An Overview of Montana's Rivers and Lakes
Largest and Famous Water Features
Montana is home to many significant water features. The Missouri River is one of the most famous, flowing across the state as one of the longest rivers in North America. Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the western U.S., is another iconic feature. Yellowstone River, known for its scenic beauty, is also one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the country. Fort Peck Reservoir is a massive man-made lake that also stands out for its size and recreational opportunities.
Water Sources of Rivers and Lakes
Montana’s rivers and lakes are primarily fed by local snowmelt from mountain ranges like the Rockies. Rivers such as the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rely heavily on snowpack from Montana’s own mountains. However, the Missouri River also receives water from distant sources, including snowmelt from Wyoming and Colorado. Groundwater sources and spring-fed streams also play a role in sustaining water bodies in drier seasons. Local rainfall supplements water levels during the year.
Types of Major Rivers
Montana has a range of river types. Perennial rivers, like the Yellowstone and Missouri, flow year-round due to consistent water sources. The Jefferson River is an example of a tributary river, feeding into the Missouri. Exotic rivers like the Milk River flow into the state from Canada. Montana also has man-made water channels, such as the Milk River Irrigation Canal, which supports agriculture in the state. Rapid sections can be found on rivers like the Kootenai.
Varieties of Lakes in Montana
Montana features a variety of lake types, particularly glacial lakes like Flathead Lake and Saint Mary Lake. Tectonic lakes are less common, but some lakes in fault zones may have been influenced by tectonic activity. Fluvial lakes, formed by river dynamics, are also present, such as in oxbow lakes along the Yellowstone River. Man-made lakes, like Fort Peck Reservoir, play a major role in the state's landscape. Cirque lakes, or tarns, are also found in higher elevations, such as Iceberg Lake.
Rivers' Flow Directions
Montana’s rivers primarily follow either an east-west or north-south pattern depending on the watershed. The Missouri River flows eastward, draining into the Mississippi River system. The Clark Fork River, on the other hand, flows westward into Idaho before reaching the Columbia River. North-south flowing rivers include the Madison and Gallatin Rivers, which are tributaries of the Missouri. The complex geography of mountain ranges creates diverse river directions.
Natural Versus Man-made Lakes
Montana has a mix of natural and man-made lakes. Many of the state's natural lakes, like Flathead Lake, were formed by glacial activity during the Ice Age. Man-made lakes, such as the Fort Peck Reservoir, were created by federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These reservoirs were often built for flood control and hydroelectric power. State agencies have also contributed to the development of smaller reservoirs for irrigation and recreation purposes.
River Transportation and Cargo
Montana’s rivers are not heavily used for transportation of goods, unlike major river systems like the Mississippi. While the Missouri River was historically used for navigation, it does not serve as a major commercial waterway today. The state’s rivers mainly support local transportation by small boats rather than large cargo ships or barges. Limited waterborne cargo statistics exist due to this minimal use. Rail and road networks handle the majority of freight transport across the state.
Dams and Their Uses
Montana has numerous dams, with major examples like the Fort Peck Dam and Hungry Horse Dam. These dams are primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, such as at the Hungry Horse Dam on the South Fork Flathead River. Irrigation is another critical use, especially in agricultural areas that depend on water from reservoirs like Canyon Ferry Lake. Flood control and recreational uses are also common reasons for dam construction in Montana.
Recreational Water Activities
Montana's rivers and lakes offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. Flathead Lake is popular for boating, fishing, and jet skiing, while the Missouri River is known for fishing, kayaking, and fly fishing. Fort Peck Reservoir is a hotspot for house boating, fishing, and water sports. The Blackfoot River, made famous by the book "A River Runs Through It," is a favorite for fly fishing and rafting. Yellowstone River is another top destination for fly fishing, particularly for trout.
Water Features and Agriculture
Montana's rivers and reservoirs are critical to its agricultural industry. The Milk River is essential for irrigating crops in the northern part of the state. Fort Peck Reservoir, through its dam and irrigation canals, provides water to a vast agricultural area. Other rivers like the Yellowstone also support irrigation systems for Montana’s farms. The Clark Fork River supplies water for both agriculture and ranching in western Montana.
