Adventure Description

If you are looking for arguably one of the best fly fishing trips in North America, this Fly Fishing Float Trip on the Smith River in Montana is Bar None. Period. This outfitter’s Smith River trips are 60-miles of adventure, floating for five days and camping for four nights. Of 73 commercial permitted trips available each year on the Smith, this outfitter is the largest outfitter on the river. This translates into more available and flexible trip dates they can offer their clients. This outfitter begins the float season in early May and typically ends the middle of July. The emphasis of this trips is on fly-fishing, with each bend beckoning the angler to tempt a trout to the fly. Anglers have a 50/50 split between rainbow and brown trout with the average size being 13″ (an average size for a Montana trout that inhabits a freestone stream). However, there is very healthy population of trout in the 16-18 inch range and enough 20-inch trout to keep you actively engaged in each cast for 60 miles. When it comes to the trip breakdown, the trip begins with transportation from your lodging in Helena to Camp Baker, the trip departure point on the river. Take out is 59 river miles to Eden Bridge, where the outfitter will take you and your gear back to your lodging. Each day, your experienced guides will float you down a section of river for a great day of fishing, provide lunch, snacks and refreshments, and at the end of the day arrive at our camp. Freshly made hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and refreshments await you, followed by a delicious riverside dinner prepared for you by their talented staff. All meals are prepared fresh each day and include fresh fruits and vegetables; full breakfasts and lunches. For dinner: soups and salads; entrees include fish, pork, chicken and beef; you can also look forward to a variety of desserts. Drinking water, fruit juice, milk, teach coffee, pop, beer and wine are provided as well. This outfitter can accommodate special dietary restrictions and preferences by making arrangements with us at least two weeks prior to your trip. This outfitter’s staff prepares the camp for you each day with tents (individual or shared, your choice), cots, therma-rest pads, transport your personal gear; solar showers are also available, dining table, chairs, and campfires. As you wait for your rod to bend, you can take in the natural beauty of the Smith River, which perhaps, is best known for its extraordinary limestone canyon walls. There will be plenty of chances to stop and wade fish, take photos of wildlife, check out the points of interest (caves and pictographs) and admire the landscape as you float downstream. Ultimately, if you need any more convincing to do this trip, this is a direct quote from the outfitter :”If I was granted only one more fly fishing trip in my lifetime, I would be launching a boat down the Smith River by morning light. The river still has pristine wilderness, which is why we live in Montana.”