Fort Peck Reservoir is shaping up to be a steady, predictable fishing year in 2026. Water levels are expected to stay within a normal range, with no major drawdowns and no flood-style high water.
How 2026 Compares to Past Years
- Not a high-water year: Unlike 2011 or 2018–2019, expect limited flooded shoreline and fewer surprise habitat changes.
- Not a low-water year: Much better than dry years like 2012 or 2021, with solid ramp access and consistent shoreline.
- Very close to average: Think “normal Fort Peck” — the kind of year where patterns hold.
What This Means on the Water
Boat Ramps & Access
- Most major ramps should stay usable all season
- No sudden water drops to wreck access
- Shoreline won’t drastically change week to week
Fish Patterns
Stable water usually means stable fish. Walleyes, smallmouth, and lake trout are more likely to stay on known structure instead of constantly relocating.
- Spring: Gradual shoreline movement, not a fast push
- Summer: Mid-depth structure stays productive longer
- Fall: Slow drawdown keeps patterns intact
Bottom Line for Anglers
2026 looks like a solid, no-drama year on Fort Peck. No extreme highs, no frustrating lows — just consistent conditions that reward anglers who know their spots and put in the time.
Sometimes the best fishing happens in the “boring” water years — and this looks like one of them.
View the 2026 Fort Peck Water Level Charts Here