Pollution in Rivers and Lakes
Some of Montana’s rivers and lakes have faced pollution challenges over the years. The Clark Fork River, in particular, suffered from heavy metal contamination due to mining activities in the Butte area. Cleanup efforts have been extensive, with the Superfund designation helping to remediate polluted sections. Agricultural runoff has also impacted water quality in rivers like the Yellowstone. Efforts are ongoing to balance water use with environmental protection.
Montana Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Alkali Creek, Treasure Co, Montana
Alkali Creek, Yellowstone Co, Montana
Alkali Lake, Pondera Co, Montana
Armells Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Arrow Creek, Chouteau Co, Montana
Arrow Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Arrow Creek, Judith Basin Co, Montana
Ashley Lake, Flathead Co, Montana
Badger Creek, Glacier Co, Montana
Badger Creek, Pondera Co, Montana
Basin Coulee,Chouteau Co, Montana
Basin Coulee,Liberty Co, Montana
Battle Creek, Blaine Co, Montana
Beauchamp Creek, Phillips Co, Montana
Beauvais Creek, Big Horn Co, Montana
Beaver Creek, Fallon Co, Montana
Beaver Creek, Hill Co, Montana
Beaver Creek, Phillips Co, Montana
Beaver Creek, Wibaux Co, Montana
Beaverhead River, Beaverhead Co, Montana
Beaverhead River, Madison Co, Montana
Belt Creek, Cascade Co, Montana
Belt Creek, Chouteau Co, Montana
Benton Lake, Cascade Co, Montana
Big Coulee Creek, Golden Valley Co, MT
Big Coulee Creek, Stillwater Co, Montana
Big Dry Creek, Garfield Co, Montana
Big Hole River, Beaverhead Co, Montana
Big Hole River, Deer Lodge Co, Montana
Big Hole River, Madison Co, Montana
Big Hole River, Silver Bow Co, Montana
Big Lake, Stillwater Co, Montana
Big Muddy Creek, Roosevelt Co, Montana
Big Muddy Creek, Sheridan Co, Montana
Big Porcupine Creek, Garfield Co, Montana
Big Porcupine Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
Big Sandy Creek, Chouteau Co, Montana
Big Sandy Creek, Hill Co, Montana
Big Warm Creek, Blaine Co, Montana
Big Warm Creek, Phillips Co, Montana
Bighorn Lake, Big Horn Co, Montana
Bighorn Lake, Carbon Co, Montana
Bighorn River, Big Horn Co, Montana
Bighorn River, Treasure Co, Montana
Bighorn River, Yellowstone Co, Montana
Bitterroot River, Missoula Co, Montana
Bitterroot River, Ravalli Co, Montana
Black Coulee,Chouteau Co, Montana
Black Coulee,Hill Co, Montana
Black Coulee,Liberty Co, Montana
Blackfoot River, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Blackfoot River, Missoula Co, Montana
Blackfoot River, Powell Co, Montana
Blood Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Blood Creek, Garfield Co, Montana
Blood Creek, Petroleum Co, Montana
Boulder River, Park Co, Montana
Boulder River, Sweet Grass Co, Montana
Bowman Lake, Flathead Co, Montana
Boxelder Creek, Carter Co, Montana
Boxelder Creek, Fallon Co, Montana
Boxelder Creek, Roosevelt Co, Montana
Bynum Reservoir, Teton Co, Montana
C K Creek, Phillips Co, Montana
Cabin Creek, Fallon Co, Montana
Cabin Creek, Prairie Co, Montana
Cabin Creek, Wibaux Co, Montana
Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, Sanders Co, MT
Calf Creek, Garfield Co, Montana
Calf Creek, Petroleum Co, Montana
Cameron Creek, Golden Valley Co, MT
Cameron Creek, Musselshell Co, Montana
Canyon Ferry Lake, Broadwater Co, MT
Canyon Ferry Lake, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Cedar Creek, Dawson Co, Montana
Cedar Creek, Prairie Co, Montana
Cedar Creek, Wibaux Co, Montana
Cherry Creek, Prairie Co, Montana
Clark Canyon Reservoir, Beaverhead Co, MT
Clark Fork,Granite Co, Montana
Clark Fork,Mineral Co, Montana
Clark Fork,Missoula Co, Montana
Clark Fork,Powell Co, Montana
Clark Fork,Sanders Co, Montana
Clarks Fork Yellowstone River, Carbon Co, MT
Clarks Fork Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Co, MT
Clear Creek, Blaine Co, Montana
