Smith River Fly Fishing Trips

Montana's Smith River is one of the West's legendary fly fishing trips. The river winds through 60 miles of wilderness between public access points and is strictly regulated by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to ensure the pristine beauty of the canyon is not overrun. The river corridor is comprised of towering limestone cliffs and heavily timbered forests broken only by a few small clusters of cabins on private land.

The river is home to a wild population of hungry trout that see relatively low fishing pressure. Fish up to 20 inches are frequently encountered. Despite the high quality of the trout fishery, the fishing often takes a back seat to the amazing beauty of the river and the enjoyment of spending several days camping at truly amazing remote riverside campsites.

Smith river fly fishing guides are specialists at their craft and are just as proficient at Dutch oven cooking as they are at selecting the right fly for the day. We partner with one of the Smith's top outfitters for our Smith River fly fishing adventures: Joe Sowerby (outfitter #5157). Joe runs an amazing river camp and you will be amazed at the level of comfort and the quality of the dining that you will experience on these week long trips!

Getting to the River
If your plan is to fly to Montana on a commercial airline we recommend that you make reservations as soon as possible once you have firm river dates. You’ll want to fly into Montana the day before your first scheduled river day arriving in the afternoon. Here are some flight scenarios in order of preference.

1) You can fly into Helena and out of Great Falls.
2) You can fly into Missoula and out of Great Falls.
3) You can fly in and out of Great Falls.
4) You can fly in and out of Missoula.
5) You can fly into Missoula and out of Helena.

When you arrive you will be greeted by one of our crew at the airport and we will make the drive to White Sulphur Springs. There will be a room waiting for you at a hotel. The following morning we will begin our 60-mile expedition at about 9a.m.

On the last day of the trip we usually plan to get off the river between 1 and 3 in the afternoon. Once off the river at the Eden Bridge take-out, we are 1 hour from Great Falls, 2 hours from Helena, and about 3 hours from Missoula. Most of our guests make reservations to stay overnight in either Helena or Great Falls after their last day on the river and fly home the following day.

The Camping and Food
Camping is at remote sites along the river corridor. While you are fishing on the river, a gear raft will row ahead of the anglers to set camp up. The camping is elaborate and comfortable and the food is both abundant and delicious. Time slows down on the river and you will quickly fall in love with the easy pace and gorgeous surroundings.

What is included?
Nearly everything but your fishing license and guide gratuities. We'll take care of flies, camping gear, food, and even your lodging the night before the departure date. You are responsible for guide gratuities (about $350 pp) and your lodging the night before you fly out.

Rates
Five day/ Five night trip: $3900 per person
Spring Special: $2800 per person on May 17th, 19th, 27th and June 3rd launches

Overnight Fly Fishing Trips on the Smith River - 5 days