The Smith River in Montana is famous for its remote, overnight floating trips in the contiguous United States. The deep gorge stands out, the scenery is stunning, and the fishing opportunities are exceptional. Every year, numerous individuals nationwide vie for one of the prized permits, with the reasons being quite evident.
The Smith River is known for being easily accessible and enjoyable for overnight float trips, making it a popular destination in the country. This is ideal for beginners, families, and individuals seeking a more laid-back environment. The 59-mile stretch of river within Smith River State Park guides you through a stunning deep canyon, provides excellent trout fishing opportunities, and boasts top-notch camping sites in the state.
What sets the Smith River apart from Montana's other prime fly fishing destinations is its remoteness, which local officials strive to preserve. Fishing and water access are closely monitored and controlled to maintain the river's natural beauty and prevent pollution from significant human activities. Permits are necessary for fishing in any part of the river with just two primary access points.
If you’re interested in fishing, boating, or floating on the river, you must register and secure a permit mandated by the state. The permits are limited in quantity and can only be acquired through a yearly lottery for launch dates. Although it may be a hassle for those wanting to go on a last-minute fishing trip, the system is designed to safeguard the river's natural beauty and abundance of big trout.
Fishing is a primary reason many float the Smith River in Montana, known for its incredible trout stream and early salmonfly hatch. Tributaries offer great pocket water for those exploring with light rods and dry flies. When fishing, be cautious with rod storage to avoid breakage, especially on overnight float trips. Keep an eye on where you are and enjoy the experience rather than solely focusing on fishing. Early floaters in April experience pre-runoff conditions with low water levels, which is ideal for nymphing. Salmonflies become the target as temperatures rise, with the Smith River hosting the earliest hatch around mid-May. Despite the fantastic fishing, it's essential to appreciate the opportunity to float the Smith River, as it is a unique experience not to be taken for granted.
Water conditions determine the emergence and peak of the hatch on the river. Timing the hatch with runoff requires balance and can result in incredible fishing if you do it right. Bring salmonfly adult patterns, rubberlegs, stonefly nymphs, and visible flies for murky water. Runoff season can last until June, with the Smith clearing earlier than other rivers in Montana. Use streamers and nymph rigs during this time, and explore tributaries with a creek rod. Fishing with big streamers along cliff edges can be productive, too. You can find excellent fishing opportunities from late June to August with PMDs, yellow sallies, caddis hatches, and terrestrials. Fish in the cooler morning and evening hours release fish quickly and avoid fishing in warm water with excessive weed growth by mid-August.
Smith River fly fishing is best during pre-runoff and post-runoff seasons. In pre-runoff (April to mid-May), surface and sub-surface fishing are productive, with hatches of Caddis and Skwala Stonefly bringing trout to the surface in the afternoons. Nymphing with Rubber-legged Stoneflys and Prince Nymphs is effective in the mornings. Streamer fishing can be successful in catching predatory Brown Trout. The salmonfly hatch in mid-May will be a highlight if the water conditions are favorable. Post-runoff (around mid-June), Golden Stones become the main attraction, drawing trout to the surface. Streamer and nymph fishing are excellent as the river clears. As summer progresses, smaller stoneflies and caddis become prevalent, making it ideal for smaller attractor patterns. By July, fishing subsurface may not be necessary. The Smith River offers varied and exciting fly-fishing opportunities throughout the seasons.
The water is lower and clearer during the fall float season compared to spring and early summer. This requires using smaller flies and lighter tippets. In September, hopper fishing is good on warm afternoons, while Blue-Winged Olives hatch on cloudy days. Small attractor patterns, Mayfly types like Parachute Adam's and Purple Haze's, and nymph fishing are effective. Small stonefly patterns and Pheasant Tails are excellent choices for fall. Streamer fishing picks up as Brown Trout becomes more aggressive in preparation for spawning. It is most successful on cloudy days, but yields results on sunny days. Fall offers good fishing opportunities with the right techniques and fly choices for different conditions.
Fishing on the Smith River, Montana, is one of the year's most exciting adventures in nature. The 60-mile stretch of the river from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge has regulations to oversee floating, fishing, and camping activities. The Smith River, a tributary of the Missouri River, features a range of trout species, a stunning canyon, and secluded entry points. Consider these essential tips to make the most of your time.
