Located on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana, the Canyon Ferry Dam was constructed in 1954, replacing an older dam sharing the same name to provide power to nearby urban areas. The construction of this dam created Montana’s third largest water body, commonly known as Canyon Ferry Lake or Canyon Ferry Reservoir. This area is beautiful as tall, pine-studded mountains embrace the dam on either side, and rocky shores break up the otherwise scenic blue waters of the massive reservoir.
This reservoir was developed into a popular summer recreation area and includes several campgrounds, swimming areas, and other exciting outdoor activities such as bird watching, fishing, hunting, and hiking, thanks to the plentiful and diverse wildlife in the area. The beaches of Canyon Ferry Lake provide critical nesting habitat for white pelicans, terns, and gulls. Boating is prohibited from March 1st to August 31st in management areas found primarily on the southern end of the reservoir to protect the nesting habitat.
Sportfishing is popular here thanks to varying water depths and habitat types ranging from deep, open water to shallow riffles and shorelines. This reservoir is in the central district and, except for species-specific regulations, has a year-round fishing season.
Fish Species in Canyon Ferry Lake
1) Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
As the name suggests, the rainbow trout is a beautiful and popular game fish that often boasts a striking red and silver coloration. It is often stocked in lakes and rivers in the United States. It is a predator of macroinvertebrates and smaller fish. This species is non-native to Canyon Ferry Lake and is routinely stocked in the reservoir as a sport fish. Rainbow trout are known to hybridize with the native westslope cutthroat trout.
Rainbow trout reach sexual maturity at 2 – 3 years of age and can grow to be staggeringly large, over 40 inches (102 cm). In their native range, adults are anadromous and migrate from rivers to the ocean. They return to their natal streams to spawn from April to July. Many populations successfully reproduce in streams that do not have access to the ocean.
At Canyon Ferry Lake, rainbow trout are a popular target for fly fishers and can be successfully fished from the shore. However, consumption of rainbow trout over 18 inches (46 cm) should be limited because they are predatory and therefore susceptible to mercury bioaccumulation.
2) Brown trout (Salmo trutta)
The brown trout is also known as the lake trout and can be distinguished from the rainbow trout by their pattern. The presence of lighter halos around dark spots rather than plain dark spots is a sure sign of a brown trout, as rainbow trout lack these halos. This trout species is another popular sport fish introduced in the 1880s and is routinely stocked in American rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
This trout species prefers slower rivers than other trout and are nocturnal predators of crayfish and other large invertebrates. They spawn in the fall and winter with migratory tendencies similar to the rainbow trout.
When caught, adult brown trout measure 12 – 20 inches (30 – 51 cm) on average. This species is regulated in Montana, and fishers are permitted to take only one large fish greater than 22 inches (56 cm). They are likely regulated this way because, like the rainbow trout, these fish can bioaccumulate mercury.
3) Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
The brook trout is a darker trout species with large eyes and fewer, if any, black spots. Instead, the brook trout is often speckled with light-colored spots and vertical, dark bars. Like most other introduced trout species, the brook trout was commonly stocked into lakes and reservoirs in the 1880s. However, it is far less prevalent today and has not been stocked in Canyon Ferry Reservoir since 1981.
Calm, quiet areas fed by cool mountain streams are the perfect habitat for this trout. They are generalist carnivores, meaning they will consume anything alive and small enough to fit into their mouths. In addition to competing with native trout for habitat and resources, the brook trout sometimes hybridizes with brown trout to produce the tiger trout, a sterile hybrid.
4) Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
The cutthroat trout, also known as the blackspotted cutthroat trout, is Montana’s state fish. This trout species contains two subspecies: the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (O. c. bouvieri) and the westslope cutthroat trout (O. c. lewisi). Both are native to regions of Montana, but the westslope cutthroat trout is the only subspecies that naturally occurs in Canyon Ferry Lake. The Yellowstone cutthroat trout is present in Canyon Ferry Lake, but it was either introduced or migrated there. While global populations of cutthroat trout are relatively stable, populations in Montana are declining due to habitat loss and competition with introduced trout species.
Despite their conservation status, up to five cutthroat trout may be harvested from Canyon Ferry Lake per person daily. This popular angling fish is more petite than non-native trout, averaging about 6 – 16 inches (15 – 41 cm) in length. In addition, the cutthroat trout is shy and prefers cool streams with plenty of deep pools and vegetative cover.
5) Mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni)
More common than other trout or salmon species, the mountain whitefish is an abundant silver fish native throughout western Montana. Their range extends into Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and parts of Canada. Their abundance and small size relative to other trout and salmon species make them the perfect food source for larger carnivorous fish like the rainbow trout and brown trout.
