What special fishing regulations apply at Canyon Ferry Reservoir?

Canyon Ferry Reservoir carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Walleye. One of them reads: "Walleye 10 / day, only 1 over 15 in (possession twice the daily limit); brown trout catch-and-release (anglers 14 and under may keep 1); yellow perch 10 / day; northern pike no limit; AIS-positive water (invasive zebra mussel detection 2016 led to the mandatory AIS Prevention Pass)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Canyon Ferry Reservoir?

Yes. Canyon Ferry Reservoir is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Canyon Ferry Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.

Do Canyon Ferry Reservoir's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Canyon Ferry Reservoir by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Canyon Ferry Reservoir?

Walleye has a water-body-specific rule on Canyon Ferry Reservoir, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

2026 regulation year

Canyon Ferry Reservoir 2026 — Montana Fishing Regulations

Montana statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Canyon Ferry Reservoir carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Montana's 2026 fishing rules — covering Walleye. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Walleye 10 / day, only 1 over 15 in (possession twice the daily limit); brown trout catch-and-release (anglers 14 and under may keep 1); yellow perch 10 / day; northern pike no limit; AIS-positive water (invasive zebra mussel detection 2016 led to the mandatory AIS Prevention Pass)
Source: Montana special-water list

Per-species rules on Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Walleye regulations →
10 / day, only 1 over 15 in (possession twice the daily limit); brown trout catch-and-release; AIS-positive water (zebra mussel detection 2016)

Official source

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) publishes the authoritative 2026 Montana fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Montana fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks's emergency-order feed — check it before any Montana trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Montana

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Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Canyon Ferry Reservoir?: Canyon Ferry Reservoir carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Walleye. One of them reads: "Walleye 10 / day, only 1 over 15 in (possession twice the daily limit); brown trout catch-and-release (anglers 14 and under may keep 1); yellow perch 10 / day; northern pike no limit; AIS-positive water (invasive zebra mussel detection 2016 led to the mandatory AIS Prevention Pass)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Canyon Ferry Reservoir?: Yes. Canyon Ferry Reservoir is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Canyon Ferry Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.
Do Canyon Ferry Reservoir's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Canyon Ferry Reservoir by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Canyon Ferry Reservoir?: Walleye has a water-body-specific rule on Canyon Ferry Reservoir, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

← Back to Montana regulations overview