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.
Canyon Ferry Lake
Special Notices & Closures
Fishing report for the week of 04/20/2026
Rainbow fishing from shore has slowed a bit as they are moving away from shore. Some are still being caught around the Outhouse and Shannon while using leech pattern flies, black nymphs or hook and worm. Boat anglers are picking up rainbows on the north end or in the Silos area while fishing with walleye gear. Walleyes and an occasional perch are being caught between Pond 1 and the river in 10 to 15 feet of water while bottom bouncing with fire tiger or yellow spinner blades and a worm. Crankbaits and jigs with a worm have also produced walleyes on the south end of the reservoir.
| 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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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
| Species | Count | Avg | StdDev | Min | Max | AvgWgt | StdDevWgt | MinWeight | S/L | Sects | Surveys | Waterbody |
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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 |
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| Year | Angler Days | Std. Error |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93977 | 8739 |
| 2020 | 123822 | 9753 |
| 2019 | 79076 | 7193 |
| 2017 | 127683 | 13731 |
View the latest Montana Fishing Regulations.
No Gauging Stations found.
This waterbody has a fish consumption advisory. Please see the link for guidelines.
Fish Consumption Guidelines (PDF)
