Skip to main content

Hauser Lake

Boat Ramps
5
Access Points
15
Species
13

Hauser Lake is a 3,200-acre reservoir created by Hauser Dam on the Missouri River, located just northeast of Helena, Montana. With approximately 35 miles of scenic shoreline, this popular fishing destination offers excellent opportunities for targeting multiple fish species. The reservoir is part of a chain of Missouri River impoundments and serves as an extremely popular location for fishing, boating, and water recreation activities. As a tailwater fishery below Canyon Ferry Dam, Hauser provides diverse fishing environments ranging from river-like sections to open reservoir waters, making it an attractive destination for anglers throughout the year.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout11,803 fish · 7.3 inJun 25, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout7,462 fish · 7.3 inJun 25, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout12,150 fish · 7.8 inJun 22, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout2,412 fish · 7.2 inJun 22, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout10,311 fish · 7.7 inJun 22, 2026

Source

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page, opens in new tab

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Hauser Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Causeway Access

Causeway Access

Access Point
White Sandy access

White Sandy access

Access Point
Clark's Bay access

Clark's Bay access

Access Point
York Bridge access

York Bridge access

Access Point
Devils Elbow Campground access

Devils Elbow Campground access

Access Point
Riverside access

Riverside access

Access Point
Hauser Dam access

Hauser Dam access

Access Point
Black Sandy State Park access

Black Sandy State Park access

Access Point
Clark's Bay Recreation Area Access

Clark's Bay Recreation Area Access

Access Point
Devil's Elbow access

Devil's Elbow access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Hauser Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Montana licenses and regulations

Montana Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Montana Fishing License

All anglers 12 and over must possess a license.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Montana Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Montana Stream Access Laws

Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not give them the right to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams without landowner permission. Montana's stream access law ensures public access to surface waters by public bridge or county road right-of-way. The width of a public bridge or public road right-of-way easement is the same as the public highway to which it is attached.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Hauser Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Hauser Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Hauser Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Hauser Lake and check the forecast before you go.

Missouri River bl Hauser Dam near Helena MT

Loading flow chart…
Latest
10 yr average

All Flow Stations

Explore Montana waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Explore near Hauser Lake

Fish species
Fishing spots
Nearby waters
More in Montana

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.