Where to Fish Canyon Ferry Lake


Canyon Ferry Lake is a reservoir on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana and Townsend, Montana. It is Montana's third largest body of water, covering 35,181 acres (142 km²) and 76 miles (122 km) of shore (1). It was formed by the building of Canyon Ferry Dam, which was completed in 1954 and has been used for electricity, irrigation, and flood controls since.

Special Notices & Closures 

Fishing report for the week of 06/09/2025

Walleye fishing is really getting good between mid-reservoir and the south end. Trolling bottom bouncers with worm harnesses in 12-15 feet of water between Duck Creek and Pond 1 has been the most productive. White Earth to Round Top has produced great results as well with some anglers using jigs. Rainbows continue to be caught on the north end and around White Earth while trolling crankbaits, spoons or cowbells. Rainbows are also being caught while fishing for walleye. Shore fishing has produced both rainbows and walleyes on worms or jigs with a worm around Broadwater Bay and north of the Silos. The carp spawn is in full swing with both bow fishing and hook and line providing great action.

Size: 33534.773 acres
Elevation: 3799 ft
Status of the Fishery: Canyon Ferry Reservoir continues to be one of the most popular angling destinations in the state of Montana for rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch. Please be sure to check the current fishing regulations before you head out. Thanks!
Township/Range/Section: 10N 1W 4
Latitude/Longitude: 46.43711 -111.52723
FWP Region: Region 3   Region 4  
County:
Fishing District: Central
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Waterbody Section Field Form Type Date Purpose Species
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For Comparative analysis all Length Units are millimeters : all Weights are grams

Species Count Avg StdDev Min Max AvgWgt StdDevWgt MinWeight S/L Sects Surveys Waterbody
To see this data, first select one or more rows from the Collection Info tab.
For Comparative analysis all Length Units are millimeters : all Weights are grams

Waterbody Section Species Count AveLength StdDevLength MinLength MaxLength AveWeight StdDevWeight MinWeight MaxWeight
To see this data, first select one or more rows from the Collection Info tab.
For Comparative analysis all Length Units are millimeters : all Weights are grams

Waterbody Year Section Species Count AveLength StdDevLength MinLength MaxLength AveWeight StdDevWeight MinWeight MaxWeight
To see this data, first select one or more rows from the Collection Info tab.
This is a preview, all fields will be visible by selecting a download option. For Comparative analysis all Length Units are millimeters : all Weights are grams.

Year Species Abbrv Length Weight M/C Count Sex Mort Hook Scar Disease Scales Otolith Fin Clip Tag Comment Genetics Age Stomach Intercept Slope Gear Equipment Trip Date Pass/Run Water Section Lat/Down Lon/Down Lat/Up Lon/Up Agency Start Depth End Depth
View the latest Montana Fishing Regulations.

This waterbody has a fish consumption advisory. Please see the link for guidelines.

Fish Consumption Guidelines (PDF)

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