The Top Fishing, Swimming and Recreation Lake in Helena
The two main marinas, Yacht Basin and Kim’s Marina have good food and views of the majestic hill sides and lake. A dinner at Yacht Basin is a delight. Kim’s Marina offers cabin rentals and spaces for RVs. They also have a small convenience store as well as laundry facilities. This time of the year the bees are a little feisty so bring your repellant of choice.
The more enjoyable days of the year occur in late summer or early fall. The air is crisp, the water is warmer than usual and the fishing is good. This weekend the air is also clear of smoke from neighboring areas around the state. So, this would be a fun time to get out and about in one of Montana’s outdoor wonders. Trout, walleye, perch may be caught along the dam area, near the BLM visitor center at Canyon Ferry.
The town of Canyon Ferry did exist at one time. The town gave way to the mighty Canyon Ferry Dam Project which provided power to the neighboring area. All that remains of Canyon Ferry Town is a small island easily viewed at Yacht Basin Marina. It is aptly named Cemetary Island. It was the town’s cemetary and is the repose of many of Montana’s early pioneers. Many of them passed on due to the outbreak of a terrible flu that swept the country in the early 1900s. I would say Cemetary Island is unique due to its grave stone markings and the personal touch expressed by their inscription. It is well worth a rental boat to walk around Cemetary Island and the view is spectacular. On a clear day you can almost see The Silos.
A relaxing day on a boat travelling in and out of the various campgrounds located along the lake is a fun thing to do. A little fishing, a picnic lunch and some sun screen will do it. Sailing is a favorite past time of many people as well as motor operated boats. The length and breadth of the lake can accomodate both. Sailors beware around 3:30 P.M. until about 6:00 P.M. some pretty nasty cross winds can make it quite a task bringing you into the docks. It occurs about mid-way between Yacht Basin Marina and Cemetary Island. Sometimes it appears that waves are coming in from the Silos some 19 miles away. It takes a sailor with experience on the changing winds of the sea to maneuver your way back to the harbor. On some rare occassions the best thing to do is drop your sales and motor in.
There are various ways to get to Canyon Ferry Lake. One straight shot is to take Highway 12, known as the Townsend Highway and exit where the signs say Canyon Ferry Lake and drive about 10 miles to the marinas. If you are visiting in the city of Helena all the motel and hotel owners can give you specific directions to the Canyon Ferry area. One easy way is to find your way from the Helena Regional Airport and drive east on Custer Road until you reach Spokane Creek Road, turn left and you will see the signs. It is about 7 miles from the corner of Custer Road and Spokane Creek Rd intersection.
The Marinas can be phoned at the following:
Yacht Basin Marina 406 475-3440 or Kim’s Marina 406 475-3723. It is worth the short drive and you will find a day there is worth a lifetime of memories.