Anglers looking to score a trout can make use of this popular and easy-to-catch bait fish. They are also hunted via spearfishing. Mountain whitefish feed primarily from the bottom of lakes, so anglers looking to catch them should use sinkers. They have the highest limit of any trout species, with 20 allowed per day.
6) Burbot (Lota lota)
The burbot is a species of carp that is commonly referred to as ling. This fish tends to be long and snake-like with smooth skin and a chin barbel. The average size of a burbot is between 16 to 24 inches (41 – 61 cm). The second dorsal fin and anal fin run almost half the length of its body. While it can live in the ocean, the burbot is remarkable because it is the only cod species that is almost exclusively freshwater.
They prefer cold water, including large rivers and lakes or reservoirs, and are a bit reclusive, hiding amongst rocks and vegetation. Burbot are primarily nocturnal, so a fisherman looking to catch one should aim to do so at night. Young burbot consume invertebrates while adults are aggressive carnivores. Although this fish is not the most popular sport fish, it is still commonly caught and consumed. In the Canyon Ferry Reservoir fishing district, an individual may harvest up to five burbot per day.
7) Yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
This small yet trendy sport fish was first introduced to Montana in the 1930s. They are reportedly a great-tasting fish. Luckily, they occur in large schools, so they can be caught in abundance despite their small size, which maxes out at 4 pounds (1.8 kg) although smaller individuals are more common. Additionally, their abundance and small size make them an important food source for predators, including large trout and birds.
The yellow perch consumes invertebrates and small fish. They occur in freshwater and brackish water and can tolerate a variety of habitats. They typically spawn from April to May when the waters are warm. In their introduced range, they often eat native fish and compete with them for food which places pressure on native fish populations.
Piers and rocks over clear water are ideal places to start fishing for yellow perch. They tend to be more active during the summer months and accept a variety of live invertebrate baits like crayfish and worms.
8) Mountain sucker (Pantosteus spp.)
Of the sucker species found in Montana, the mountain sucker is the most restricted in geographic range and habitat preferences. “Mountain sucker” can refer to a complex of genetically distinct Pantosteus species that have only recently been confirmed in this region. These fish are cylindrical and silvery in color with blunt heads and downturned mouths that facilitate a life stuck to the bottom of rivers. They are the smallest suckers in Montana, reaching typical lengths of only around 9 inches (23cm), and can be distinguished from other sucker species by notching on the corners of their mouths.
While they are edible, the mountain sucker is not a sought-after game fish. Instead, it is a food source for birds, mammals, and larger fish and provides an important food source for those predators. They prefer faster-flowing streams with suitable rocky or sandy bottoms where they feed on fly larvae, algae, and plants. As a result, they are an ecologically important native species that has garnered some research attention. These species are not of conservation concern, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss and hybridization with non-native suckers.
9) White sucker (Catostomus commersonii)
This sucker species can grow much larger than the mountain sucker, commonly reaching lengths of more than 15 inches (38 cm). This silvery, streamlined fish lacks the distinct notching found in mountain suckers and is far duller in color compared to the longnose sucker. The white sucker is native to some parts of North America, however it has been introduced to areas intentionally via bait buckets or unintentionally as a hitchhiker in trout stocking efforts. In the white sucker’s introduced range, it competes with and hybridizes with longnose and mountain suckers. They can survive in a broader range of habitat types than the other two species and is far more tolerant to disturbance.
Like the mountain sucker, they are safe to eat and provide food for wildlife. Anyone looking to catch white suckers should try for them in rocky pools and large lakes, especially where the water moves quickly. White sucker fry are planktivorous, while older individuals consume invertebrates. It is vital to ensure that live fish are not transported between water bodies as this sucker species readily hybridize with other suckers and could be problematic for native suckers.
10) Longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus)
Longnose suckers are extremely common in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They are native to and widespread throughout most North American water bodies where they occur but have also been introduced to parts of Wyoming and Colorado. While they can occur in lakes and reservoirs, they will move to faster-flowing rivers to spawn. When caught, longnose suckers can be used as bait.
The head of this species is longer than the other two species, and they are sexually dimorphic, with mature males boasting striking black and red patterns while females are a duller olive-gray. The fry of this species consumes zooplankton, while adults are omnivorous and consume various insects and plant matter. Longnose suckers can hybridize with white suckers.
11) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
This giant sunfish is a common catch in lakes and rivers throughout most of the United States thanks to intentional introductions as sportfish stock. They are native to only a few water bodies east of Montana. Smallmouth bass are solidly greenish-gray and have striking red eyes. Their mouths do not extend past the farthest edge of their eyes, whereas the mouths of largemouth bass do.
