Smith
River : Fly Fishing.gif)
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 The
Smith River is an excellent river for both brown trout and
rainbow trout. While the Smith River does not hold significant
amounts of large fish, a trophy river the Smith River is not,
the river does hold lots of trout between 13-16 inches. What
the Smith River lacks in very large trout, however, it makes
up in relative ease of catching trout. Unlike many other popular
Montana rivers, fly fishing the Smith River does not require
precise fly imitations, light leaders and perfect presentation
- although all of the above certainly will increase both your
catch and the size of the fish caught!
Smith River :
Origin to Camp Baker Fishing Access Site
This stretch of
the Smith River runs for more than 40 miles, primarily through
a wide open, rolling prairie with agricultural fields lining
the banks. Access is very difficult on this section, as only
a handful of access spots exist. Additionally, floating on
this stretch is not really an option except during high water,
the river is just too narrow and shallow. Unfortunately, during
high water, the river in this stretch will turn very murky
and turbid, severely curtailing fishing possibilities.
As a result, this
stretch of the Smith River, despite its difficult access,
is best wade fished. The Smith River Fishing Access Site,
which lies nine miles upstream from Camp Baker, provides the
best access. From here, a wade angler can wander up and down
the Smith River and is likely to encounter few fishermen once
away from the main camping areas.
Brown trout, rainbow
trout and brook trout are all found on this section of the
Smith. However, both the rainbow and brook trout tend to be
quite small, while the brown trout average over twelve inches.
The brown trout will be found in the scattered deep pools
that exist, around undercut banks and hovering near obstructions
in the river, such as logjams and downed timber.
When fly fishing
the deep holes, large streamer patterns, such as Muddler Minnows,
work very well. Additionally, small caddis hatches can occur
on this section, allowing the dry fly fisherman to fish on
top with standard dry fly imitations, such as the Elk Hair
Caddis. Finally, as the Smith River flows through excellent
hopper country, hopper imitations are always effective come
mid-July and work well into September.
Smith River :
Camp Baker Access to Eden Bridge Access
This is the most
popular stretch of the Smith River. Floating between Camp
Baker and Eden Bridge requires an increasingly hard to acquire
permit. To get a permit to float fish this section, applications
are due into the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in February,
accompanied by a non-refundable $25 fee.
 This
section of the Smith River has both large populations of brown
trout and rainbow trout, with brown trout generally out-numbering
the rainbow populations. The largest fish in the river will
also be found in this section.
For the fly fisherman
willing to brave the elements, April can provide for excellent
fishing. Strong stonefly hatches occur in the Smith River
generally beginning in mid to late April and last through
the middle of May. Fly patterns for this hatch include the
standard Elk Hair Caddis for dry fly fishing and the Prince
Nymph for sub-surface fishing, in sizes 10-14.
The Smith River
has a strong salmonfly hatch that occurs beginning in mid-May
and can last through June, depending on weather and river
conditions. Popular fly imitations include the Stimulator,
Kaufmann's Stone and Bitch Creek Nymph, in sizes 4-8.
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. Generally, the caddisfly
hatches occur in the early morning and again later in the
evening. While top water fishing using standard dry flies
may not catch the largest trout in the river, it is very effective
and can land many decent sized trout.
For anglers in
search of brown trout, the numerous deep pools in the Smith
River provide wonderful places to catch the larger fish. Use
large streamers or Wolly Buggers, working them down in the
deep pools. Also work them around any undercut banks and around
obstructions in the river. This is probably the most effective
way to catch the larger trout during the summer months.
Beginning in July,
and continuing into September, terrestrials become very important,
especially during the middle of the day. Hopper imitations,
which are effective on most Montana rivers, are equally effective
on the Smith River. Float the hoppers along the banks, particularly
where the banks are brushy or grassy. Since the Smith River
is so narrow, floating the hoppers right out in the middle
of the river can be equally effective.
 Fishing
on this stretch during the fall is an excellent time to catch
the larger brown trout. The water level should be up somewhat
from later in summer, and the cooler water temperature increases
fish activity. Work streamers and Wolly Buggers in the holes
and around undercut banks and obstructions. Hoppers are equally
effective at catching these large brown trout during the middle
of the day.
Smith River :
Eden Bridge to Missouri River
Below Eden Bridge,
the quality of the trout fishing drops noticeably. The slower
river flows, combined with warmer water, limits trout fishing.
Large brown trout can still be found in this section, although
their numbers will be limited. Fish for the brown trout on
this section of the river as further upstream, concentrating
on the holes, undercut banks and obstructions that are in
the river.
Next : Floating
the Smith River
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