Canyon Ferry Lake
Canyon Ferry Reservoir is about 50 miles downstream from where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers join to form the Missouri River. Located near Helena, Montana, this lake covers 35,181 surface acres and 76 shoreline miles. Due to its size and location, Canyon Ferry is very popular and receives the most use of any lake in the state. more info
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Missouri River Lodge - Montana fishing packages
Whether you need a guide for the day, a night's lodging, or both combined into a fantastic multi-day adventure, we are ready to serve you. Just downstream from Canyon Ferry.
(406) 468-2224
Lewis and Clark's expedition through the mountains and canyons of southwest Montana began in 1805. Sixty years later led to the discovery of gold, silver and copper. The Montana story lives on in the nearby ghost towns, mining camps and Helena's stately mansion district. Following the high metal production period, 1863-1893, a different type of settler moved into the area, and dry land farming and ranching operations began. The earliest agricultural enterprises were largely gardening and minor dairying around military forts and stage posts. Later, beef herds were driven into the area and stockmen began establishing headquarters along the stream valleys and in the foothills. Canyon Ferry was one of the three ferries, or "crossings" that transported people from the mines and ranches across the Missouri River to Helena.
On May 24, 1949, construction of Canyon Ferry Dam began and was completed June 23, 1954. The first power unit began operating December 18, 1953, and two others began operating in March 1954. At that time, the Canyon Ferry Dam and Reservoir began providing storage for irrigation development in the upper Missouri River Basin.
Canyon Ferry is not only beneficial to the community with its irrigation development, but it is also a recreational playground. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunity for rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye. Concrete boat ramps, campgrounds, day-use areas, shelters, swimming, and three marinas are available for recreational use. The Bureau of Land Management operates a visitor center at the lake offering a wealth of information on the history, recreation and special requirements for the reservoir.
The wildlife viewing in the Canyon Ferry Reservoir area is quite impressive. The area is one of the best in the country for viewing large concentrations of bald eagles. 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. Barrow´s Goldeneyes find their home along the Missouri River in the winter. Around the upland areas the reservoir provides habitat for Chestnut-collared Longspurs and Longbilled Curlews, as well as hundreds of Pronghorn antelope.
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Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake, near Kalispell Montana and Glacier National Park, is one of the State's recreational highlights.
Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons
See Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park.
