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
Canyon Ferry Lake, On the Missouri
Special Notices & Closures
Fishing report for the week of 06/02/2025
Rainbows are being caught mid-reservoir from the White Earth/Goose Bay areas to Avalanche while trolling crankbaits, spoons or cowbells. Rainbows are also being caught while fishing for other species. Walleyes are being caught between Ponds 2 and 4 and north of the Silos near Hole in the Wall while using a combination of bottom bouncers with worm harnesses, rapalas or jigs with a worm. Smallmouth bass are being caught with jigs on the north end around rocky points and shorelines. Shore fishing has produced both rainbows and walleyes on worms or jigs with a worm around Confederate and north of the Silos.
Special Notices & Closures
Fishing report for the week of 05/26/2025
The rainbow bite is still holding up while trolling rapalas, spoons or cowbells around Hole in the Wall and from White Earth to the Cemetary Island/Yacht Basin/Outhouse areas. A few rainbows are being caught from shore while using spawn sacks or worms throughout the reservoir. The walleye bite is starting to take off with great action happening between Ponds 3 and 4 while using a combination of bottom bouncers with worm harnesses, rapalas or jigs with a worm.
| 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 |
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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 | Year | Section | Species | Count | AveLength | StdDevLength | MinLength | MaxLength | AveWeight | StdDevWeight | MinWeight | MaxWeight |
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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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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)
