What flies are hatching on the Smith River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Smith River include Caddis. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Smith River?

The Smith River is running at 86.1 CFS at the Near Eden gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Smith River fishable today?

Smith River is outside its fishable window right now. Flow is 86.1 CFS at the Near Eden gauge. Check back when conditions return to the normal range.

Smith River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Smith River — Near Eden

Unfishable

86.1CFS

Discharge

2.75ft

Gauge Height

68.0°F

Water Temp

Updated 21 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

23.01 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Voluntary Catch-and-Release Advisory

Water temperature is at or above 65°F. At these temperatures trout are physiologically stressed and have a higher post-release mortality rate. Consider waiting for cooler conditions — early morning or evening — or choosing a tailwater with regulated temperatures.

Local Weather

42°FClear sky

Wind 5 mph23.01 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☁️

Overcast

69° / 51°

Tomorrow

🌫️

Foggy

51° / 37°

Tue

☁️

Overcast

60° / 39°

Wed

🌤️

Mainly clear

70° / 47°

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

2

Time of Day

Using: 86.1 CFS · 68°F · Float season closing typically mid-month. HOPPER SEASON peak

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Smith River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Smith River · August · Late Summer

Full calendar →

🟢 Active now at 68°F water

Caddis

🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range

Pale Morning Dun

Select month

JanDec

Float season closing typically mid-month. HOPPER SEASON peak (size 8-12) when conditions allow. Hoot-owl restrictions possible. Last canyon floats of the season.

River Map

Loading map…

USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Smith River

Bucket-list 59-mile float through a limestone canyon between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge — the most coveted permit float in Montana. Lottery-only access during the May–July season; no road access through the canyon itself.

SalmonflyGolden StoneCaddisPale Morning DunHopperBlue-Winged Olive

Regulations

Float access through the canyon (Camp Baker to Eden Bridge) is by FWP permit lottery only — apply by mid-February. No road access or wade-fishing through the canyon itself. Standard Montana fishing license also required.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Smith River with more confidence.