Smith River
Montana · Central Montana
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Smith River
Camp Baker
Camp Baker is the only put-in for the famous 59-mile Smith River float trip through an entirely private and wilderness canyon. Wild brown rainbow and brook trout provide excellent fishing throughout the week-long journey. Permits from Montana FWP are required and highly competitive due to the river's legendary status.
💧 Ideal flow: 400–1,200 CFS. Camp Baker put-in is only accessible by permit-only float — ideal flows for the 59-mile canyon trip.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Eden Bridge
Eden Bridge is the takeout for the Smith River float trip and also provides wade fishing access. Large brown trout inhabit the pools below the bridge in this lower section of the canyon. Accessing this point by road requires a long drive through private ranch land.
💧 Ideal flow: 300–1,000 CFS. The upper canyon fishes best at moderate flows — too low and the float becomes difficult, too high and the water is turbid.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
White Sulphur Springs Section
The upper Smith River above the canyon near White Sulphur Springs offers different more accessible fishing than the canyon section. Wild brown trout averaging 12-16 inches provide consistent action in the spring creek sections. The limestone character of the upper Smith creates excellent water chemistry.
💧 Ideal flow: 400–1,200 CFS. Mid-canyon campsites are only accessible by boat — moderate flows make the float manageable over 5-7 days.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Cave Creek Confluence
Where Cave Creek joins the Smith brings cold spring water creating an important thermal refuge for trout during summer. Brown and rainbow trout concentrate here during the warmest periods. This confluence is consistently one of the upper Smith's most productive fishing locations.
💧 Ideal flow: 300–1,000 CFS. The lower canyon fishes best at moderate flows as the river approaches Eden Bridge take-out.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Tenderfoot Creek Area
The Tenderfoot Creek drainage entering the Smith adds cold clear water and nutrient input supporting the river's remarkable trout biomass. Native brook trout inhabit the upper Tenderfoot while the main Smith holds browns and rainbows. This drainage represents the ecological foundation of the Smith River's legendary fishing.
💧 Ideal flow: 400–1,200 CFS. Optimal float conditions are 500–800 CFS — below 200 CFS the float becomes very difficult with dragging in shallow sections.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
About Smith River Fishing
The Smith River stands as one of North America's most exclusive and pristine fly fishing destinations, accessible only through a highly coveted limited-permit lottery system that ensures its remote limestone canyon remains untouched. This float-only fishery rewards the fortunate few who secure permits with dramatic canyon walls, gin-clear water, and native trout in absolutely pristine conditions that rival any wild river on the continent.
Best Time to Fish Smith River
The Smith River's prime season runs from mid-May through September, with the best dry fly action coinciding with the prolific salmonfly and golden stonefly hatches that peak in June and early July. Late summer and early fall bring consistent caddisfly activity and terrestrial opportunities, making September an underrated window when water temperatures remain ideal and pressure is lightest among permit holders.
Species
The Smith River holds exceptional populations of native brown trout and rainbow trout that have evolved in isolation, resulting in selective, hard-fighting fish that demand precise presentations and technical fly selection. Browns dominate the deeper canyon pools and undercut banks where they feed aggressively on large stoneflies and streamers, while rainbows populate the faster runs and can be taken consistently on smaller dries and nymphs throughout the day.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Montana fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Smith River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Montana fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Live streamflow data for this river is sourced directly from the USGS National Water Information System, updated every 15–60 minutes. CFS and gauge height readings reflect current conditions so you can plan your trip with confidence.