BILLINGS, Mont. - Reclamation expects an increase of visitors at reservoir sites over the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Visitors are encouraged to take all water safety precautions, practice patience at congested boat ramp and dock areas, clean up all their trash and litter, be respectful to other recreationists enjoying public lands, and follow all posted rules and regulations for public conduct on Reclamation lands in accordance with 43 CFR 423 at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-B/chapter-I/part-423.
“We encourage water-based recreationists to check for the most up-to-date water level conditions at Reclamation’s website https://www.usbr.gov/gp/boat/index.html before arriving to a reservoir," Newman said. “We hope visitors enjoy a fun and safe holiday weekend."
Below are some of the activities available at Reclamation Reservoirs in Montana:
Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Dam)
Bighorn Lake is 71 miles long and is a deep blue-water fishery created by Yellowtail Dam. Over 190 miles of shoreline showcase colorful geology and an area rich in history and tradition. For more information call 406-666-2412.
* Biking
* Boating
* Camping
* Fishing
* Picnicking
* Hiking
* Paddling
* Swimming
* Wildlife Viewing
* Historic & Cultural Site
* Auto Touring
Clark Canyon Reservoir
This reservoir features 4,935 surface acres and 17 miles of shoreline. Concrete boat ramps, picnic shelters, marina are also available. Concrete boat ramps, picnic areas and picnic shelters are available. There are 9 campgrounds, including on RV-only lot, for a total of 96 campsites. For more information call 406-683-6472.
* Fishing
* Wildlife Viewing
* Water Sports
* Recreational Vehicles
* Picnicking
* Camping
* Historic & Cultural Site
* Boating
Canyon Ferry Reservoir
Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye, with 33,500 surface acres of water and 96 shoreline miles. Reclamation provides campgrounds, day use and picnic areas, and concrete boat launches. For information concerning harmful algal blooms in the area visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/epidemiology/hab/. For more information call 406-475-3921.
* Camping
* Fishing
* Boating
* Other Recreation Concession Site
* Wildlife Viewing
* Water Sports
* Recreational Vehicles
* Picnicking
Fresno Reservoir
With 7,388 surface acres and 65 miles of shoreline, the reservoir offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, perch and trout. Fresno is one of Montana’s best warm water fishing locations. A concrete boat ramp, picnic shelters, and swimming beach are available. Fresno Reservoir is currently experiencing low elevations which may affect boat and recreational use. For more information call 406-759-5077.
* Picnicking
* Camping
* Fishing
* Water Sports
* Boating
* Starwatching/Night-gazing
Gibson Reservoir
Gibson reservoir, with 1,296 surface acres and 15 miles of shoreline, offers fair fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout. For more information call 406-791-7700.
* Camping
* Fishing
* Hiking
* Horseback Riding
* Boating
* Picnicking
Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir)
Lake Elwell has 21,300 water surface acres, 21,244 land acres and 181 miles of shoreline. Major game fish include northern pike, walleye, rainbow trout, lake trout, and perch. Concrete boat ramps, campgrounds, marina, picnic shelters are available. For more information call 406-759-5077.
* Other Recreation Concession Site
* Boating
* Fishing
* Camping
* Water Sports
* Recreational Vehicles
* Picnicking
* Historic & Cultural Site
* Starwatching/Night-gazing
Nelson Reservoir
This reservoir, with 4,320 water surface acres, 7,702 land acres and 30 miles of shoreline, offers good fishing for walleye, perch, and northern pike. A concrete boat ramp, campground, and picnic shelters are also available. Nelson Reservoir is currently experiencing low elevations which may affect boat and recreational use. For more information call 406-759-5077.
* Recreational Vehicles
* Boating
* Camping
* Fishing
* Picnicking
* Water Sports
* Starwatching/Night-gazing
Each year hundreds of lives are lost, thousands are injured, and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. For more information about boating safety visit www.uscgboating.org.
There are 289 Reclamation project areas that have developed recreation facilities and opportunities available for public use. Over 100 are managed by a Federal recreation partner. Reclamation has approximately 6.5 million acres of land and water, most of which is available for public outdoor recreation. The 187 developed recreation areas managed by Reclamation or a non-Federal recreation partner draw over 24 million visits annually.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
