White Sulphur Springs
Smith River
Live Conditions
Smith River — Near Eden
7-Day Flow
→ Stable
24-Hr Pressure
22.67 inHg · → High/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
Tough conditions — fish deep
Today
❄️Snow
39° / 27°
0.1"
Tomorrow
🌧️Rain
32° / 25°
0.02"
Tue
☁️Overcast
38° / 25°
Wed
☁️Overcast
41° / 25°
Snow in forecast — check road conditions before heading out.
Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min
What should I fish today?
⚡ AIAI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.
Time of Day
Using: 68°F · Lower river midges and BWOs on mild afternoons. Brown trout spawn — RESPECT REDDS. Most of the canyon frozen.
What should I pack?
Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Smith River conditions.
🪰 Hatch Calendar
Smith River · November · Late Fall
🟢 Active now at 68°F water
🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range
Select month
Lower river midges and BWOs on mild afternoons. Brown trout spawn — RESPECT REDDS. Most of the canyon frozen.
🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only
River Map
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.
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.
Montana Fishing Regulations for Fly Anglers
Montana's Conservation License prerequisite and AIS pass, the third-Saturday-in-May to November 30 general stream season, blue-ribbon special regs on…
Trout Species of Montana
Montana's six salmonids and how to tell a harvestable brown from a release-required cutthroat or a protected bull trout. Missouri and Yellowstone…
Seasonal Guide to Montana Fly Fishing
Montana rivers are a completely different game each season — Salmonfly in late May, PMD and caddis in July, technical Trico on the Missouri in…