Clear Creek, Dawson Co, Montana
Clear Creek, McCone Co, Montana
Coffee Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Coffee Creek, Judith Basin Co, MT
Cottonwood Creek, Liberty Co, MT
Cottonwood Creek, Phillips Co, MT
Cow Creek, Blaine Co, Montana
Cow Creek, Dawson Co, Montana
Cow Creek, McCone Co, Montana
Crow Creek, Carter Co, Montana
Crow Creek, Powder River Co, Montana
Crow Rock Creek, Custer Co, Montana
Crow Rock Creek, Garfield Co, Montana
Crow Rock Creek, Prairie Co, Montana
Cut Bank Creek, Glacier Co, Montana
Deadmans Basin Reservoir, Wheatland Co, MT
Dearborn River, Cascade Co, Montana
Dearborn River, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Dog Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Duck Lake, Glacier Co, Montana
Eagle Creek, Chouteau Co, Montana
Eagle Creek, Hill Co, Montana
Eagle Creek, Liberty Co, Montana
East Fork Battle Creek, Blaine Co, MT
East Fork Bitterroot River, Ravalli Co, MT
East Fork Black Coulee,Chouteau Co, MT
East Fork Black Coulee,Hill Co, MT
East Fork Black Coulee,Liberty Co, MT
East Redwater Creek, McCone Co, MT
East Redwater Creek, Richland Co, MT
East Rosebud Creek, Carbon Co, MT
East Rosebud Creek, Stillwater Co, MT
Elk Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Elk Creek, Petroleum Co, Montana
Ennis Lake, Madison Co, Montana
Fish Creek, Golden Valley Co, Montana
Fish Creek, Sweet Grass Co, Montana
Fish Creek, Wheatland Co, Montana
Fisher River, Lincoln Co, Montana
Flat Creek, Cascade Co, Montana
Flat Creek, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Flathead Lake, Flathead Co, Montana
Flathead Lake, Lake Co, Montana
Flathead River, Flathead Co, Montana
Flathead River, Lake Co, Montana
Flathead River, Sanders Co, Montana
Flatwillow Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Flatwillow Creek, Petroleum Co, MT
Flint Creek, Deer Lodge Co, Montana
Flint Creek, Granite Co, Montana
Fly Creek, Big Horn Co, Montana
Fly Creek, Yellowstone Co, Montana
Fords Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Fords Creek, Petroleum Co, Montana
Fort Peck Lake, Garfield Co, Montana
Fort Peck Lake, McCone Co, Montana
Fort Peck Lake, Petroleum Co, Montana
Fort Peck Lake, Phillips Co, Montana
Fort Peck Lake, Valley Co, Montana
Freezeout Lake, Teton Co, Montana
Frenchman Creek, Phillips Co, Montana
Frenchman Creek, Valley Co, Montana
Fresno Reservoir, Hill Co, Montana
Gallatin River, Broadwater Co, Montana
Gallatin River, Gallatin Co, Montana
Georgetown Lake, Deer Lodge Co, Montana
Georgetown Lake, Granite Co, Montana
Gibson Reservoir, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Gibson Reservoir, Teton Co, Montana
Glendive Creek, Dawson Co, Montana
Glendive Creek, Wibaux Co, Montana
Hauser Lake, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Hawk Creek, Musselshell Co, Montana
Hebgen Lake, Gallatin Co, Montana
Highwood Creek, Cascade Co, Montana
Highwood Creek, Chouteau Co, Montana
Highwood Creek, Judith Basin Co, MT
Holter Lake, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Hungry Horse Reservoir, Flathead Co, MT
Judith River, Chouteau Co, Montana
Judith River, Fergus Co, Montana
Judith River, Judith Basin Co, Montana
Kingsbury Lake, Chouteau Co, Montana
Kintla Lake, Flathead Co, Montana
Kootenai River, Lincoln Co, Montana
Lake Bowdoin,Phillips Co, Montana
Lake Elwell,Liberty Co, Montana
Lake Elwell,Toole Co, Montana
Lake Frances,Pondera Co, Montana
Lake Helena,Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Lake Koocanusa,Lincoln Co, Montana
Lake Mary Ronan,Lake Co, Montana
Lake McDonald,Flathead Co, Montana
Lake Sherburne,Glacier Co, Montana
Lima Reservoir, Beaverhead Co, MT
Little Beaver Creek, Carter Co, MT
Little Beaver Creek, Fallon Co, MT
Little Bighorn River, Big Horn Co, MT
Little Bitterroot Lake, Flathead Co, MT
Little Blackfoot River, Powell Co, MT
Little Dry Creek, Garfield Co, MT
