Fishing spot: Clark's Bay Day Use Site

Verified source data

Fishing feature type

Federal fishing facility

Facility type

Facility

Fee details

$5 per day per vehicle; $40 seasonal day-use pass available. Group picnic shelter can be reserved for $50. The $50 fee only covers the reservation for the ramada and all cars must still pay the daily day-use fee. Group reservations will soon be available on recreation.gov.

Accessibility information

The fee booth for this site sits on pavement at the entrance. There is also a digital fee station (credit card reader) at the entrance. The parking lot is paved, with about 50 spaces. Of those spaces 4 are accessible, 2 in the upper parking area and 2 in the lower area closer to the water. Each of these spaces has an access aisle for a van with a mobility device ramp or lift. Cell phone reception is good at this site, which is only 15 minutes by car from Helena, MT. Paved pathways connect the parking areas to 2 accessible double vault toilets. As of January 2025, there is no running water. Other asphalt paths lead to the group picnic shelter and the sandy beach. The shelter covers 8 accessible picnic tables that have extended tops to accommodate wheelchair users. A nearby grill sits on bare ground, which may pose challenges for visitors with mobility impairments. There are also 5 smaller shade structures. One of these is accessible and has two picnic tables with extended tops on a concrete pad with asphalt paths leading to it. The 4 other shade shelters require crossing grass or sand to reach the concrete pads. The gravel spur extending into Hauser Lake, the boat launch for non-motorized boats, and picnic pavilions on the sandy beach were not designed with accessibility in mind. NOTE: Description uploaded January 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.

Source directions

From Helena take Exit 193 (Cedar Street) from I-15. Travel on Washington Street (past airport entrance) and turn right on Canyon Ferry Road for 1/2 mile, then turn left on York Road for approximately 11 miles through Lakeside until you reach the Clark’s Bay entrance sign.

Phone

1 (406) 227-3570

Reservable

No

Source last updated

2026-04-23

Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB · Use terms · Source snapshot: 2026-10-03