MARGINAL
Winter conditions—permit lottery opens in JanuarySmith River
Current Hatch Activity
Winter activity minimal. Focus on streamer fishing in slower water. Plan now for permit lottery entry.
MARGINAL
Streamer (Woolly Bugger, Sculpzilla) or nymph rig (Stonefly + Pheasant Tail)
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.
Unregulated freestone with dramatic seasonal swings. Peak flows May-June can exceed 2,000 CFS. Late summer flows can drop below 300 CFS. Float season is permit-controlled.
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 are low and access is limited. Not a primary winter destination. Use this time to enter the permit lottery for next season.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Missouri River
Tailwater alternative with no permit required—consistent year-roundBitterroot River
Accessible freestone option without permit requirementsResources
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