Pelican Point FAS

🎣 **Introduction / Overview: Montana’s Accessible Waterfront Retreat**

The **Pelican Point Fishing Access Site (FAS)**, situated near the charming town of Cascade, Montana, is a highly valued public resource managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). This site serves as a vital access point to the legendary **Missouri River**, which is internationally renowned as a blue-ribbon trout fishery. Unlike many of the more rugged or remote access points along the river, Pelican Point offers a pleasant, semi-primitive environment that is welcoming to both seasoned anglers and families looking for a simple, accessible outdoor experience.

Pelican Point FAS is ideally located as the Missouri River exits the dramatic canyon section, giving way to the expansive high-prairie landscape. This transition area provides not only excellent river access but also a unique, calmer feature: an on-site pond, referred to as Pelican Point Pond #1, which is a fantastic spot for family fishing and non-motorized water activities like kayaking. With ample space for travel trailers and a straightforward boat launch, Pelican Point embodies the functional, no-frills approach of Montana's FAS program, prioritizing public water access and recreational enjoyment.

The vibe at Pelican Point is laid-back and focused entirely on enjoying the water and the big sky country views. It is a perfect base for a fishing float trip, a night under the stars, or simply spending an afternoon casting a line where the water is shallow and teeming with fish for a relaxing catch-and-release session. Visitors are reminded that FAS sites are designed for public access and are generally primitive or semi-primitive, requiring campers to be largely self-sufficient.

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Pelican Point Fishing Access Site is conveniently located in Central Montana, making it easily reachable from major cities like Great Falls and Helena. It is situated directly on the Missouri River.

Address:

Cascade, MT 59421, USA

Detailed Access Information:

The site is approximately 7 miles southwest of Cascade. To reach the site, travelers typically take the Hardy Creek Exit 247 off Interstate 15 and follow the access roads. Its proximity to the Interstate and the large, well-maintained access roads ensure that Pelican Point is highly accessible for most vehicles.

• **RV and Trailer Friendly:** The site features a very large parking area and designated spots that are notably accommodating for travel trailers and recreational vehicles (RVs). Campers report the spots are flat and roomy.
• **River Access:** A concrete boat launch ramp provides easy and efficient access for motorized boats, drift boats, and rafts heading out onto the Missouri River for fishing or floating.
• **Pond Access:** The facility includes a designated pond area which is easily accessible for shore fishing, kayaking, and family water play.
• **Season:** Pelican Point FAS is generally open for public use year-round, though the full range of activities may be limited by winter weather conditions.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

As a Montana FWP Fishing Access Site, Pelican Point provides essential amenities for public convenience without the extensive services of a full-fledged private campground.

• **Camping:** Camping is permitted on-site, with a strict 14-day stay limit to ensure fair access for all users.
• **Boat Launch:** A well-maintained, concrete boat launch ramp provides crucial access to the Missouri River for all types of watercraft.
• **Toilets:** Modern toilet facilities (typically vault toilets) are available on-site for public convenience.
• **Campsites:** The site offers four designated campsites, three of which are often shaded by large cottonwood trees. Campsites are spacious and include picnic tables and fire pits.
• **Water:** There is **NO potable (drinkable) water available** at the site. Visitors must pack in all the water required for their stay.
• **Electricity/Hookups:** There are **NO electrical, water, or sewer hookups** for RVs. The site is best suited for self-contained RVs or those prepared for dry camping.
• **Trash:** There is generally **NO trash service** provided. Visitors are required to follow the strict "Pack it in, Pack it out" ethic to maintain the area's cleanliness.

✨ **Features / Highlights**

Pelican Point's appeal lies in its dual-water access and its positioning on the famous Missouri River.

• **World-Class Trout Fishing:** The primary highlight is the easy access to the Missouri River, a tailwater fishery famous for its dense population of large rainbow and brown trout. Anglers frequently use Pelican Point as a launch or take-out point for float trips in this productive stretch of the river.
• **Family-Friendly Pond Fishing:** The presence of Pelican Point Pond #1 offers a protected, calmer alternative to the river. This pond is regularly stocked by FWP with species like Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass, and is known for its abundant Yellow Perch. Local anglers report exceptional catch rates here, making it a perfect, safe spot for introducing young children to fishing.
• **Shallow Kayaking/Wading Opportunity:** Customer reviews highlight the pond's shallow nature (reportedly only 26 inches deep halfway out), which is ideal for beginner kayakers, stand-up paddleboarding, and wading, especially for children, reducing risk while still providing water fun.
• **Iconic Montana Scenery:** The campground is surrounded by the classic Central Montana landscape—rolling hills and open prairie—often frequented by wildlife like deer and, occasionally, the namesake pelicans. This setting offers incredible, wide-open views that are the essence of Big Sky Country.
• **Ease of Use for Campers:** The ample, flat parking and roomy campsites make setting up camp easy, even for those with large travel trailers, contrasting with the tighter, more challenging access at other mountain or river campgrounds.

📞 **Contact Information**

As a state-managed facility, the best contact for official information regarding rules, fees, and fish stocking reports is the regional office of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Address:

Cascade, MT 59421, USA

FWP Region 4 Office Phone:

(406) 454-5840

Notes on Contact:

Before planning your trip, it is highly recommended to check the current fishing regulations and conditions with FWP Region 4. Cell service is generally good in the area near Cascade, which is a major convenience for campers.

👍 **What is Worth Choosing: Simplicity, Scenery, and Stellar Fishing**

Pelican Point FAS is worth choosing for Montana residents and visitors who want **reliable, easy access to world-class river fishing without committing to a full-service, high-cost campground.** It strikes a perfect balance between being primitive enough for a classic camping feel and being accessible enough for large vehicles and families.

It is the ideal spot for the dedicated angler who values a functional boat launch and proximity to the great fishing waters below the Missouri River Canyon. Furthermore, it is a superb destination for families, thanks to the shallow, protected pond area where young kids can safely play in the water and enjoy immediate fishing success with species like perch and stocked trout. **Pelican Point FAS is the smart, local choice for a quintessential, productive, and laid-back Montana weekend on the Mighty Mo.**