Ennis Lake in Montana

Formed by a dam on the Madison River, Ennis Lake is a locals’ and tourists’ favorite for non-motorized water sports, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Overview
Known by longtime locals as Meadow Lake ( the Forest Service renamed it long ago), Ennis Lake was formed in 1905 when Montana Power built a dam on the Madison River at the head of the Bear Trap Canyon. The lake is shallow -- an average of 8 feet deep; 20 feet at the deepest -- which means the water is warm, just right for non-motorized water sports particularly in the morning before the wind comes up, and windsurfing in the windy afternoon.

Location/Directions
Ennis Lake is located northeast of the Town of Ennis.

From the town of Ennis, travel north along US highway 287, approximately 6.5 miles. At the McAllister Junction, turn right onto Ennis Lake Road and travel another three miles.

Contact Info.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 East Sixth Avenue
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Phone: (406) 444-2535
Fax: (406) 444-4952
E-mail: fwpgen@mt.gov
Web site: http://fwp.mt.gov/

Seasons
Ennis Lake is accessible year round. Due to it shallow depth, the Lake freezes during the colder months and ice skating, ice fishing and other winter sports can be enjoyed both on its surface (with caution) and around the shore.

Activities
About 3 miles square (although it looks much bigger on a map due to its many channels) Ennis Lake is surrounded by private property, mostly ranches.

On the Lake and in the surrounding area, you can enjoy fishing, water sports (non-motorized boats) and wildlife watching.

The lake is carefully managed by the state. Swimming areas are marked off by floating buoys near the lake's Kobayashi Bay end, but otherwise boaters can enjoy a free run of the lake and entrance to the river with non-motorized boats, including canoes, sailboats, rowboats, kayaks and even inflatables.