Montana Fishing Reports ยท Central Region
The Smith River winds through a limestone canyon from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge, Montana's only permitted multi-day float, with browns and rainbows below towering walls.
Looking for the latest Smith River, Montana river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Smith River โ Camp Baker.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Smith River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge below Eagle Creek reads around 150 cfs and very clear. The float season is over for the year.
Wade fishing near Camp Baker and on public land is possible. Small nymphs and midges in the deeper runs.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Camp Baker, bring: Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-20, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Parachute Adams #16-18, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Smith River details
| Access | Camp Baker launch and limited public access. Floating the canyon requires a Montana State Parks permit. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 4,800 ft at Camp Baker |
| Nearest town | White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
| Best season | Spring and early summer |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout |
| Regulations | A float permit from Montana State Parks is required to float the canyon. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for the current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X tippet |
| Camping | Assigned boat camps along the river for permitted floats |
| Kids | Partly. Permitted floats are family trips in summer. |
| Good to know | Permits are drawn by lottery early in the year. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Cold.
Spring
Float season and runoff.
Summer
Caddis and hoppers.
Fall
Low water.
How to get there
From White Sulphur Springs, follow county roads northwest to Camp Baker.