Anglers at Canyon Ferry Lake can expect to catch smallmouth bass along rocky beaches and gravel beds. They are voracious predators and will consume most types of bait. This species will construct nests during the springtime spawning season to protect their eggs. Male smallmouth bass will protect the eggs until they hatch and can often easily be seen during this period. Some sources recommend targeting these protective and easily visible males or using them as a clue that there are other smallmouth bass in the area.
Non-native smallmouth bass are responsible for reducing populations of native fish species via competition or predation. As with many other non-native species, they also hybridize with native relatives.
12) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Owing to its large size, feisty temperament, and great table fare, the largemouth bass is one of the United States’ most famous and commercially important sportfish. While the smallmouth bass maxes out at around 27 inches (69 cm), the largemouth bass can reach sizes up to 38 inches (97 cm). As a result, they are often stocked throughout the United States in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for angling. Like the smallmouth bass, this species constructs large nests, and the males will protect the nest after spawning in the spring.
They are a very generalist sunfish, which can tolerate a wide range of habitat types from swamps to rivers and eat any suitably sized fish, crustacean, amphibian, and are even known to be cannibalistic. Their flexibility in habitat and diet make them excellent competitors in any body of water; however, they require warm water, more than 10C, to reproduce successfully.
Largemouth bass tend to occupy nearshore areas during the spawning season and when feeding. During most other seasons, a boat will be required to find largemouth bass hiding in deeper waters. Anglers can use a variety of baits and lures from live minnows to crayfish to catch one!
13) Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)
This round and beautiful sunfish sports an iridescent blue and orange coloration. Also known as just “pumpkinseed,” they are native to the northeastern United States. Like most non-native sunfish, they are introduced intentionally as sportfish and have also been introduced illegally. Pumpkinseeds are abundant in Montana and particularly fun for kids to catch because they are striking and easy to fish.
This sunfish is smaller than smallmouth and largemouth bass, with a maximum length of 15 inches (38 cm) and an average length of 3 inches (7.6 cm). They almost exclusively consume invertebrates and snails. In areas where they are introduced, they adversely affect invertebrate populations and readily hybridize with other sunfish.
Pumpkinseed spawn in the spring and the summer. Like the largemouth and smallmouth bass, the males will construct and guard a nest. Then, over the next 3 – 5 days, the male will work tirelessly to protect and care for the eggs until they hatch.
14) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
The bluegill is another stunning sunfish with a greyish-brown colored body and fins tipped with blue and orange. Unfortunately, they are no longer a popular sportfish in Montana because they stay small and, as a result, are no longer routinely stocked. Unlike other sunfish, the bluegill does not accumulate as many toxic metals and is, therefore, safer to eat. Like the pumpkinseed, they are primarily insectivorous but will also consume snails, worms, and small fish.
Spawning occurs in warm water between May and July. As is characteristic of sunfish, the male will guard the nest until the eggs hatch. Male bluegill tend to be particularly aggressive during the breeding season, and while they are not dangerous, they will try to attack swimmers if they come too close to the nest. Live insects or worms are the best bait for this species. Anglers targeting bluegill should opt to use smaller hooks to avoid catching larger sportfish.
15) Utah chub (Gila atraria)
The Utah chub is an unassuming olive-colored fish introduced to Montana as a bait fish. Ironically, this species does so well in introduced areas that it often grows too large to be an effective baitfish for sportfishing. Canyon Ferry Reservoir provides excellent habitat for Utah chub, and this species has been caught in record sizes.
They do not have strict habitat requirements and will happily live anywhere with slow-moving water and abundant aquatic vegetation. Smaller individuals are planktivorous and can be an abundant food source for larger fish. Adults consume a wider variety of food, including plants and invertebrates. Adult Utah chubs are not the best food for wildlife; birds prefer trout to Utah chub. They are warm water spawners and spawn in late spring and summer when water temperatures are above 54F (12C).
16) Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis)
Flathead chubs are distinguished from the Utah chub by the presence of barbels in the corners of its mouth. Additionally, the flathead chub tends to be smaller, around 9 inches (23 cm) on the longer side, than the Utah chub, which can grow up to 21 inches (53 cm). They are common throughout most of eastern Montana and can be found in isolated water bodies on the state’s western side.
The flathead chub is well adapted to life in more turbid or murky water with small eyes and well-developed sensory organs. Interestingly, this species of chub primarily predates upon unfortunate terrestrial insects that find themselves in the water. However, they also consume plants and other small invertebrates.
