Broadwater County, MT · Reservoir
Canyon Ferry Lake
A 35,000-acre Missouri River reservoir east of Helena and Montana’s third-largest body of water. The state’s flagship walleye fishery — fished hard from boats and shore — along with abundant rainbow trout and yellow perch, and a renowned spring shoreline bite.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Walleye & Rainbow Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
2 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Canyon Ferry Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Canyon Ferry Lake
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
Central District: 5 walleye and sauger daily (only 2 may be sauger), 10 in possession (only 4 sauger).
Source: Montana Central District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
Central District lakes: 5 trout daily, 10 in possession (all species combined, includes cutthroat).
Source: Montana Central District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#3 Yellow Perch Workable day for Yellow Perch. In season 62/100
What's helping
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
About. Perca flavescens — Late-winter and early-spring favorite. Schools up in tidal tributaries for the pre-spawn run in February and March, taking small minnows, shad darts, and small jigs. A classic Eastern Shore "neds" fishery.
Prefers. Water 45–70°F (ideal 58°F) · slack tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
Yellow perch are not on Montana’s standard limit list — no daily or possession limit in the Central District. Confirm any water-specific exception before keeping a big catch.
Source: Montana Central District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Central District
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Canyon Ferry Lake: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Canyon Ferry Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Canyon Ferry Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Canyon Ferry Lake?
Canyon Ferry Lake is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Canyon Ferry Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Canyon Ferry Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Canyon Ferry Lake have?
Canyon Ferry Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Canyon Ferry Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Canyon Ferry Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Canyon Ferry Lake tidal water?
No. Canyon Ferry Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.