May and June are the peak months for fishing and floating on the Smith River. These months also coincide with the melting of snow and spring precipitation. In contrast to numerous rivers and creeks in Montana, the brown and murky water on the Smith River doesn't affect the trout's feeding behavior. Trout in the Smith River continues to eat in murky water; in fact, many Montana fly fishing guides actually prefer fishing in the Smith River when the water is dirty.
The Smith River offers plenty of space for trout to thrive, resulting in the presence of both trophy brown and good-sized rainbow trout. Furthermore, the river supports robust communities of stoneflies, sculpins, crayfish, and aquatic worms. Large brown trout on the Smith River are known for being predatory and feeding on larger food sources, so it is recommended to use fish flies bigger than usual for small freestones. Sizes 2 and 4 for streamers, sizes 8 and 10 for nymphs, and sizes 6 and 8 for dry flies are commonly used.
Most fishing on the Smith River occurs while in a boat. Maximizing each cast's potential is enhanced when floating. Achieving proficiency in a reach cast enables your fly to land in the feeding area while the line remains upstream, maintaining the fly's position for longer. Extend your follow-through to achieve a successful reach cast by allowing your arm to cross your body after stopping the rod on the forward cast. This fixes a tear in the line before it touches the water.
You must adhere to a few fundamental guidelines, most of which are quite obvious. Being kind to everyone is the most crucial thing to remember. We all gather here to appreciate this amazing opportunity to explore and enjoy the Smith River. You will encounter other individuals, so be polite and respectful. Enjoy the moment, show consideration for each other's journey, and we will all coexist smoothly. If you have any inquiries regarding regulations on the Smith River, consult with the park rangers. They have the ultimate authority, are the specialists, and have more knowledge than any outfitters.
The Smith River begins at the confluence of the North and South Fork near White Sulphur Springs, flowing for over 60 miles through canyons, flanked by the Big Belt and Little Belt Mountains. The area is isolated and agricultural, with the people mostly farmers, creating a natural world untouched by modern influences. The only boat launch is at Camp Baker Fishing Access Site, which provides Smith River State Park river access. The river then flows through forested areas with local wildlife, winding slowly between trees before emptying into the Missouri River near Ulm, Missouri, after 10 miles of open prairie.
The duration of the floating season differs greatly based on snow accumulation, precipitation, and the quantity and scheduling of irrigation. The usual season takes place from mid-April to mid-July, and there are also some chances to float in September and October. A permit and fee payment are necessary for floating the Smith River throughout the year.
Once you have obtained the permit for the Smith River trip, it is essential to be fully self-sufficient during the journey despite passing through private land and cabins. Preparation includes acquiring boats, camping gear, food, safety equipment, firewood, toiletries, personal items, and arranging vehicle shuttles. Organizing responsibilities among our group is crucial, with a clear delegation of tasks through a spreadsheet or list to avoid any issues. Rafts are popular for their capacity and performance in low water, while drift boats offer a great fishing experience but are harder to row. Canoes and kayaks provide mobility but lack space compared to rafts. Planning such a trip for the first time may be daunting, but being organized and proactive is key to a successful journey. Overall, being well-prepared and self-reliant is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Smith River.
Boats are a common obstacle for those coming to the Smith River from out of state. Rafts are popular for their capacity and performance in low water conditions. Hard boats like drift boats are better for fishing but harder to row and carry less gear. Canoes and kayaks offer more speed but less comfort than rafts. This year, pit toilets at campsites have been removed, requiring floaters to bring portable toilets and pack out waste. FWP has a disposal system at Eden Bridge. Waterproof bags are crucial for clothing and personal items due to water exposure. Weather can change quickly, so bring a rain jacket and extra layers. Clean underwear can make a big difference on longer trips. Experienced rafters are familiar with these preparations, as most overnight float trips require similar planning. FWP provides a list of approved portable toilets for floaters to use.
Latitudes Outfitting Co. is one of the top guides for fly fishing in Montana. Our extensive expertise and love for fishing result in a customized experience on every fishing trip. Customizing tours to match skill levels guarantees anglers can discover prime fly fishing locations in the state’s pristine waters. We are dedicated to sustainable fishing practices, focusing on environmental preservation and providing an unforgettable experience. Our commitment to conservation and customer satisfaction makes us perfect for those seeking to experience Montana's rivers' untouched beauty. Book your adventure with us today!
Robert Gary, Owner/Outfitter #7970
PO Box 1281
Hamilton, MT 59840
Operating on United States Forest Service - Special Use Permits
