GLASGOW, Mont. (NMB) – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced that Cow Creek Reservoir, located 20 miles southwest of Cleveland in Blaine County, is temporarily closed to public access.
The closure was requested by the landowners due to a fish kill and the potential presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs).
FWP, along with Sand Creek Ranch, manage public access at the reservoir.
The fish kill was reported by an FWP warden on August 12th. Dead fish, including yellow perch, walleye, and channel catfish, were seen throughout the reservoir, with the highest concentrations on the reservoir’s upper end.
Tests were also taken for dissolved oxygen, temperature, and the presence of algal toxins.
FWP personnel will continue testing and will collect live fish to determine the cause of the fish kill. Monitoring for HABs will continue.
The Reservoir will remain closed to protect public safety.