Like the Utah chub, this species is commonly caught by anglers looking for larger trout or sunfish. While it is common throughout most of its range, it is threatened or endangered in some states like Missouri or North Dakota due to the construction of reservoirs altering habitat.
17) Stonecat (Noturus flavus)
The common name “stonecat” refers to this species’ tendency toward hiding under rocks, logs, and other debris. While not considered dangerous, care should be taken when handling catfish. These fish possess venom glands that can deliver a painful sting via hollow dorsal and pectoral spines. They are relatively small, between 4 and 8 inches (10 – 20 cm), so avoiding their spines is difficult when handling them.
They prefer clean streams and shallow riffles. At Canyon Ferry Lake, one would expect to find more stonecats in clear, shallow areas with gently flowing water. Their diet consists of aquatic insect larvae and crayfish. Due to their preference for clean water and diet, stonecats are considered an indicator of stream health.
Male stonecats construct nests in the early summer in alcoves underneath suitable rocks that females visit to lay their eggs. They are monogamous, and the adults will remain with the nest until the fry are large enough to fend for themselves.
18) Walleye (Sander vitreus)
The walleye, not to be confused with the walleye pollock, is an extremely important commercial and sportfish. Thanks to their large eyes, they are well adapted to their nocturnal lifestyle and visual hunting strategy. They also possess an arsenal of sharp teeth, facilitating their carnivorous diet. Walleyes are primarily piscivorous but are known to eat invertebrates, amphibians, and even small mammals.
The Canyon Ferry Reservoir provides the perfect habitat for walleye that thrive in the deep, slow-moving water that dam construction creates. There is also an abundance of smaller prey fish at Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The status of this species as a Montana native is contested, but it is currently considered introduced to the state.
This delicious fish is highly sought after by sport fishers. Fishing for walleye is like fishing for bass species; they can be caught with various fishing tactics. Sources suggest using live bait such as minnows, earthworms, and leeches.
19) Longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae)
Ubiquitous in Montana and distributed throughout North America, the longnose dace sports a mottled olive body and rust-colored fins. They are short-lived compared to other species on this list, living no more than five years in the wild. They mature between 1 and 2 years old, and the average adult size ranges from 2 to 4 inches (5 – 10 cm). The longnose dace has no strict habitat preferences, although it can be commonly found in shallow, fast-flowing streams with rocky gravel beds.
Longnose dace spawn when waters are warm (above 50F or 10C), usually from May to July. Males stake claim to gravel beds during this season and spawn with any female who visits. They do not protect this territory after the breeding season, and young longnose dace are left to their own devices.
Longnose dace are nocturnal insectivores with a preference for caddisfly larvae. They dig through the substrate and use their phenomenal eyesight and sensory capabilities to snatch up anything they can find. They are a common and essential food source for trout, other predatory fish, and piscivorous birds like herons and eagles.
20) Northern pike (Esox lucius)
The northern pike is a problematic species introduced throughout Montana because it is an extremely popular sportfish. It is an aggressive piscivore and an ambush predator that hides amongst dense vegetation waiting to ambush prey. It is such a voracious predator that it is known to extirpate smaller fish species from isolated lakes and rivers, causing severe problems for conservation. Additionally, the northern pike hybridizes with a native Esox species known as the muskellunge. Female hybrids are fertile and can interbreed with muskellunge populations, gradually replacing the native species with hybrids.
This species is common in lakes and reservoirs and migrates to streams to spawn. Eggs are broadcast over weed beds between March and May. During the breeding season, it is best to target northern pike in streams and shorelines, but otherwise, they are commonly found near areas with dense submerged vegetation. They are incredibly aggressive, so care should be taken when handling them. The northern pike hosts a suite of parasites, some of which can infect humans, so they must be thoroughly cooked before eating. Limiting the consumption of northern pike is also recommended because they are highly predatory and therefore bioaccumulate toxins. Anglers are limited to 10 northern pike per day.
21) European carp (Cyprinus carpio)
The European carp is one of the most disastrous fish introduced to the United States. This species is omnivorous, consuming both plants and small invertebrates. In search of food, it digs up gravel beds and uproots native plants, converting otherwise clear streams into murky messes that are unsuitable habitats for many native species like the mountain sucker. Habitat conversion disrupts local ecosystems by destroying habitat and eliminating food sources for native species. In addition to being an ecological nuisance, the European carp is considered a sportfishing pest.
European carp are tough to eradicate once they become established, which is another reason they are such prolific invaders. Once established, populations of European carp can be eradicated via rotenone applications. Rotenone is toxic to fish and can be used to eliminate all fish in a body of water. The water body is then restocked, now free of any nuisance species. However, this process is not ideal.
