Montana Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Central Region
Canyon Ferry is a big Missouri River reservoir near Townsend and Helena with rainbows, browns and walleye.
Looking for the latest Canyon Ferry Lake river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Canyon Ferry Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Canyon Ferry Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Canyon Ferry Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Fall rainbows are feeding near the inlets and shore.
Streamers and leeches along the points.
Stocking report
See the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocking information for the latest stocking at Canyon Ferry Lake and other Montana waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Canyon Ferry Lake, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Mini Leech #8-10, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Canyon Ferry Lake lake details
| Access | Ramps and campgrounds around the lake off US-287 and Highway 284. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 3,800 ft |
| Nearest town | Townsend, Montana |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Rainbows, browns, walleye and perch |
| Regulations | Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Popular ice fishery. |
| Camping | BOR campgrounds around the lake |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Big water. Wind can be dangerous. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice.
Spring
Ice-off.
Summer
Walleye.
Fall
Fall rainbows.
How to get there
From Helena, take US-287 east toward Townsend and Canyon Ferry.