Canyon Ferry Dam, Hydroelectric power station and gravity dam in Lewis and Clark County, Montana.
Canyon Ferry Dam spans 305 meters across the Missouri River and creates a large reservoir that stretches upstream. The structure generates electricity while managing water flow for communities downstream.
An earlier wooden dam structure was built in 1898 but proved temporary and eventually required replacement. The current concrete dam was constructed in 1949 by federal water management authorities.
The reservoir supports local fishing traditions with healthy populations of trout and walleye that draw people from nearby communities. This fishing heritage shapes how visitors and residents spend their time on the water.
The reservoir is accessible year-round for fishing and water activities, with spring and fall being the most comfortable seasons. Plan to arrive early on weekends as the area can become crowded with visitors.
Three Francis turbine generators inside the power plant convert the river flow into electricity with high efficiency. This type of turbine is specifically designed to handle the Missouri River's water conditions.
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