Canyon Ferry Lake Conditions: Weather, Water & Fishing

Canyon Ferry Lake Conditions: Weather, Water & Fishing | LakeRadar

24-Hour Hourly Weather & Wind Timeline

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Hour-by-hour forecast for Canyon Ferry Lake, next 24 hours
Metric	3a	4a	5a	6a	7a	8a	9a	10a	11a	12p	1p	2p	3p	4p	5p	6p	7p	8p	9p	10p	11p	12a	1a	2a
Temp (°F)	36°	36°	35°	35°	34°	33°	32°	32°	31°	31°	31°	31°	31°	32°	32°	33°	33°	33°	33°	32°	31°	30°	29°	29°
Wind (kts)	17	19	20	21	21	19	18	17	16	15	14	12	11	10	9	8	8	9	9	9	9	9	10	10
Direction	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
Gusts (kts)	26	29	30	29	29	27	25	24	22	21	20	18	18	17	16	15	15	15	16	16	16	16	16	17
Precip %	91%	98%	100%	95%	97%	85%	88%	89%	91%	94%	94%	95%	73%	66%	64%	61%	66%	68%	81%	82%	95%	81%	87%	95%

ForecastView official hourly forecast

Hour-by-hour forecast for Canyon Ferry Lake, next 24 hours
Time	Temp	Wind	Gusts	Precip	Cloud	Condition
Sat, 9 PM MDT	36°F	20 mph NNW (338°)	30 mph	91%	97%	Light Snow
Sat, 10 PM MDT	36°F	22 mph NNW (338°)	33 mph	98%	99%	Light Snow
Sat, 11 PM MDT	35°F	23 mph NNW (338°)	35 mph	100%	100%	Light Snow
Sun, 12 AM MDT	35°F	24 mph NNW (338°)	33 mph	95%	97%	Light Snow And Patchy Blowing Snow
Sun, 1 AM MDT	34°F	24 mph NNW (338°)	33 mph	97%	98%	Light Snow And Patchy Blowing Snow
Sun, 2 AM MDT	33°F	22 mph NNW (338°)	31 mph	85%	98%	Light Snow And Patchy Blowing Snow
Sun, 3 AM MDT	32°F	21 mph NNW (338°)	29 mph	88%	96%	Light Snow
Sun, 4 AM MDT	32°F	20 mph NW (315°)	28 mph	89%	96%	Light Snow
Sun, 5 AM MDT	31°F	18 mph NW (315°)	25 mph	91%	97%	Light Snow
Sun, 6 AM MDT	31°F	17 mph NW (315°)	24 mph	94%	97%	Light Snow
Sun, 7 AM MDT	31°F	16 mph NW (315°)	23 mph	94%	99%	Light Snow
Sun, 8 AM MDT	31°F	14 mph NW (315°)	21 mph	95%	98%	Light Snow
Sun, 9 AM MDT	31°F	13 mph NW (315°)	21 mph	73%	97%	Light Snow Likely
Sun, 10 AM MDT	32°F	12 mph NW (315°)	20 mph	66%	94%	Light Snow Likely
Sun, 11 AM MDT	32°F	10 mph NNW (338°)	18 mph	64%	94%	Light Snow Likely
Sun, 12 PM MDT	33°F	9 mph NNW (338°)	17 mph	61%	95%	Light Snow Likely
Sun, 1 PM MDT	33°F	9 mph NNW (338°)	17 mph	66%	95%	Rain And Snow Likely
Sun, 2 PM MDT	33°F	10 mph NNW (338°)	17 mph	68%	94%	Rain And Snow Likely
Sun, 3 PM MDT	33°F	10 mph N (0°)	18 mph	81%	97%	Light Snow
Sun, 4 PM MDT	32°F	10 mph N (0°)	18 mph	82%	97%	Light Snow
Sun, 5 PM MDT	31°F	10 mph NNW (338°)	18 mph	95%	97%	Light Snow
Sun, 6 PM MDT	30°F	10 mph NNW (338°)	18 mph	81%	99%	Light Snow
Sun, 7 PM MDT	29°F	12 mph NNW (338°)	18 mph	87%	99%	Light Snow
Sun, 8 PM MDT	29°F	12 mph NNW (338°)	20 mph	95%	99%	Light Snow
Sun, 9 PM MDT	29°F	13 mph NNW (338°)	22 mph	99%	100%	Light Snow

Official National Weather Service hourly forecast. Showing 10 of 25 hours. Wind arrows point the way the wind is blowing; the compass point and degrees show where it comes from.

