Canyon Ferry Lake
A large Missouri River reservoir between Helena and Townsend, held back by Canyon Ferry Dam. It is one of Montana's most popular fishing lakes, known for stocked rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Rainbow Trout
FWP stocks rainbows every year and many adults run 18 to 20 inches. Troll or cast from shore; the south end is often best in fall.
Walleye
Self-sustaining population with lots of 13 to 15 inch fish. Drift spinner rigs in the evening; in fall try the south end ponds and near Goose Bay in 10 to 15 ft.
Yellow Perch
Numbers rise and fall with water levels and weed growth. Often picked up by walleye anglers and through the ice.
Burbot
Native ling. A small fishery, mostly fished near the bottom in winter.
Boat launches
11 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- HellgatePublicBureau of Reclamation. Two boat ramps, trailer parking, campground and day-use areaDirections ↗
- SilosPublicPublic ramp at the Silos marina and campground areaDirections ↗
- White EarthPublicBureau of Reclamation campground with boat accessDirections ↗
- Jo BonnerPublicBureau of Reclamation campground with boat accessDirections ↗
- Goose Bay MarinaMarinaReclamation concession. Boat ramp, fuel, store, 300 Goose Bay LaneDirections ↗
- Kim's MarinaMarinaReclamation concession. Boat ramp, fuel, store, 8015 Canyon Ferry RdDirections ↗
- Yacht Basin MarinaMarinaReclamation concession. Boat ramp, fuel, store, 3555 West Shore DrDirections ↗
- 8ShannonPublicBoat rampDirections ↗
- 9ConfederatePublicBoat rampDirections ↗
- 10Confederate CampgroundPublicBoat rampDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the state agency or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Canyon Ferry Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Sportsman's WarehouseNearby2990 N Sanders St, Helena(406) 457-7200Directions ↗
Local tips
- The reservoir rises and falls about 12 feet a year, which affects ramps and shallow weed beds.
- This is a big, open, windswept lake; watch the forecast and stay close to shore when wind builds.
- FWP encourages anglers to keep smaller walleye, and the lake has a fish consumption advisory, so check the guidelines before eating fish.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Montana lakes
Lake Koocanusa Hungry Horse Reservoir Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir) Hebgen Lake Noxon Rapids Reservoir Bighorn Lake Clark Canyon Reservoir Nelson Reservoir All Montana lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.