Smith River

The Smith river, in my opinion Montana's most scenic river.  This incredible 60 mile journey, which will take you between 3-5 days is an angler & floaters dream.  This is one float trip when preparing weeks ahead of time is a necessity. 

In order to float the Smith river, without a guide, The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks holds a drawing every year on the 15th of February.  There is around 1500 permits given each year to float the Smith.  Choosing the right time of year to float the river is the key to a great time. Over the years we have heard hoar stories about people floating the river in the spring of the year.  Expect cold temperatures and even snow at this time of year.   You have to remember also that once you are in the river, you have 60+ miles to go, so if you do float the Smith be prepared.  Montana temperatures can drop at any time so always bring plenty of warm clothes and extra food and water.

Your trip will begin at Camp Baker where you will meet with the park ranger that lives at the camp in the morning before your trip.   Here you will discuss any problems on the river and also make camping arrangements with the ranger.  There are campsites set up along the river for floaters.  Most are on private land.  The land owner have been generous enough to set aside this land for public use, so please respect it.

The Smith is an incredible monument to mother nature.  Viewing the huge cliff walls while floating the river is breath-taking.   If you are fishing while floating the river I guarantee you will miss plenty of fish while gazing at the beauty around you.

The fish are mostly browns, with rainbows and an occasional brook & cutthroat mixed in.  The largest portion of fish are concentrated in the first two sections of the river.  The last section sees a lower population of fish, but believe me the first two days you get plenty of chances to catch these healthy fish.  Fishing can be technical at times and there are days when you won't see a bug hatching on the water.  That won't stop the trout from rising to your flies.  I recommend big attract patterns for this river.   

Catching fish in the 2 to 5 pound range is common, though most are around 15 inches.  On our trip in the "97" season we raised over 350 fish and landed about 120 of them.  This was just our one boat.   The year before wasn't half as good.  The key is watching the water flows and timing your trip for the best time of the year.  The summer months are your best bet.   I would avoid floating in the spring.

The river does see a Salmon Fly hatch in the spring, but the water is high and muddy and the fishing can be poor.  The river also sees hatches of Caddis, P.M.D's and B.W.O.s.  There are also plenty of Hoppers around the banks in June and hang around well into September.

To see a map of the Smith river, cast here!

If you would like to purchase a detailed map of the Smith, click here.

Here are a few recommended patterns: