Marshall Creek restoration project with Montana Trout Unlimited, FWP

Marshall Mountain Park is home to more than trails and ski runs - a highly productive fishery flows through the embankment below the base area parking lot. Marshall Creek is a tributary to the Clark Fork River and home for a genetically isolated strain of Westslope cutthroat trout. Missoula County is working to restore sections of the creek within the park to improve habitat for these fish.

Back in the ski area days, a lack of natural snowfall led to the creation of snowmaking and irrigation ponds in Marshall canyon. At the same time, regional stocking programs led to an abundance of transplant fish falling from the sky via helicopters. This led to the hybridization of Westslope cutthroat trout in many local waterways. However, Marshall Creek is an exception. Due to the dammed ponds, its upper reaches have remained inaccessible to non-native trout species.

Currently, a lower snowmaking pond at the park has failed and its culvert sits in the streambed. Fortunately for the cutthroat, a pond downstream serves as a barrier to the nonnative rainbow, brown and brook trout. Missoula County is working with Montana Trout Unlimited and Fish, Wildlife and Parks to remove the failing culvert and recontour that section of creek. This project will improve stream and riparian habitat for the native cutthroats that call Marshall Mountain home.

Stream restoration activities are scheduled to begin the week of Aug. 17, 2026. Trail impacts will be minimal and limited to the run out of Mission to MARS and Local Glory. Signs will be posted and there will be traffic control when necessary.