Low Water in Canyon Ferry, MT Will Affect Access to Waterfowl
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 09.20.13
With waterfowl season almost upon us, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is alerting waterfowl hunters to the extremely low water levels in the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area duck ponds. These conditions will limit access and opportunity for waterfowl hunters.
Drought conditions and lack of runoff have resulted in near record low flows in the Missouri River which fills all four ponds. One of the ponds (pond #2) is almost entirely dry and all of the other ponds are extremely low. Also, the primitive boat ramps into the ponds will not be functional as the water is at least 75 yards from the ramps. Hunters should expect to wade or hike to huntable locations.
Additionally, Canyon Ferry Reservoir itself is quite low, and access to the delta area will be difficult by boat.
Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area is heavily used by both by recreationists from all over Region 3. FWP typically expects to see over 300 waterfowl hunters opening weekend. The general season opener for duck, coot, and goose is Sept. 28, while there is a special two-day youth weekend Sept. 21 and 22.
