Floating and fishing on the Smith generally takes place in May, June, early July and September
. Late July and August are generally too low for floating. There is typically enough water to float again in the fall after irrigation season ends and fall rains help to raise the river.
Is Smith River open for fishing?
Closed to fishing all year
. North Fork from mouth to Stony Creek* • 4th Saturday in May–Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the 4th Saturday in May–Aug.
Where can I fish on the Smith River?
Society Hole
is a great spot just downstream from the Highway 199 bridge. The confluence of the South Fork and the main stem is another excellent option. The Smith River offers numerous access points for shore fishing, wading and launching boats.
When can I fish the Smith River?
The best time to fish for Steelhead at the Smith is during the winter season from
December to April
. Smith River Fishing for steelhead is one of the most anticipated events for many Northern California anglers.
How do you fish the Smith River Montana?
Accessing the middle of the canyon is a challenge, and the best way to fish the river is to
commit to a five-day float trip that allows you to cover the 59 miles between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge
. The Smith is the only river in Montana that requires a permit for all outfitted guests and private users.
Can you wade the Smith River?
The Smith flows through private land for most of its length. Due to a lack of fishing access sites,
wade fishing is difficult
. Consequently, the most popular and effective way to fish the Smith River is by boat. Unlike other Montana rivers, anyone who wants to float the Smith needs a permit.
How long is the Smith River float?
The
60-mile
float trip begins north of White Sulphur Springs at Camp Baker. The next public access site is five days away at the Eden Bridge take-out. This unique inaccessibility allows Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to greatly regulate the use of the river.
Where is the sand hole on the Smith River?
Just west of Hiouchi Bridge on 199
is a gravel road that leads north to a gravel bar. To the south is Hiouchi Trail head that provides walking access to Bluff Hole(18) and Park Hole(19). These holes can also be accessed through Jedediah Smith State Park on the other side of the river.
Can you fish in Jedediah Smith State Park?
Swimming and Fish-Watching
The exceptionally clear waters and deep pools of the Smith River are home to
steelhead, salmon, and cutthroat trout
. If you have a snorkel and mask, you can watch them as you swim.
What is the limit for rainbow trout in California?
The limit is
5 trout a day
and 5 trout in possession. Regulation information taken from the California Sport Fishing Regulations California Department of Fish and Game.
What is the difference between trout and steelhead?
Rainbow trout and steelhead are the same species, but they have different lifestyles.
Steelhead are anadromous—meaning they spend part of their lives in the sea before going to rivers to breed—while rainbow trout spend their lives mostly or entirely in freshwater
.
Can you keep steelhead in California?
Yes, you can keep steelhead in California
. You must follow the limits to how many you can keep and how they must be handled when released. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has rules. It covers when, where, how many fish you can keep, and when steelhead must be released.
What fish are in the Smith River Montana?
Best Place to Wade Fish the Smith River
Rainbow, brown and brook trout
can all be found along the entire river, but this access point has some of the better spots for catching them. There are several deep holes and pools where the browns can be found in large numbers.
What is the Smith River super permit?
In addition to the regular private float trip permits,
FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery
. The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. For more information, visity the Smith River State Park page here.
Are Smith River permits transferable?
Permits are
non-transferable
and non-refundable. Permit holders must bring photo ID to the put-in. Permit holders must cancel their permit if they are not going to use their launch regardless of weather or water flows above 100 cfs.
What flies to use on the Smith River?
Spring is a great time to fish streamers on the Smith, and if you are looking for a mega-brown trout these are the flies to use—the
JJ Special, Smoke n Mirrors, Coffee's Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla, and Kreelex
, are all winners. The Smith has many aggressive currents along its endless miles of limestone cliffs.
Are there rapids on the Smith River Montana?
While
there are only several Class II rapids, all within the last 15 miles
, the Smith River is twisty and narrow; sharp corners, sheer walls, and river snags make this a tricky run, even if it's not technically whitewater.
What is the Smith River Launch Super permit chance?
The Recipient of the Super Permit will be allowed to launch on any date. Smith River Super Permit chances are
$5 each
and may be purchased online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Automated Licensing System or at any FWP regional office or license provider through Thursday, March 16.
Where does the Smith River Run?
The Smith River (Tolowa: xaa-wvn'-taa-ghii~-li~', nii~-li~') is a river flowing
from the Klamath Mountains to the Pacific Ocean in Del Norte County in extreme northwestern California, on the West Coast of the United States
.
Is Smith River in Oregon or California?
Located within the Six Rivers National Forest, the Smith River watershed is the only major river system in the state of California that has never been dammed.
Can you swim in Smith River?
Unparalleled swimming
.
In summer, continue on the trail to cross Stony Creek to access the warmer waters of the North Fork Smith River. There are no sandy beaches here, but you won't want to spend much time on land when you get a glimpse of the picture-perfect pools.
Can you swim in the Smith River?
The Smith River offers some gorgeous scenery and swimming holes right off Highway 199
. If you're looking for swimming holes off Highway 199 closer to Grants Pass, check out the Illinois River. It's clear like the Smith, and offers pristine swimming as well!
What kind of fish are in Smith River Oregon?
Both
salmon and trout
are born in the cold waters of Smith River, and resident cutthroat and rainbow trout stay in this water their whole lives. But other fish, such as sea-run cutthroat and steelhead trout, as well as other species like Chinook and coho salmon, migrate to the ocean as juveniles.
