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Overview
Noxon Rapids Reservoir is a Clark Fork River hydropower reservoir in Sanders County, western Montana, formed by Noxon Rapids Dam and operated by Avista Utilities. The project is part of Avista's Clark Fork hydro system upstream of Lake Pend Oreille. Noxon Rapids is one of Avista Clark Fork developments upstream of Cabinet Gorge and Lake Pend Oreille. Public agencies publish current elevation and recreation notices that are worth checking before a long drive.
At normal pool the lake covers roughly 7,700 acres of riverine reservoir with forested canyon shoreline. It functions more as a run-of-river / limited-storage power pool than a deep flood-control lake. Riverine character means current and generation schedules can matter as much as static pool elevation.
Bass, trout, and other species are managed under Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations. Public access sites support boating and fishing along the Clark Fork corridor near Noxon. Sanders County access sites and informal launches serve local anglers more than destination resort traffic.
Full pool is about 2,331 feet. Levels can fluctuate with generation and Clark Fork flows; monitoring current lake levels helps with ramp use and fishing along the reservoir. Coordination with upstream Thompson Falls and downstream Cabinet Gorge influences day-to-day elevations.
Noxon Rapids Reservoir is a 7,700-acre reservoir on the Clark Fork River managed by Avista Utilities (Noxon Rapids Dam).