Canyon Ferry ~ Townsend, Montana

Canyon Ferry Lake is a reservoir on the Missouri River south of Helena, Montana and just north of 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.

Fishing

Excellent fishing opportunity for rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye.

Marinas

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.

Wildlife Management

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.

Camping

There are several campgrounds and day-use options around the lake. View campgrounds.