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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Canyon Ferry Lake

East Helena, Idaho · Lewis and Clark County

Canyon Ferry Dam and reservoir are located in Montana about 50 miles downstream from where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers join to form the Missouri River. The reservoir has approximately 35,200 water surface acres, 9,360 land acres and 76 miles of shoreline, and offers excellent fishing opportunity for rai…

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46.63723, -111.72456
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About Canyon Ferry Lake

Canyon Ferry Dam and reservoir are located in Montana about 50 miles downstream from where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers join to form the Missouri River. The reservoir has approximately 35,200 water surface acres, 9,360 land acres and 76 miles of shoreline, and offers excellent fishing opportunity for rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye. There are three marina concessions (Goose Bay Marina, Kim's Marina and Yacht Basin Marina) on the reservoir which provide a variety of public recreation facilities and services such as boat launching, camping, rental docks, small stores, etc. Reclamation also provides campgrounds, day use and picnic areas, concrete boat launches, and a seasonal visitor center. A wildlife management area at the end of the reservoir is managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and is home to a colony of terns and pelicans. The upland areas around the reservoir provide habitat for Chestnut-collared Longspurs and Long-billed Curlews, as well as hundreds of Pronghorn antelope, mule deer and white tail deer. Current Reservoir Levels

Plan Your Visit to Canyon Ferry Lake

Heading to Canyon Ferry Lake? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Canyon Ferry Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Canyon Ferry Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/130) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Canyon Ferry Lake?

About 21 miles east of Helena, Montana on US 12-287.

How do I contact Canyon Ferry Lake?

You can reach the park at phone: 406-475-3310 or email: GPWebmaster@usbr.gov.