Canyon Ferry Dam and Reservoir

Updated: January 28, 2026

This reservoir, one of Montana's most popular state parks, is located about twenty minutes east of Helena and offers 33,500 surface acres of water with dozens of miles of shoreline for recreation. During late fall, Canyon Ferry serves as a critical feeding ground to support the bald eagle migration south along the Rocky Mountain corridor from Canada to their winter nesting sites. When bald eagles find food in abundance, such as spawning kokanee salmon or other fish, they linger to feast. Migrating eagles spot others feeding and stop to investigate. Such eagle congregations can grow to hundreds of birds when conditions are good, with past counts at Canyon Ferry and other kokanee spawning sites in Montana reaching 500 or more eagles in some years. Eagles will return each year in significant numbers as long as food is available; if fish are not present, the birds will move on south, feeding on fish, waterfowl, or carrion elsewhere along the Missouri River system. To see our national symbol swooping and soaring above Montana's rivers and reservoirs in great numbers is to witness a powerful drama.

The visitor center at Canyon Ferry Dam features hands-on displays and excellent interpretive information about bald eagles, other birds, local wildlife, and the Missouri River dam and reservoir system. At the Riverside area located below the dam, volunteers and staff often set up spotting scopes for visitors to get a bird's?eye view of these magnificent raptors during peak migration. The best times to watch the eagles are early morning and late afternoon from late October to mid?December, when fish are most available and the birds are actively feeding and flying. Warm clothes are strongly recommended, as temperatures along the river can be cold and windy during this time of year. Canyon Ferry is also noted for its excellent fishing (especially for rainbow trout, walleye, perch, and ling), boating, sailing, camping, waterskiing, sightseeing, and other year?round outdoor activities.

How To Find It!

Canyon Ferry Dam & Visitor Center at Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located approximately 20 miles east of Helena. Take Highway 12 east/southeast from Helena for about 10 miles, turn to the east on Highway 287, and then drive approximately 8 miles to the dam and reservoir access areas.

Updated: January 28, 2026