Lake Sherburne

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Lake Sherburne is located along the entrance road to the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park in Montana. The lake is an artificial lake, formed by the Sherburne Dam, which impounded Swiftcurrent Creek and was constructed in 1919. The construction of the dam inundated several small lakes and highly productive riparian and wetland areas, and due to its fluctuating water levels, the surrounding area supports little vegetation. However, trumpeter swans are often observed along the lake in the spring and fall. The lake stretches nearly three miles at normal elevation.

The name Lake Sherburne is derived from an early settler and businessman in the area Joseph H Sherburne. He settled in the area (Browning) in 1896 and was the proprietor of the Sherburne Mercantile Company which had stores in towns in the area Browning, Babb and East Glacier. During this time he had a cabin for summer use by his family on the shore of what became known as Sherburne Lakes (plural). Once the dam was built in 1919 the name was revised to Lake Sherburne.

Fishing along the lake is less than spectacular, but brook trout and northern pike can be caught there. A boat is generally required for fishing, but since there is no boat dock along the lake, it is usually necessary to park alongside the road and walk down the lakeshore to the lake.

[edit] References

• Chapter 3: Affected Environment (pdf). Glacier National Park Final Commercial Services Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. National Park Service (2004). Retrieved on 2006-04-27.
• Lake Sherburne: Fishing and Camping. bigskyfishing.com. Retrieved on 2006-04-30.