Little Missouri River, Carter Co, MT
Little Porcupine Creek, Garfield Co, MT
Little Porcupine Creek, Rosebud Co, MT
Little Powder River, Powder River Co, MT
Little Sage Creek, Liberty Co, Montana
Lodge Creek, Blaine Co, Montana
Lodge Grass Creek, Big Horn Co, MT
Logging Lake, Flathead Co, Montana
Lower Red Rock Lake, Beaverhead Co, MT
Lower Saint Mary Lake, Glacier Co, MT
Madison River, Gallatin Co, Montana
Madison River, Madison Co, Montana
Marias River, Chouteau Co, Montana
Marias River, Glacier Co, Montana
Marias River, Hill Co, Montana
Marias River, Liberty Co, Montana
Marias River, Pondera Co, Montana
Marias River, Toole Co, Montana
McDonald Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
McDonald Creek, Petroleum Co, Montana
McGregor Lake, Flathead Co, Montana
Medicine Lake, Sheridan Co, Montana
Middle Fork Flathead River, Flathead Co, MT
Milk River, Blaine Co, Montana
Milk River, Glacier Co, Montana
Milk River, Hill Co, Montana
Milk River, McCone Co, Montana
Milk River, Phillips Co, Montana
Milk River, Valley Co, Montana
Missouri River, Blaine Co, Montana
Missouri River, Cascade Co, Montana
Missouri River, Chouteau Co, Montana
Missouri River, Fergus Co, Montana
Missouri River, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Missouri River, McCone Co, Montana
Missouri River, Phillips Co, Montana
Missouri River, Richland Co, Montana
Missouri River, Roosevelt Co, Montana
Missouri River, Valley Co, Montana
Mizpah Creek, Custer Co, Montana
Mizpah Creek, Powder River Co, MT
Muddy Creek, Pondera Co, Montana
Muddy Creek, Teton Co, Montana
Muggins Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
Muggins Creek, Treasure Co, Montana
Musselshell River, Garfield Co, MT
Musselshell River, Golden Valley Co, MT
Musselshell River, Musselshell Co, MT
Musselshell River, Petroleum Co, MT
Musselshell River, Rosebud Co, MT
Musselshell River, Wheatland Co, MT
Nelson Reservoir, Phillips Co, MT
N Fork Blackfoot River, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
N Fork Blackfoot River, Powell Co, MT
N Fork Flathead River, Flathead Co, MT
N Fork Musselshell River, Meagher Co, MT
N Fork Musselshell River, Wheatland Co, MT
North Sunday Creek, Custer Co, Montana
North Sunday Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
North Willow Creek, Musselshell Co, MT
North Willow Creek, Petroleum Co, MT
North Willow Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
Noxon Reservoir, Sanders Co, Montana
O'Brien Coulee,Hill Co, Montana
O'Brien Coulee,Liberty Co, Montana
O'Fallon Creek, Carter Co, Montana
O'Fallon Creek, Custer Co, Montana
O'Fallon Creek, Fallon Co, Montana
O'Fallon Creek, Prairie Co, Montana
Otter Creek, Powder River Co, Montana
Otter Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
Pablo Reservoir, Lake Co, Montana
Peoples Creek, Blaine Co, Montana
Pishkun Reservoir, Teton Co, Montana
Pole Creek, Golden Valley Co, Montana
Pole Creek, Musselshell Co, Montana
Pondera Coulee,Chouteau Co, Montana
Pondera Coulee,Liberty Co, Montana
Pondera Coulee,Pondera Co, Montana
Pondera Coulee,Teton Co, Montana
Poplar River, Daniels Co, Montana
Poplar River, Roosevelt Co, Montana
Porcupine Creek, Valley Co, Montana
Powder River, Custer Co, Montana
Powder River, Powder River Co, Montana
Pumpkin Creek, Custer Co, Montana
Pumpkin Creek, Powder River Co, Montana
Rattlesnake Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
Red Rock River, Beaverhead Co, Montana
Redrock Coulee,Blaine Co, Montana
Redrock Coulee,Hill Co, Montana
Redwater River, Dawson Co, Montana
Redwater River, McCone Co, Montana
Redwater River, Prairie Co, Montana
Redwater River, Richland Co, Montana
Rock Creek, Carbon Co, Montana
Rock Creek, Granite Co, Montana
Rock Creek, Missoula Co, Montana
Rosebud Creek, Big Horn Co, Montana
Rosebud Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
Rotten Grass Creek, Big Horn Co, Montana
