Just got off the Smith River on Wednesday and I’ll launch again Saturday. I’m not sure if my laundry is going to dry between trips. Not a problem, I love the smell of sweat and campfire smoke from a Smith River trip! I’ve been guiding for Mike Geary of Lewis & Clark Expeditions for the past.. read more →
Primitive at best, the Smith River Montana meanders 59-miles through forested mountains, towering limestone canyon walls and green rolling hills from the put-in at Camp Baker to the take-out at Eden Bridge. If you are one of the lucky ones who scored a permit for this 5-day adventure, I hope you have a spectacular journey.. read more →
As soon as the permit results are posted, CrossCurrents is flooded with questions of all kinds about floating the Smith River. Although I’ve only been down this river once, Chris Strainer-owner of CrossCurrents, has floated the Smith since 1999 and is a licensed guide for one of the eight approved Smith River outfitters. CrossCurrents Fly Shop.. read more →
So, you are 1 out of over 6,000 permit applicants to win a Permit for the Smith River in Montana. Congratulations, you beat the 6-to-1 odds! Now you have 6,000 people who want to be your friend. Including the Permit Holder, only 15 people can float on one permit, so choose your friends wisely. And.. read more →
A few different groups of anglers/campers have gotten off the river today bringing some dirty rafts and good news from The Smith. The flows have been dropping at a steady pace over the past few days making for some relatively clear water and great dry fly fishing. Flows at the top end are at 395.. read more →
The flows on The Smith continue to drop at a steady pace making for improving fishing conditions. Below Eagle Creek the flows are at 561 cfs with a water temp of 58. In the lower river at Eden Bridge the flows are at 889 cfs. The river is looking great for floating. read more →
The Smith jumped up last week due to all the rain. It’s now on the drop and starting to clear. Flows at the top end are at 702 cfs this morning and 1280 cfs down at Eden Bridge. Most of the snowpack has melted so we are going to rely on the rain to.. read more →
