Your Weekly Showcase of Montana State Parks

This week's showcase is brought to you by Visit Southeast Montana, and takes us to the southeastern border of Montana just 10 minutes outside of Decker, to Tongue River State Park. A 265-mile-long tributary of the Yellowstone River, “the Tongue” (as it is called locally) starts in Wyoming and runs through Montana.

The park features a 12-mile long reservoir set in scenic prairie and bluff lands of southeastern Montana, which is characterized by the striking contrast of red shale and juniper canyons. Due to the rareness of large bodies of water like this in this part of the state, the park can see up to 50,000 visitors a year.

Interested in Ice Fishing?

Tongue River Reservoir has some of the best ice fishing in all of Montana.

Just ask Chris Jairell of Sheridan, WY who landed a massive 42-inch, 15-pound Tiger Muskie while ice fishing last year...

Or those who pull 20+ pound Crappies out of the ice each year.

Tongue River Reservoir boasts miles and miles of ice to test your skill and get you out this winter.

You can check The Marina's Facebook page to keep tabs on the conditions.

They post regular updates as well as provide an opportunity to share your big fish stories. Just be prepared to provide photographic evidence when you do.

The Marina is also a great place to learn about what you can fish for, ice conditions, and travel tips.

You can also call them at: (406) 757-2225

Be sure to check out our great partners at southeastmontana.com for their indepth article on ice fishing hotspots in SE Montana where they consider Tongue River Reservoir

one of the most rewarding places to set off to.

Before you head out make sure you have your fishing licence in order at the Montana FWP website.

Things to do

• Take the boat out on the water! There are two boat ramps with docks, one at Campers Point and one at Pee Wee North.

• Go for a swim! Sand Point has a small beach area for swimming.

• Keep your eyes open for wildlife! You may see osprey, blue herons, deer, antelope or bald eagles.

• Bring your picnic! The designated day-use area has picnic tables at Campers Point and Sand Point.

• Plus so many more!

At 12 miles long, the reservoir makes for excellent fishing any time of year! You’ll find crappie, walleye, bass and northern pike here. You can also fly fish below the dam and there is a fish cleaning station located within the park. Forgot anything or just need additional supplies? The marina at Campers Point has firewood, ice, fishing and boating supplies, boat rentals, boat and RV storage, bait, groceries, snacks, drinks, gasoline, souvenirs, fishing, and hunting licenses, and non-resident park passes. While summertime may be the most popular time to visit the park, Tongue River Reservoir State Park also features amazing ice fishing and year-round campsites that support just that. Enjoy this virtual tour showcasing one such experience.

DID YOU KNOW?

Four state record fish have been pulled from Tongue River Reservoir State Park, including a 37 pound Northern Pike?

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"My most favorite places Your Weekly Showcase of Montana State Parks

to go camping and fishing."

"Catch Walleye, Pike, Crappie, Bass, Cats, and MORE!"

"Great place to recreate with shore-side camping, most with electrical hookups available."

"Tongue River Reservoir has the best fishing - they have a wide variety of fish to choose from when They hit they hit you hard. Everything from walleye to catfish to a bluegill sunfish, bass, pike, crappie etc."

"I've been going there since I was a kid. My best childhood memories are there, the countless hours spent fishing and water skiing. Also, an amazing place to make friends from all over the country. I hope to give my kids great memories here like my parents did for me!"

Montana State Parks Foundation

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Interested in Camping?

81 reservable campsites with electric hookups, and 27 of those are double occupancy with two electric hook-ups. There are also 80 non-reservable, non-electric sites!

Tongue River State Park

Park Open Year-Round

Campground Open Year-Round

11 campsites have electricity year round

Location

290 Campers Point Decker, MT 59025

Features

642 Acres

ADA Accessible

Pets Allowed

Toilets (Vault)

Water

Electricity

RV Dump Station

Boat Launch