Ice fishing conditions not quite there yet

Tongue River Reservoir State Park has three new cabins available for rent year-round beginning this month.

The cabins are situated along the southeast shore of the reservoir on the Anglers Rest loop with a view of the water. The Monument Cabin is handicap accessible.

The Corral, Leaf Rock and Monument cabins have two rooms and can sleep 4-5 people. They have one full-size bed, two twin bunk beds, a small desk and two chairs. In addition, there is a picnic table and fire ring outside for guest use. No cooking is allowed indoors. The cabins have electricity and heat, but no running water. There are lights and electrical outlets, along with heaters and ceiling fans. There is a vault toilet located nearby.

Potable water is available from mid-May through mid-September in two of the park’s campgrounds. Outside of that time, visitors will need to bring their own potable water.

No pets are allowed at the cabins, which are self-clean.

The cabins are available through the winter largely due to the popularity of the reservoir with ice anglers. The ice at the southern part of the reservoir was about three inches thick during the first week of December, so ice fishing conditions are not in place yet. For periodic ice updates, check the Facebook page at Tongue River Reservoir State Park.

In addition to the cabins, the park has six different campgrounds offering 156 campsites along the reservoir.

Reservations for the cabins or for campsites can be made at https://montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Rates vary with residency status and with peak times.