The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Canyon Ferry Lake
Broadwater County, Montana · 33,500 acres (52.4 sq mi)
48°F water, windy Friday (16 mph SSE).
About Canyon Ferry Lake
Canyon Ferry Lake spreads over 33,500 acres in Broadwater County, Montana. Canyon Ferry Dam holds it back on the Missouri River. Canyon Ferry Lake, near Helena, is one of Montana's most popular fishing and boating destinations.
It stretches about 19.7 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 63 miles. The water sits about 3,800 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 166 ft. Townsend lies about 3.5 miles to the south. The closest city is Great Falls, about 61 miles away.
- Size
- 33,500 acres (52.4 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 166 ft
- Shoreline
- About 63 miles
- End to end
- About 19.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,800 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Canyon Ferry Dam, Missouri River
- County
- Broadwater County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 8:00 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Sunday Fair
- 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 22 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Canyon Ferry Lake
Anglers come to Canyon Ferry Lake for trout, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill and sunfish. With the surface at 48°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:25 am · sunset 4:54 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Canyon Ferry Lake
- Townsendabout 3.5 mi south
- Helena Valley Southeastabout 9.5 mi northwest
- East Helenaabout 9.7 mi west
- Helena Valley Northeastabout 11 mi northwest
- Great Fallsnearest city, about 61 mi north
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Questions about Canyon Ferry Lake
What fish are in Canyon Ferry Lake?
Canyon Ferry Lake holds trout, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Canyon Ferry Lake?
About 166 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Canyon Ferry Lake?
33,500 acres, with about 63 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Canyon Ferry Lake?
Townsend is about 3.5 miles south; Helena Valley Southeast is about 9.5 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Canyon Ferry Lake today?
The surface was about 48°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Canyon Ferry Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
