Destination
fort peck reservoir
Montana’s largest body of water, Fort Peck Reservoir stretches across the Missouri River country with more than 1,500 miles of shoreline, world-class fishing, boating, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing, and wide-open access to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
Region
Northeast Montana, Missouri River Country
Best For
Fishing, boating, hunting, camping, water sports, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, marina access, scenic drives, and remote lake exploration
Nearby Highlights
Fort Peck Dam, Fort Peck Lake, Fort Peck Marina, Hell Creek Bay, Rock Creek Bay, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri River, and Fort Peck community
local charm
Expansive shoreline, remote coves, concrete boat ramps, big-water fishing, rugged refuge landscapes, historic trading post roots, and classic Eastern Montana solitude
Tour Overview
Montana’s Largest Reservoir for Big Water, Big Fish, and Big Sky Adventure
Fort Peck Reservoir is Montana’s largest body of water and one of the state’s most impressive outdoor recreation destinations. Stretching approximately 134 miles with a maximum depth of 220 feet when full, the lake offers more than 1,520 miles of shoreline—more shoreline than the California coast.
The reservoir was created between 1933 and 1937 with the construction of the 3.8-mile-long Fort Peck Dam across the Missouri River. Today, Fort Peck Lake is known for boating, water sports, camping, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and especially fishing. More than 50 species of fish live in the reservoir, including walleye, northern pike, paddlefish, sauger, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and chinook salmon.
The name Fort Peck traces back to a trading post and Indian agency founded in 1867 by Colonel Campbell K. Peck and Commander E. H. Durfee. Once tied to fur trade with the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes, the area has evolved into a major recreation and wildlife destination surrounded by the vast Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
fort peck Reservoir
Montana’s largest lake stretches 134 miles through Missouri River country, offering immense shoreline, open water, remote bays, and room for adventure.
Big-Water Fishing
Fort Peck is home to more than 50 fish species, with prized opportunities for walleye, northern pike, paddlefish, sauger, lake trout, bass, and salmon.
Fort Peck Dam
Built from 1933 to 1937, the massive dam spans 3.8 miles across the Missouri River and created one of Montana’s most iconic reservoirs.
CMR Wildlife Refuge
The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the reservoir with more than one million acres of public land for wildlife, hunting, hiking, and camping.
Fishing, Boating & Water Recreation
Fort Peck Reservoir's immense size, deep water, remote bays, and diverse fish populations create opportunities for serious fishing trips, family boating days, water sports, and shoreline exploration
Marinas, Access & Shoreline Travel
All marinas include concrete boat ramps. Because many access roads can become difficult or impassable when wet, visitors should check weather and road conditions before traveling.
Wildlife Refuge & Remote Adventure
Surrounding Fort Peck Reservoir, the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge offers more than one million acres of public land for fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
Best Times to Visit
Summer
Boating, fishing, water sports, camping, marina visits, hiking, wildlife viewing, shoreline exploring, and long days on Montana’s largest lake.
Fall
Cooler fishing weather, hunting, wildlife movement, quiet bays, scenic drives, birdwatching, and peaceful refuge exploration.
Winter
Ice fishing, quiet reservoir views, wildlife watching, remote scenery, and a slower Eastern Montana lake experience.
Spring
Early-season fishing, fresh reservoir access, bird migration, wildlife activity, boating preparation, and renewed outdoor adventure.
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