Montana Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Central Region
Hauser Lake below Canyon Ferry holds big rainbows and walleye, and the short Missouri stretch below Canyon Ferry Dam is a fall trophy spot.
Looking for the latest Hauser 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 Hauser Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Hauser Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Hauser Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Fall rainbows move up toward Canyon Ferry Dam.
Streamers and leeches near the dam and points.
Stocking report
See the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocking information for the latest stocking at Hauser Lake and other Montana waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Hauser 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.
Hauser Lake lake details
| Access | Black Sandy and other access sites off Highway 453. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 3,650 ft |
| Nearest town | Helena, Montana |
| Best season | Spring and fall |
| Fish | Rainbows, browns and walleye |
| 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 | Ice fishing. |
| Camping | Black Sandy State Park |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Boats help here. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice.
Spring
Spring rainbows.
Summer
Walleye.
Fall
Fall rainbows.
How to get there
From Helena, take Lake Helena Drive and Highway 453 to Black Sandy.