them.

My wife and I have walked the trails down at this access many times, but they are certainly not for the family outing. This area goes from an amazingly opened landscape to trees and bushes as thick as a weather beaten jungle. When heading in from the parking area you’ll notice that right away is a vast region of backwaters covered with waterfowl and numerous amphibians. Some of the biggest turtles in these parts can be found right at the starting backwaters of this fishing access. A trail will head off to the east and another to the west.

Sand covered toes perched upon a floating branch created scenes of childhood memories. The old swimming hole had definitely lost it’s zest since I had last been there a good number of years ago. Not long ago one could sit and watch the minnows swimming on the river bottom, but as we all know time progresses quickly when nobody is around to witness it.

On any average day one will find a plethora of wildlife making its way throughout the lands of this access. On warmer summer days you can cross the river at the tip of the land in the above image. Making your way across to the Island out in the river. I’ve come across a larger number of deer drinking out of the river on the back side of that island. Though you must be sure you do not cross this river too soon. If you cross while the snowy mountains are still standing you’ll find yourself whooshing away with the waters.

If you took the trail heading west, like my wife and I always do, you’ll eventually come up to a fenced area as seen below. There is a no trespassing sign on this fence, and I have yet to be daring enough to venture into it. Nor do I recommend any of my viewers to do so either. There are some amazingly well laid out points along each and every trail.

In fact the image on the left is the exact location that I took my senior pictures almost four years ago. Nothing more spectacular then getting back to your adventurous side. Though just be prepared as there are no bathroom facilities, dining facilities, or first aid facilities anywhere on or near the fishing access. As always we must adventure at our own risk, and be prepared for any situation that may arise before you head in on your long awaited walk.