The 59-mile Smith River float is a trip that all anglers should experience at least once. The Smith is a fickle river. Depending upon the conditions that floaters encounter, it can be the trip of a lifetime, or a serious challenge. Permits for April and July are relatively easy to acquire, but there's good reason for that: the possibility of encountering winter weather, and low water, respectively. Permits for May and June are tough to come by, their popularity stemming from cushy floating conditions (but not necessarily the best fishing conditions). All things considered, I'll take my chances in April.
Didn't draw a permit? Don't despair, any remaining or cancelled permits can be requested by calling 406.454.5861. And there's always the possibility of a fall float, a time when boaters can self-register at Camp Baker, no prearrangement necessary - just be sure to monitor river levels to ensure that there is enough water to float your boat.
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| July on the Smith... |
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| April on the Smith... |
I actually just spent a couple hours online looking at the Smith this weekend. It seems hard to plan a fishing trip there. First, you have to plan well in advanced, so you can't cherry pick your days according to the weather. Second, as you mentioned, if there is enough water for a comfortable float, it is probably a bit high for ideal fishing. Third, you still have to draw the stinking permit. I bet it's pretty awesome if you hit it right, though!
ReplyDeleteKirk - The process of picking dates for the Smith is a bit of a gamble, for sure. With the early deadline for permit application, it's impossible to truly predict snowpack, and the ensuing runoff. But yes, if you hit it right it's pretty awesome.
DeleteWe don't have anything like that in Missouri. Not sure how I feel about having to acquire a permit to float on a creek or river. In Missouri the water and the ground within the high water mark is open to the public. That means I can float on any water that will reasonable float a canoe and camp on the gravel bars without asking anyone for permission or getting a permit.
ReplyDeleteMontana has the same law, as you're probably aware. The Smith is the only river in the state requiring a permit for floating. The regulation is probably a good thing. From what I hear, things were getting pretty out of control prior to the permit system being implemented. If you know how to work your way around the permit system there's no reason you can't float it every year - and thanks to the permit system you'll have relative solitude.
DeleteThere are more than a few PARTY rivers in Missouri and something like a permit program could help them out. Still not sure how I would like that though.
ReplyDeleteHeaded down the smith this week. Its going to be a bit chilly but we are hopin the fish are hungry. Flows should be at 200cfs at put in. This will be the 4th year for this group to run the smith in April and my 2nd trip down the smith. Las time was may of 2010 and it rained the whole time. It is a river for the seasoned camper.
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