Sidney Family Takes Plunge

For folks who live for the excitement offered by a day in the great outdoors, there is perhaps no greater treasure on the Northeast Montana Hi-Line than Fort Peck Lake. And for anglers hoping to launch their boats and cast off into the cool depths of the lake in search of the one that hopefully doesn’t get away, there is perhaps no greater hot spot than the Fort Peck Marina and Bar.

For outdoor enthusiasts the marina is a place for fueling up both on and off the water. Patrons can grab snacks and cold drinks, live bait and sunscreen. After a day on the water, boaters can regain their land-legs while camping for a few days with the option of birthing their boat for the season. Each year, many locals and out-of-towners do just that.

For Michele and Luke Weiss, of Sidney, this is good news.

Together with Chris Goehring, of Bismarck, N.D., the local couple purchased the marina this April and is currently running the business with plans for renovation and expansion. “This is a huge deal for us and I think everyone is pretty excited in the community to see these changes taking place,” Michele Weiss said.

Previously, it was owned by David and Tarrah Watersen of South Dakota and before that, it was owned by Harold and Marlene Schultz of North Dakota.

The marina offers 62 boat slips, 15 camping spots with water and electricity, fueling abilities both on land and on the water, a bait shop, bar, restaurant and on-site mechanic. The new owners plan to make new additions as well. With the assistance of Houser Engineering P.C., of Bozeman, they are devising a 10-year plan that will potentially include the use of 40 additional acres of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. They want to provide a larger campground as well as expand the parking lot and mini golf area and playground. They also plan to build a new restaurant, complete with a beer and wine license.

The marina will be open seasonally with summer sports fishing and winter ice fishing.

This isn’t the first business venture the Weiss’ have entered into. They currently own and operate Chaznline Construction Inc., located 12 miles north of Sidney. Luke runs the construction business while Michele is staying in Fort Peck with her mother, who is assisting her, along with her six-year old daughter Allison. She also has five employees assisting her with the daily business.

How the partners came to the decision to purchase the marina is something of an inside joke. Last July, the Weiss’s looked into buying a cabin at Fort Peck so they would have a place to get away to on weekends. But the more they looked into the real estate market, the more they were surprised by the increased price of property. “Jokingly one night we said maybe we should just buy the whole marina instead, and then we did,” she said.

The lake itself is known throughout the state for its expansive coastline, walleye fishing and its annual Governor’s Cup fishing tournament.

“I think people enjoy the convenience the marina has to offer and the beauty of the lake. It is truly a hidden treasure. Most people don’t realize how much this area really has to offer,” Weiss said.