Anglers' Bequests Help Preserve Madison Access

You could say that there’s nothing all that special about the Three Dollar Access on Montana’s Madison River, except that it has captured the hearts of many anglers by being a doorway to fishing this famous river. Located below Quake Lake, the access has long provided excellent wading for those unable to hire a guide or who just want to fish the Madison hassle-free. The Madison is bordered for the majority of its course by private lands, and access is limited. For years, community and official efforts have combined to ensure that the Three Dollar Access remains open to all. Not least of these are the gifts left in the wills of two anglers: Matt Olson and Jim Belsey. (Map of area.)