NOT RECOMMENDED
Winter low flows at 119 CFS near Eden—well below drift boat minimum. Permit lottery results just released (Feb 18 drawing). Plan your spring float now.Smith River
Current Hatch Activity
Winter activity minimal at 119 CFS. Midges (#18-22) hatching midday on warmer afternoons. Sparse BWOs possible on overcast days. Focus on streamer fishing in deeper pools and slow-stripped Woolly Buggers (#6-8). Permit lottery results just released—plan your spring float now.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Streamer (Woolly Bugger #6-8, Sculpzilla #4, Zonker #6) slow-stripped through deeper pools, or nymph rig (Pat's Rubber Legs #8, Zebra Midge #18-20 dropper)
Quick Reference
350 CFS minimum for drift boats. 250 CFS for rafts. 150 CFS for canoes. Optimal floating at 500-1,500 CFS.
45-60°F optimal. Spring snowmelt keeps water cold during prime float season.
Flows currently at 119 CFS near Eden (10-day avg 108 CFS), well below the 350 CFS drift boat minimum. Unregulated freestone with dramatic seasonal swings—expect rising flows through spring snowmelt. Peak flows May-June can exceed 2,000 CFS.
Generally good clarity except during runoff. The canyon's limestone geology keeps water productive even at moderate visibility.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Permit required for floating the 59-mile stretch through the canyon. Lottery opens first week of January, closes mid-February. Only 9 float parties per day allowed. This is bucket-list Montana water.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
Prime float season May 15 through July 15. Strong stonefly hatches mid-April through May. Salmonfly hatch mid-May through June. Permit lottery in January determines your dates.
summer
Post-July 15 sees fewer restrictions but potentially low flows. Caddis and terrestrials produce. Check flows carefully—below 350 CFS makes drift boat floating difficult.
fall
Beautiful but flows can be unpredictable. Streamers for aggressive browns. BWOs and October caddis provide dry fly opportunities. Less permit pressure.
winter
Winter flows hovering around 100-120 CFS—too low for floating. Not a primary winter destination. The 2026 permit lottery drawing was held Feb 18 with 939 permits awarded from 11,071 applicants. Super Permit chances available through April 1 ($5 each). Call-in dates begin March 2.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Missouri River
Tailwater alternative with no permit required—consistent year-roundBitterroot River
Accessible freestone option without permit requirementsRiver Intel Weekly
Weekly flow updates and fishing intel.
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