Smith River

What Fish Eat

March-April: Skwala stonefly, black winter stone, midges, BWOs. May-June: March Browns, Salmonflies, Goldenstones, Yellow Sallies, Caddis, PMDs, Green Drakes, Brown Drakes. July-August: Tricos, Caddis, Craneflies, Terrestrials, Spruce Moths. September-November: BWOs, Mahogany duns, October Caddis, Midges.

About the Smith RiverBy far one of the most scenic four-day adventures in the upper northwest, the Smith River has become the most highly sought out floating destination in Montana. Because of its growing popularity, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks have made it a mandatory permit only for those wanting to float this gem. Applications for this float can be found online at http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/recreation/smithriver/default.html and drawings take place usually the first week of March.

Streamside access is very limited so floating is highly recommended. From the put-in at Camp Baker to the take-out at Eden Bridge, one will experience every type of water imaginable, not to mention an awe of spectacular scenery throughout its length of the float.

The most impressive scenery is the second day of the float which pushes through a narrow corridor guarded by mossy cliffs and giant spruce trees, making it tuff to keep your focus on fishing. Float trips generally begin at the end of April (if ice is cleared off) and consist of dredging the bottom with big rubbery nymphs and streamers, with the occasional top water action on Skwalas, midges and BWOs. Late May through June bring the big bugs to the Smith (Salmonflies, Giant Goldens, Green and Brown Drakes), making this the most popular time to be on the stream. After the big bug nirvana has swept through into the beginning of July, fish begin to key on caddis, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, hoppers, and a variety of terrestrials. Starting about the middle of July, the river flow slowly drops to flows that are too tough to manage in a rubber raft and sometimes even a canoe. If doable (maybe once every ten years), the Smith can be absolutely killer streamer fishing in the fall, but there may be considerably more dragging being done than fishing.