The Smith River is one of Montana's premier fly fishing destinations, flowing for approximately 60 miles through a remote canyon between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. This pristine waterway cuts through limestone cliffs and heavily timbered forests, offering not only exceptional trout fishing but also breathtaking scenery that makes it one of the West's legendary fishing experiences. Due to its unique management as a permitted river with strictly regulated access, fishing pressure remains relatively light compared to other major Montana rivers, creating opportunities for solitude and quality angling. The river is renowned for its healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout, with trophy-sized fish over 20 inches taken on virtually every trip.
Learn what type of fish are at Smith River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Esox lucius
Sander vitreus
Lepomis macrochirus
Lota lota
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Lepomis cyanellus
Prosopium williamsoni
Lepomis gibbosus
Carpiodes carpio
Sander canadensis
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
Pomoxis annularis
Catostomus commersonii
Perca flavescens
Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri
Learn how to get on Smith River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Smith River, and when to apply.
Camp Baker to Eden Bridge
Lottery permit · Private trips · Required Apr 1 to Aug 15
Floating Camp Baker to Eden Bridge from Apr 1 to Aug 15 needs a permit, drawn in a lottery that takes applications Jan 1 to Feb 15.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
All anglers 12 and over must possess a license.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not give them the right to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams without landowner permission. Montana's stream access law ensures public access to surface waters by public bridge or county road right-of-way. The width of a public bridge or public road right-of-way easement is the same as the public highway to which it is attached.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Smith River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Smith River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Smith River and check the forecast before you go.
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