Ruby River, Madison Co, Montana
Sacagawea River, Fergus Co, Montana
Sacagawea River, Petroleum Co, Montana
Sage Creek, Big Horn Co, Montana
Sage Creek, Carbon Co, Montana
Sage Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Sage Creek, Hill Co, Montana
Sage Creek, Judith Basin Co, Montana
Sage Creek, Liberty Co, Montana
Saint Mary Lake, Glacier Co, Montana
Saint Regis River, Mineral Co, Montana
Sand Creek, Garfield Co, Montana
Sandstone Creek, Custer Co, Montana
Sandstone Creek, Fallon Co, Montana
Sarpy Creek, Big Horn Co, Montana
Sarpy Creek, Treasure Co, Montana
Sheep Creek, Meagher Co, Montana
Sixteenmile Creek, Broadwater Co, Montana
Sixteenmile Creek, Gallatin Co, Montana
Sixteenmile Creek, Meagher Co, Montana
Smith River, Cascade Co, Montana
Smith River, Meagher Co, Montana
Smoke Creek, Daniels Co, Montana
Smoke Creek, Roosevelt Co, Montana
South Fork Flathead River, Flathead Co, MT
South Fork Flathead River, Powell Co, MT
South Fork Lodgepole Creek, Garfield Co, MT
South Sunday Creek, Custer Co, Montana
South Sunday Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
Spotted Bear River, Flathead Co, Montana
Stillwater River, Flathead Co, Montana
Stillwater River, Park Co, Montana
Stillwater River, Stillwater Co, Montana
Sun River, Cascade Co, Montana
Sun River, Lewis and Clark Co, Montana
Sun River, Teton Co, Montana
Swan Lake, Lake Co, Montana
Swan River, Lake Co, Montana
Swan River, Missoula Co, Montana
Sweet Grass Creek, Park Co, Montana
Sweet Grass Creek, Sweet Grass Co, MT
Teton River, Chouteau Co, Montana
Teton River, Teton Co, Montana
Thompson River, Flathead Co, Montana
Thompson River, Sanders Co, Montana
Timber Creek, Carter Co, Montana
Timber Creek, Garfield Co, Montana
Timber Creek, McCone Co, Montana
Timber Creek, Powder River Co, Montana
Timber Creek, Prairie Co, Montana
Tongue River, Big Horn Co, Montana
Tongue River, Custer Co, Montana
Tongue River, Rosebud Co, Montana
Tongue River Reservoir, Big Horn Co, MT
Tullock Creek, Big Horn Co, Montana
Tullock Creek, Treasure Co, Montana
Two Medicine River, Glacier Co, Montana
Two Medicine River, Pondera Co, Montana
Upper Red Rock Lake, Beaverhead Co, Montana
Upper Sevenmile Creek, Dawson Co, Montana
War Horse Lake, Petroleum Co, Montana
Warm Spring Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
West Blacktail Creek, Rosebud Co, Montana
West Fork Madison River, Beaverhead Co, MT
West Fork Madison River, Madison Co, MT
West Fork Poplar River, Daniels Co, MT
West Fork Poplar River, Roosevelt Co, MT
West Fork Poplar River, Valley Co, MT
Whitefish Lake, Flathead Co, Montana
Whitewater Creek, Phillips Co, Montana
Wild Horse Lake, Hill Co, Montana
Wild Horse Lake, Petroleum Co, Montana
Willow Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Willow Creek, Glacier Co, Montana
Willow Creek, Musselshell Co, Montana
Willow Creek, Toole Co, Montana
Willow Creek, Valley Co, Montana
Willow Creek Reservoir, Lewis and Clark Co, MT
Wolf Creek, Fergus Co, Montana
Wolf Creek, Judith Basin Co, Montana
Woody Island Creek, Blaine Co, Montana
Woody Island Creek, Phillips Co, Montana
Yaak River, Lincoln Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Carbon Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Custer Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Dawson Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Park Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Prairie Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Richland Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Rosebud Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Stillwater Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Sweet Grass Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Treasure Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Wibaux Co, Montana
Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Co, Montana