Fishing Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Montana is a state that is blessed with breathtaking scenery and world class fishing. One of these destination is the Canyon Ferry Reservoir, located just outside Helena Montana. This stunning body of water offers anglers of all skill levels an opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish species in a picturesque setting. In this blog post, we will explore the Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Montana and all it has to offer to avid anglers.

The Reservoir

Canyon Ferry is a large body of water located in the central part of Montana, formed by the Missouri River. It stretches for over 25 miles and covers an area of approximately 35,000 acres. The reservoir is located near the city of Helena and is easily accessible via major highways. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping.

Fishing Canyon Ferry

Fishing is undoubtedly the main attraction of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The reservoir is home to a wide variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch. These fish species thrive in the cool, clear waters of the reservoir, which is fed by the Missouri River and several smaller tributaries. of the most popular fish species to catch at Canyon Ferry Reservoir is Walleye. Walleye are a highly sought-after game fish that are known for their elusive nature and excellent table fair. They are found in abundance in the reservoir and can be caught throughout the year. Spring and fall are considered the best seasons for walleye fishing, as they are more active during these times.

Northern pike are another game fish species that inhabit Canyon Ferry Reservoir. These predatory fish are known for their fierce nature and can grow up to 50 inches in length. They are most commonly caught during the summer months when they are more active and can be found in shallow waters near weed beds and other underwater structures.

Rainbow trout and brown trout are also popular game fish species found in the reservoir. These fish are typically caught during the spring and fall seasons when the water is cooler. They are often found near the surface of the water rising and gulping insects and can be caught using a variety of fishing techniques, including fly fishing and spin fishing.

Kokanee salmon are another popular fish species found in the reservoir. These landlocked salmon are known for their bright red color and are typically caught during the summer months. They are typically caught using downriggers or trolling with lures.

Yellow perch are also found in abundance in Canyon Ferry Reservoir. These fish are typically caught jigging or slow trolling. They are typically caught near the bottom of the reservoir and can be found in large schools.

Fishing Access along Canyon Ferry Reservoir

One of the best things about fishing at Canyon Ferry Reservoir is that it is easily accessible. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice angler, you will find plenty of opportunities to catch fish at the reservoir. The reservoir offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including shore fishing, boat fishing, and ice fishing during the winter months.

Campgrounds at Canyon Ferry Reservoir

1. Hellgate Campground: This campground is located on the west shore of the reservoir and offers both tent and RV sites. The campground has picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but no water or electric hookups.
2. Goose Bay Marina & Campground: This campground is located on the east shore of the reservoir and offers RV and tent camping. The campground has full hookups, showers, a boat ramp, and a marina.
3. Chinamen’s Campground: This campground is located on the south shore of the reservoir and offers tent and RV camping. The campground has picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but no water or electric hookups.
4. Confederate Campground: This campground is located on the north shore of the reservoir and offers tent and RV camping. The campground has picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but no water or electric hookups.

The campgrounds can be reserved online or by phone through Recreation.gov. It is always recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak season, as these campgrounds can fill up quickly.