Fisher River (Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fisher River |
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|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Pleasant Valley Fisher River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| Counties | Lincoln, Flathead |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pleasant Valley Fisher River Salish Mountains 4,130 ft (1,260 m) 48°4′12″N 114°44′18″W / 48.07000°N 114.73833°W |
| River mouth | Kootenay River 2,110 ft (640 m) 48°21′56″N 115°19′25″W / 48.36556°N 115.32361°W |
| Length | 63 mi (101 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 838 sq mi (2,170 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Fisher River is a cool river in Montana, a state in the United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river called the Kootenay River. When one river flows into another, it's called a tributary. The Kootenay River then flows into the huge Columbia River! So, the Fisher River is part of a really big river system.
The Fisher River actually starts when two smaller rivers meet. These are the Pleasant Valley Fisher River and the Silver Butte Fisher River. The Pleasant Valley Fisher River is bigger, so sometimes people just call it the Fisher River itself.
Contents
Where the Fisher River Flows
The Fisher River starts high up in the mountains and makes its way to a bigger river.
Starting Point: Pleasant Valley Fisher River
The Pleasant Valley Fisher River begins in the Salish Mountains. This is close to a place called Little Bitterroot Lake in Flathead County, Montana. It flows northwest through a valley known as Lost Prairie. Then, it joins another stream called Pleasant Valley Creek. After that, it crosses into Lincoln County, Montana. Here, the river turns and flows southwest. It passes through Loon Lake and Little Loon Lake before meeting the Silver Butte Fisher River. When these two rivers meet, they form the main Fisher River.
Starting Point: Silver Butte Fisher River
The Silver Butte Fisher River starts in the Cabinet Mountains. It flows for about 14 miles (23 km) northeast. Its journey ends when it joins the Pleasant Valley Fisher River.
The Main River's Journey
After the Pleasant Valley and Silver Butte rivers join, the main Fisher River flows mostly north. Along its way, it picks up water from several other smaller streams. These include West Fisher Creek, Cow Creek, Wolf Creek, Fawn Creek, and Buck Creek. Finally, the Fisher River empties into the Kootenai River. This meeting point is a few miles below the Libby Dam and a few miles above the town of Libby, Montana.
Nearby Roads and Railways
Part of the Pleasant Valley Fisher River runs alongside U.S. Route 2. Also, a railway line, which goes through the Flathead Tunnel and Marias Pass, follows parts of the lower Fisher River and its tributary, Wolf Creek.
Much of the land around the Fisher River is privately owned. However, a large part of the area is within the Kootenai National Forest, which is a big protected forest.
The River's Health and Changes
The Fisher River's area has seen more mining and logging than other nearby rivers. These activities can sometimes affect the river's health.
Impact on Water Quality
Because of past mining and logging, the water quality in the Fisher River has been affected. This means the water might have more fine dirt or sediment in it. The river's path has also changed in some places.
Changes to the River's Path
In the late 1960s, a railway line was moved. It was built along the lower ten miles (16 km) of the Fisher River and most of Wolf Creek. To do this, parts of the streams were straightened and made shorter. This is called "channelizing" a river. Also, parts of the Pleasant Valley Fisher River were straightened and shortened when U.S. Highway 2 was built. These changes can make it harder for fish to live in the river because their natural homes are disturbed.
