Smith River - Eden - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Smith River – Eden - Water Flow Chart
Smith River – Eden - Weather report & radar
Smith River – Eden - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Afternoon | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-20 | Prince Nymph, Hare’s Ear | |
| February | Midge | Afternoon | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
| Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | #18-22 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Foam Emergers | |
| March | Midge | Afternoon | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
| Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | #18-22 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Foam Emergers | |
| April | Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Godard Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis |
| Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | #18-22 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Foam Emergers | |
| May | Mayflies | Morning | #12-16 | Ephemera Danica, Sawyer’s Pheasant Tail |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Godard Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Mayflies | Morning | #12-16 | Ephemera Danica, Sawyer’s Pheasant Tail |
| Stoneflies | Evening | #8-12 | Golden Stone, Black Stonefly | |
| July | Trico Mayflies | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, CDC Spinner |
| Hoppers | Midday | #10-14 | Dave’s Hopper, Foam Hoppers | |
| August | Trico Mayflies | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, CDC Spinner |
| Hoppers | Midday | #10-14 | Dave’s Hopper, Foam Hoppers | |
| September | Mahogany Dun | Afternoon | #12-16 | Mahogany Dun Dry Fly, Parachute Adams |
| Caddisflies | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Foam Emergers |
| Caddisflies | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| November | Midge | Afternoon | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
| December | Midge | Afternoon | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
Smith River – Eden Access Points
The Smith River in Eden provides some of the best fly fishing locations with abundant fish species. Here are some access points:
- Bridge – Dry Creek Rd: A great entry spot providing good river coverage and fish spots. Can be reached by heading north on Dry Creek Road from Eden.
- Camp Baker: It’s a public fishing access point as well as a put-in spot for float fishing. Locate just off Eden Rd.
- Eden Bridge: Offers easy public river access on both sides of the bridge. Best accessed via Smith River Rd.
- Cottonwood Campground: Besides being a camping location, the area off Hwy 287 provides good access for anglers.
- Truly Bridge: Located south of Eden, Truly Bridge gives easy access to the Smith River.
Note: Always check local fishing regulations, respect private property, and ensure you have the required fishing permits and licenses.
Smith River – Eden Fishing Spots
The Smith River in Eden offers a variety of excellent spots for fly fishing. These renowned spots are rich in diverse fish species and provide scenic beauty that adds to the ultimate fishing experience.
- Camp Baker: This spot presents an ideal habitat for brown trout, rainbow trout, and more.
- Eagle Canyon: Known for its clear waters, fly fishers can easily spot and catch large salmon.
- Sunrise Ferry: This spot provides an excellent landscape for fly fishing and is home to a variety of trout species.
- Divide Bridge: Famous for the high probability of catching rainbow trout, this spot invites anglers all year round.
- Rainbow Rock: This spot showcases a colorful variety of fish and is aptly named after the Rainbow Trout species that inhabit it.
Remember to adhere to all fishing regulations while enjoying your fly fishing experience on the Smith River.
Smith River – Eden Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, this fish species is the most popular amongst fly anglers due to its impressive size and strong fight.
- Steelhead: A sea-run version of the rainbow trout, Steelhead are recognized for their long-distance migrations and are a favorite amongst local fly fishers.
- Coastal Cutthroat Trout: This native trout species is another popular catch on the Smith River, recognized for its colorful markings and aggressive behavior.
- Pacific Lamprey: Although less common, these ancient fish are still targeted by some intrepid fly fishers.
- Coho Salmon: Also known as Silver Salmon, these fish are sought after for their acrobatic fights and tasty flesh.
- Brown Trout: Introduced to the Smith River, these fish have flourished and provide an exciting challenge for fly fishers.
- Sea-Run Brook Trout: A highly prized catch due to their aggressive takes and beautiful coloring.
- Chum Salmon: Although smaller than their Chinook and Coho relatives, Chum Salmon are still a favorite catch due to their feisty battle on the line.
About the Smith River – Eden
It’s quite a journey to explore the marvelous Smith River in Eden, renowned as one of the most pristine ecosystems in the U.S. This river’s legend starts in the heart of the remote Klamath Mountains of California, weaving a fascinating tale of geology, ecology, and human history.
The Smith River is a habitat par excellence for a breadth of fish species, especially salmon and steelhead. Its journey of over 200 miles is untrammeled by dams, ensuring an uninterrupted lifeline for these aquatic denizens.
- The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, named after a famous explorer, guards some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world.
- The Smith River National Recreation Area protects the river’s beauty and biodiversity, offering ample opportunities for fishing, camping, and white-water rafting.
The history of the Smith River is integral to the Native American tribes of Northern California, such as the Tolowa, Yurok, and Chilula. These indigenes have lived with the river’s bounty for thousands of years, shaping a legacy of symbiosis and stewardship that we can all learn from.
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