A guided day on the Smith for the canyon river's wild rainbow, dry fly first. We row the best water of the day, putting you over holding seams from the bow while the guide works the oars. One guide, up to 2 anglers, and a stretch that sees almost no pressure.
These are honest fish in clear water — eager to a well-presented dry where the river slows and the light is right. We read flows and bugs daily and put you where the eats are.
Dry-Fly First
Sight-fishing risers in clear canyon river seams.
Small Party
One guide, 2 rods max — never a crowd on the water.
Low-Pressure Water
Stretches of canyon river that see almost no boat traffic.
Local Knowledge
A guide who reads the Smith run by run, every day of the season.
A big-water canyon run — boulder gardens, deep green slots, and powerful seams that hold the river's heaviest fish. Local knowledge is the whole point; the river changes, and we change with it.
Water Type
Canyon freestone
Cold-water trout
Summer Flow
1,386–2,345 cfs
Wadeable & clear
Water Temp
51–58°F
Prime trout range
Elevation
3,419–4,478 ft
Headwater country
Best Light
First & Last Light
When they rise
Access
Hike-In
Low pressure
The Float Day
Your day on the water.
6:00 AM1
Meet & Rig
Coffee at the put-in, rig rods, and a read of the day's flows and weather before we push off.
MORNING2
On the Oars
Drift the upper run, working dries through the best holding seams while the bite warms with the water.
MIDDAY3
Streamside Lunch
Pull over on a gravel bar for a packed lunch, then back at it through the productive afternoon water.
EVENING4
The Last Light
Work the spinner fall as the river comes alive, then drift to the take-out at dusk.
What's Included
Everything but the license.
Full-day guided float, 2 anglers
Rods, reels & flies for the day
Waders & boots (all sizes)
Streamside lunch & drinks
Shuttle & all river logistics
Casting instruction for all levels
Montana fishing license
Guide gratuity (15–20% customary)
From the River
The water, and the fish.
Before You Book
Before you wade in.
Not at all. Roughly half our anglers are picking up a fly rod for the first time. Your guide teaches casting, reading water, and presentation as you go. Seasoned anglers, just tell us and we'll point you at the technical water.
A valid Montana fishing license, polarized sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and layers for changing weather. We supply all rods, reels, flies, waders, and boots. A rain shell is smart any month.
Yes — every trip is barbless, catch-and-release. The wild rainbow is a wild, self-sustaining resource, and protecting the fishery is the whole point. We handle every fish wet, photograph fast, and return it to the current.
We fish in light rain — trout often eat best under cloud. If conditions become unsafe (lightning, blowout flows), we'll reschedule or refund the day. Your guide makes the call with your safety first.
Absolutely. This listing is a single full day, but we run multi-day trips and wilderness camps on request. Tell us your dates and party and we'll build an itinerary around the best water for your week.
The river is rising.
The best dates fill fast — lock in your float before they're gone.
Oncorhynchus mykiss
