SHERP Caught Driving Through Blackfoot River Sparks Outrage In Montana

A recent stunt on Montana’s Blackfoot River has locals fired up, and rightfully so. A viral video shows a SHERP (yes, one of those tank-like all-terrain vehicles) joyriding straight through the River Junction Hole, kicking up clouds of mud, moss, and debris like it was auditioning for Monster Jam.

Fly fishing guide Kyle Rausch, who shared the footage, had a front-row seat. “It was like playing leapfrog with a bulldozer,” he said, explaining how the mess made it nearly impossible for his clients to fish. Not only is this spot a fly fishing favorite, it’s also prime habitat for pre-spawn bull trout. If you did not know, bull trout are a highly protected species here in Montana.

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Here’s the kicker: allegedly no permit. Just a contractor doing weed control for Powell County, allegedly “authorized” by the sheriff’s office. But Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says otherwise. They're investigating, and citations may be on the way for illegal stream bed alterations.

For reference, Montana law requires a 310 permit when altering streams. Heavy machinery + no permit = big ecological problems. We’re talking destroyed spawning beds, murky waters, and wrecked insect life that trout depend on. Also a big concern is that the Blackfoot River is currently under Montana Hoot Owl Restrictions. That means the already heated / stressed fish are being pressured more and displaced.

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The Blackfoot isn’t just another river: it’s a wild, iconic part of Montana’s landscape. It deserves better than a backhoe on floaties. Did you see this viral post? What do you think? Let us know HERE, we’d love to hear your take.