Fly Fishing Smith River

The Smith River is Montana's most exclusive and sought-after fly fishing destination, a 59-mile permit-only float through one of the state's most remote and beautiful limestone canyons. From the put-in at Camp Baker to the take-out at Eden Bridge, the river flows through deep canyons with towering cliffs and zero road access, offering exceptional fly fishing for wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout in complete solitude. The combination of excellent water quality, abundant wild trout, and the exclusive permit system makes this a bucket-list destination for serious fly anglers.

The Smith flows through deep limestone canyons with towering cliffs, creating a mix of fast riffles, deep runs, and classic freestone pools. The river bottom consists of cobble, gravel, and limestone bedrock, providing excellent habitat for both trout and aquatic insects. The gradient is moderate through the upper canyon and gentles toward Eden Bridge, creating excellent holding water throughout. The banks are lined with cottonwoods, willows, and conifers, with the canyon walls providing dramatic scenery at every bend. The water clarity is typically excellent, with cold, highly oxygenated water that supports healthy trout populations. With no road access for the entire 59 miles, this is one of the most pristine fisheries in Montana.

The Smith supports healthy populations of wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and native westslope cutthroat trout, with fish typically ranging from 12 to 16 inches. The brown trout are particularly aggressive and opportunistic, often responding well to attractor patterns, streamers, and terrestrials. Rainbow trout add variety and are known for their acrobatic fights. Native westslope cutthroat trout are present and add to the diversity of the fishery. Trophy fish exceeding 20 inches are possible, with fish over 24 inches occasionally caught. The river is not known for producing the largest fish in Montana, but the combination of excellent fishing, stunning scenery, and complete solitude makes it one of the best multi-day floats in the western US. Mountain whitefish are also abundant and provide consistent action.

Hatch activity is good throughout the season, beginning after spring runoff subsides, typically in late May or early June. The river benefits from excellent mayfly and caddis hatches during summer, with various patterns producing exciting dry fly action. Blue-winged Olives emerge in spring and fall, PMDs appear in mid-summer, and various caddis species provide excellent evening fishing. Terrestrial patterns become extremely effective from mid-summer through early fall, with hoppers, ants, and beetles producing excellent results when fished tight to the banks. Streamer fishing can be particularly productive, especially during higher flows or when targeting larger brown trout. Nymphing remains productive year-round, with various mayfly, caddis, and stonefly patterns being effective. Best fishing typically occurs on the downslope of runoff where the river mellows and fish are actively feeding.

Optimal flows range from 300 to 2000 CFS, with around 800 CFS being ideal. The float season runs April 1 through October 31. A drawing for launch dates is held in February with remaining launches filled on a first-come basis. Only 9 parties launch daily, and camping is limited to 4 nights while on the river (May 15 through July 15). The trip is suitable for kayaks, rafts, canoes, and SUPs, with Class II to II+ difficulty. Most parties run the trip at a leisure pace of 5 days and 4 nights. Camp Baker FAS is the only put-in, reached from White Sulphur Springs (~26 miles). Eden Bridge is the only take-out, reached from Great Falls via Ulm (~28 miles). Shuttle between the two is ~75 miles by road (~2 hours). Mandatory registration and floater's fee required. Contact the Great Falls FWP office at 406-454-5840 for permit information. The nearest major commercial airport is Great Falls International (GTF), approximately 60-90 minutes from White Sulphur Springs.

The Smith River is one of Montana's most exclusive fly fishing destinations, offering exceptional fishing in a setting of unmatched solitude and natural beauty. Its combination of healthy wild trout populations, stunning limestone canyon scenery, and the exclusive permit system makes it a bucket-list destination for serious fly anglers. As the saying goes, it's one of the best multi-day floats in the western US "not because of the whitewater but because of the fishing, solitude and scenery."