Wild and Scenic
We believe the Smith River float is the most
scenic fishing trip in the lower 48 states. The Smith River winds 61 miles
through a remote limestone canyon. The stark contrast of the towering cliff
walls rising from the river into the surrounding pine covered hillsides set
beneath the beautiful blue sky is something you truly must see to appreciate.
While the fishing can be, and often is, exceptional; it will pale in
comparison to the scenery. Floating down the Smith is a photographer’s
dream. In addition to the world class fly fishing, you will also have the
opportunity to experience and see hiking trails, Native American pictographs,
a plethora of wild flowers, and abundant wildlife. It is a great trip for
just the guys, couples, or even for the whole family to enjoy together.
The Smith
River is mostly fast moving with some white water just to add a little
excitement. It has extremely good holding water for larger fish along the
banks, in pocket water, and in deep pools. There are great areas to wade fish
either on stops during the day or later in the evening after you hit camp.
Wild browns and rainbows are there for the taking. All you have to do is
get the fly in the right spot — and there are lots of those. The season runs
from late May through early July. There is a Salmon Fly hatch that begins in
late May and can be excellent. There are also good numbers of Golden Stones
and Hoppers by the end of the season. If water conditions are favorable, you
can expect to throw big bushy dry flies all day every day. The predominant
species in the Smith are Brown trout, but we also catch a number of Rainbows
and an occasional Cutthroat.
The Smith is
the most regulated river in MT, which ensures a quality outdoor experience for
everyone. Campsites are designated along the way and reserved in advance,
which is planned and orchestrated by your expert gear and freight crew.
Because only a select number of guided trips are allowed each season, this is
one of the most sought after trips in the country. Planning this trip for a
year or two down the road is essential to getting a favorable launch date and
making the most of this incredible opportunity.
|
Riverside Lodging
You will
enjoy the comforts of large tents, cots with pads and pillows, sturdy and
clean outdoor toilets; and home cooked, healthful, sit-down meals complete
with dinner wine. A camp crew freights the gear downstream each day to ensure
the camp is up and the welcome mat out as you arrive each afternoon. We've
had river guests with ages from four to over ninety, and we brought them back
with smiles as bright as a Montana morning.
Cost and Itinerary
- You will fly or drive into Helena MT
where the outfitter will pick you up and transport you to the put in at Camp
Baker on the Smith River. Maximum group size is limited to 8 guests.
- 5 days - 4 nights fully guided float trip
is $3600 per person. Based on double occupancy.
Productivity
- The Smith can produce some great dry fly fishing with big attractors and as
long as conditions are decent. You will see some nice Rainbows and Browns up to
about 20" with your average falling somewhere around 15". However, the
catching is not what you will remember on this trip. If there is one river
in the world that can make Brown trout eating dry flies seem less relevant than
the backdrop, it is the Smith. This river is absolutely breathtaking in
every way.
Contact Person
Steve Joyce
Some
of my fondest outdoor memories come from the Smith, I guided there for several
seasons and will always miss the many camps that we set up along the river
bank. There are not too many rivers that you can float 62 miles and see
only bits and pieces of civilization. The Smith is one of these.
Reservations
|
