One of Montana's most popular water recreation areas, offering diverse scenery with views of the Big Belt, Elkhorn, and Spokane Hills.
Put-in / access: Kim's Marina (46.6483, -111.7219) or Silos Recreation Area (46.3819, -111.5853)
Difficulty: Flatwater
Mileage: 25 miles long
Season: June through September.
Hazards: Heavy motorboat traffic and afternoon winds.
Permits: None.
Guided trips: Rentals available at marinas.
Camping: Multiple BLM and BOR campgrounds along the shoreline.
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Helena
- Difficulty: Flatwater/Intermediate. Large size and frequent high winds can create rough water, especially in open areas. Suitable for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
- Season: Late Spring - Early Fall (most favorable conditions); open year-round.
- Mileage: 25 miles (length of reservoir); 76 miles of shoreline.
- Permits & fees: No fees for using some access points like Sandy Beach Day Use Area. Goose Bay Access has a $10 daily fee for non-campers. Fishing requires a Montana fishing license and an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) allows for user fees for overnight camping, group use shelters, and special use permits.
- Hazards: Frequent high winds can create rough water. Heavy motorized boat traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. Water temperatures can be brisk even in summer; appropriate gear is recommended.
- Guided trips: Paddle board lessons and rentals are available from Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey. No explicit mention of guided kayaking or canoeing trips.
- Camping: Numerous campgrounds and day-use areas are maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation around the lake. Three marina concessions (Goose Bay, Kim's, Yacht Basin) also provide camping areas. Some access points like Goose Bay offer free courtesy boat launch for campers. Confirm current flows, closures, AIS inspections, and land-manager rules before you put in. Cold water and wood hazards kill—this guide is informational, not instruction.