Cooney

Cooney State Park encompasses 86 acres around Cooney Reservoir in Carbon County, south of Laurel near the Beartooth Mountains. The reservoir provides fishing and water recreation with mountain views in south-central Montana.

Cooney Reservoir supports rainbow trout, brown trout, and walleye. White-tailed deer and mule deer inhabit the surrounding grasslands. Waterfowl congregate during migration, and raptors hunt the open terrain.

Native grasslands surround the reservoir with species including western wheatgrass and blue grama. Sagebrush occurs on drier slopes. Cottonwoods and willows provide limited riparian vegetation along the inlet.

Cooney Reservoir was created by a dam on Red Lodge Creek at the base of the Beartooth Plateau. The surrounding terrain transitions from plains to the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, composed of ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks.

South-central Montana experiences warm summers and cold winters. Annual precipitation averages about 14 inches at the reservoir. The proximity to the Beartooth Mountains can produce rapid weather changes.

The area was historically Crow country. Ranching and farming developed in the valley, and the reservoir was constructed to provide irrigation water for local agriculture.

Cooney State Park was developed around the irrigation reservoir to provide recreation in the scenic foothills south of Billings and Laurel.

Fishing for trout and walleye is the primary draw. Boating, swimming, and water sports are popular in summer. The Beartooth Mountains provide a scenic backdrop.

The park offers 75 campsites, boat ramps, and day-use facilities. It is located about 8 miles southwest of Laurel via county roads.

Water management balances irrigation and recreation. Fish stocking programs maintain the trout and walleye fishery.