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Broadwater and Lewis and Clark Counties, East of Helena
Where the Missouri River flows into the southern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, it creates a sprawling delta of shallow ponds, islands, and dense riparian vegetation. This is the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area, a critical intersection of water and arid valley that supports a massive volume of avian life.
The WMA is an Important Bird Area noted for its breeding colony of American White Pelicans and its importance to migrating waterfowl. In the spring, the open water holds flocks of diving ducks, including Surf Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks, which are rare elsewhere in the state. The mudflats host Long-billed Curlews and Marbled Godwits, while the cottonwood galleries ring with the songs of Bullock's Orioles and Yellow Warblers. In the late fall, the reservoir is a reliable location to search for migrating Pacific and Common Loons.
Visitor Access
Managed by Montana FWP, the WMA is open year-round, though specific ponds are closed to boating from March through August to protect nesting birds. Entry is free. A network of dirt and gravel roads provides access to various ponds and the river channel. Primitive camping is allowed only in the designated Cottonwood camping area. Unrestrained dogs are prohibited from March through June.