CMC components (100) having microchannels (116) and methods for forming microchannels (116) in CMC components (100) are provided. For example, a method for forming microchannels (116) in a CMC component (100) comprises laying up a plurality of body plies (120) for forming a body (122) of the CMC component (100)0; laying up a microchannel ply (124) on the plurality of body plies (120) that has at least one void therein for forming at least one microchannel (116); laying up a cover ply (128) on the microchannel ply (124) to define an outer layer (130) of the CMC component (100); and processing the laid up body plies (120), microchannel ply (124), and cover ply (128) to form the CMC component (100). In another embodiment, the method comprises applying an additive matrix (132) to the body plies (120) to define at least one microchannel (116). In still other embodiments, the method comprises machining at least one microchannel (116) in the plurality of body plies (120).