Bailey Reservoir – A Day of Celebration

On Saturday, May 18th, the public is invited to a day of celebration at the newly established Bailey Reservoir Fishing Access Site. Bailey Reservoir is located 25 miles west of Havre on the South Kremlin county road. This event will be a way to recognize and properly thank the Bailey family and the several partners involved that secured access for future generations to this important ‘Hi-line’ reservoir.

In September of last year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) acquired a portion of the privately owned Bailey Reservoir in order to develop a public access site. The Bailey family has allowed the public to fish this reservoir ever since this admirable fishing spot was created by Howard Bailey in the early 70’s.

In order to acquire this site, FWP purchased 102 acres, and also received an additional 5 acres which was purchased by the Great Falls Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited (WU). WU obtained the money for the purchase of the 5 acres through Great Falls businessman Jim Filipowicz. The Filipowicz family has been long-time visitors of this reservoir.

This summer, FWP plans to make initial improvements to this new access site. This will include upgrading the entrance road, parking area, new boat ramp, improving existing picnic shelter, installation of a pre-cast concrete picnic shelter and latrine.

This open-house celebration will be from 11 am to 2 pm. The Fresno Chapter of WU will host this gathering by providing a barbeque at noon. FWP will provide a short presentation to give recognition to the partners involved in this joint effort.