The river twists and turns extensively, and its narrow width can make floating a challenge at times. This is the most popular stretch of the Smith River. Fly fishing the Smith River, one will primarily catch brown trout, although there are also populations of rainbows, cutthroat, and brook trout as well. Beginning in the middle of June and lasting throughout the summer, the Smith River is an excellent river for dry fly fishing for rainbow trout using standard caddisfly imitations, such as the Elk Hair Caddis and X-Caddis, in sizes 14-18. Just fill the bag with water, hang it from a tree or other point a few feet above the ground, attach the outlet hose to the Dromedary Bag and then let gravity do everything else. Hopper imitations, which are effective on most Montana rivers are just as effective on the Smith River. The Smith is a natural freestone river where wild Rainbow and Brown trout thrive, eating everything from tiny mayflies to monster stone flies. Most floats on the Smith River lasts at least four days. Below Eden Bridge, the Smith River is generally floatable even during low water. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. A drawing for the permit is held in February, with a limit of 9 float parties allowed to float the river on any day. The canyon, while small compared to the canyons found further downstream, is beautiful, with small, wooded hills flanking the river. Superb fishing, gorgeous scenery and remote setting combine to make a Montana fly fishing trip on the Smith River an unforgettable experience. This necessitates smaller flies and lighter tippets. Float the hoppers along the banks, particularly where the banks are brushy or grassy. And importantly, since this filter has no moving parts there is nothing to break. Unlike other Montana rivers, anyone who wants to float the Smith needs a permit. As such, it is easy to accidentally overload small boats with all the camping gear that’s needed for the 4+ day float. The falling water puts the fish on the feed and this is a great time to swing for the fences with a streamer. The brown trout are in the scattered deep pools of the river, around undercut banks and hovering near obstructions, such as logjams and downed timber. Work streamers and Wolly Buggers in the holes and around undercut banks and obstructions. However, both the rainbow and brook trout often are small, while the brown trout average over twelve inches. After the Smith River emerges from this small canyon, it continues twisting and turning through private land across the broad valley, with agricultural fields lining the riverbanks. The river travels in this fashion for nine miles until reaching the Camp Baker Fishing Access Site, which is the most popular put-in spot. The Smith flows through private land for most of its length. Broadly speaking, the best time to float the Smith River is in June, although it is by no means guaranteed. As a result, while access to the Smith River is difficult, the regulations moderate fishing pressure and allow for very long floats in relative solitude. The Smith River has a strong salmonfly hatch that begins in mid-May and can last through June, depending on weather and river conditions. Smith River Montana: Flows, Shuttles, Fishing and Floating Guide Montana’s Smith River is a true gem. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. The river might be low if spring weather is cold. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. Experience the beauty of the Smith River canyon while camping in style. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. The water level should be up from later in summer, and the cooler water temperature increases fish activity. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. A link to purchase your Montana license online is also provided. Overall, picking the time to float the Smith is a difficult if not impossible proposition. Read what our guests have to say about our trips and learn why we are rated #1 in Trip Advisor and have a 5 star average on our Orvis reviews. Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters. The upper section of the Smith River, between its origin and above the Smith River Fishing Access Site, flows through gently rolling prairie, flanked by the tall peaks of the Big Belt Mountains and Little Belt Mountains. 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