7-Day Weather & Wind Forecast

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Seven-day forecast periods for Canyon Ferry Lake from the official forecast source
Period	Tonight October 10, 2026	Sunday October 11, 2026	Sunday Night October 11, 2026	Columbus Day October 12, 2026	Monday Night October 12, 2026	Tuesday October 13, 2026	Tuesday Night October 13, 2026	Wednesday October 14, 2026	Wednesday Night October 14, 2026	Thursday October 15, 2026	Thursday Night October 15, 2026	Friday October 16, 2026	Friday Night October 16, 2026	Saturday October 17, 2026
Temp (°F)	28°	34°	26°	38°	26°	48°	28°	54°	33°	56°	32°	60°	37°	68°
Wind	NW 18 to 24 mph	NNW 9 to 17 mph	NNW 9 to 14 mph	WNW 2 to 8 mph	S 5 mph	SSW 3 mph	SSE 0 to 3 mph	S 5 mph	SW 2 to 6 mph	WNW 5 mph	NW 1 to 5 mph	SE 6 mph	SE 3 to 10 mph	SSE 7 to 10 mph
Gusts	35 mph	24 mph	25 mph	15 mph	9 mph	8 mph	7 mph	12 mph	12 mph	12 mph	10 mph	14 mph	17 mph	16 mph
Precip %	100%	95%	99%	47%	2%	1%	0%	2%	13%	16%	8%	3%	0%	0%
Forecast	Light Snow	Light Snow	Snow	Chance Light Snow then Mostly Cloudy	Mostly Cloudy	Mostly Sunny	Mostly Clear	Sunny	Mostly Clear	Slight Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Sunny	Mostly Clear	Sunny	Mostly Clear	Sunny

Forecast periods from official National Weather Service grid. Detailed 7-Day & Hourly Forecast →

Fishing Conditions & Outlook

Solunar windows, water thermocline & species tactics

Score 52 · Poor

Poor for fishing (52/100), from 5 available inputs. Supporting this: Overnight hours (21:00 local). Sky is overcast (97% cloud cover). Working against it: 91% chance of precipitation is likely. Air temperature 36°F. Not available from a verified source for this lake: pressure trend, water temperature. Confidence is moderate (74%) because some inputs are unavailable or older than ideal.

Prime Solunar Window

4:00 PM MDT – 10:00 PM MDT

Water Layer Temp

Sensor Pending

Surface Chop

10 mph

Barometer Trend

29.82 inHg

Verified Game Fish Species (5):

🐟European Carp🐟Sockeye Salmon🐟Rainbow Trout🐟Smallmouth Bass

View Full Fishing Forecast & Solunar Times →Fishing methodology →

Boating & Sailing Outlook

Surface chop, sustained knots, gusts & launch facilities

Boating 36Sailing 59

Motorized Boating

Launch Access

Poor for boating (36/100), from 4 available inputs. Working against it: Gusts to 30 mph. 91% chance of precipitation is likely. Not available from a verified source for this lake: visibility and conditions, verified water access. Confidence is moderate (84%) because some inputs are unavailable or older than ideal.

Surface state: Moderate Chop (1–2 ft)

Boating Outlook & Ramps Directory →

Sailing & Wind Trim

9 kts (10 mph)

Fair for sailing (59/100), from 4 available inputs. Supporting this: Wind 20 mph from the NNW is workable but not ideal. Working against it: 91% chance of precipitation is likely. Active moderate alert: Winter Weather Advisory. Not available from a verified source for this lake: visibility. Confidence is high (88%).

Rig advisory:

Kayaking, Paddling & Swimming

Paddle drag, thermal comfort & cold water immersion safety

Paddling 36Swimming --

Paddlecraft Readiness

Light Drag

Poor for kayaking (36/100), from 5 available inputs. Working against it: Gusts to 30 mph. 91% chance of precipitation is likely. Confidence is high (90%).

Immersion: Wear USCG Approved Life Jacket

Paddlecraft Guidelines & Launch Points →

Swimming & Immersion

Not monitored

Water temperature is not available from a verified source for this lake. No swimming score is shown without it.

Water Temperature & 30-Day History →

Never implies on-water safety. Always supervise swimmers and wear personal flotation.

Lake Guide & Verified Facts

Visitor Essentials, Seasonal Guide & Hydrographic Profile

Widely appreciated across MT, Canyon Ferry Lake provides an engaging setting for all styles of freshwater watercraft and shore recreation. Anglers seek out structure-oriented fish, while families and boaters take advantage of designated recreation zones. Be sure to check seasonal gate hours and daily parking pass requirements.

Surface Area

35,180 acres (55 sq mi)

Max Depth

Not documented

Surface Elevation

Not documented

Managing Authority

State & Local Authorities

Classification

Reservoir

State Jurisdiction

Visitor Essentials · Know Before You Go

Fishing Licensing (Montana FWP)

Valid freshwater sport fishing license issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is required for anglers age 12+. Digital license on mobile is accepted.

Boating & AIS Biosecurity Protocol

Mandatory Clean, Drain & Dry inspection. Out-of-area craft require on-site Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS Quagga/Zebra) inspection or decontamination before launch. USCG life jackets required for all.

Public Recreation & Access Pass

Public shoreline and boating access managed by State & Local Authorities. Verify seasonal gate hours, launch fees, and parking rules before travel.

Primary Water Recreation Profile

High-speed motorboating, pontoon cruising, wakeboarding, and water skiing across main channels. Target gamefish include European Carp, Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass. Morning hours typically provide optimal glassy conditions for kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) touring.

Seasonal Recreation & Climate Windows

Summer Peak (Jun–Aug)Peak Season

Warm water temperatures, peak swimming, active watersports, and open full-service campgrounds. Highest weekly attendance; plan early arrivals on summer weekends.

Spring & Fall ShoulderPrime Angling

Spring pre-spawn and fall feeding transitions create prime trophy angling conditions. Cooler air, lower boat traffic, and vibrant seasonal shoreline foliage.

Winter Season (Nov–Mar)Off-Season

Northern cold winter conditions with freezing air temperatures and potential surface ice formation. Ramps and water systems may be winterized. Confirm open status before visiting.

Get Directions (GPS) ↗Managing Authority Portal ↗

All geographical facts sourced from official agency recordsView sources →

Canyon Ferry Lake Conditions

Winter Weather Advisory

Quick Conditions

LakeRadar Score

24-Hour Hourly Weather & Wind Timeline

7-Day Weather & Wind Forecast

Water Level & Hydrographic Baseline

Water Temperature (Surface)

Fishing Conditions & Outlook

Boating & Sailing Outlook

Kayaking, Paddling & Swimming

Interactive Map & Navigation Radar

Coordinates and access points

Public Access & Facilities

Boating & Water Regulations

Lake Guide & Verified Facts

Official alerts

Winter Weather Advisory

Quick Conditions

LakeRadar Score

24-Hour Hourly Weather & Wind Timeline

7-Day Weather & Wind Forecast

Water Level & Hydrographic Baseline

Water Temperature (Surface)

Fishing Conditions & Outlook

Boating & Sailing Outlook

Kayaking, Paddling & Swimming

Interactive Map & Navigation Radar

Coordinates and access points

Public Access & Facilities

Boating & Water Regulations

Lake Guide & Verified Facts

Related Lakes

Sources and methodology