I’ll admit, I am not great with resolutions. Same goes for “Dry January” or diet changes for Lent. But I could be swayed by the wonderful Smith River. If I were to declare a resolution, I already know the greatest hits. Not because I remember them from last December, but because I have these ones on repeat in my mind’s playlist:

• Spend more quality time with family and friends
• Spend more time in Nature
• Eat better
• Less Screen Time
• Disconnect and enjoy the moment
• Stop putting off that trip you always wanted to take

While it may be true that most any fishing trip can check a bunch of boxes here, perhaps no trip in the West will do it better and more completely that a 5-day float down the famous Smith River in Montana. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of Montana wilderness fishing, the Smith River launches are some of the most sought-after spaces in fly-fishing. It is especially rare to find space for the entire launch during the late June window.

Each launch is limited to just 8 anglers. Due to the nature of the accommodations (shared tent) we mostly offer these rods in pairs only. A sample itinerary for the June 21 Launch would be:

Arrive Helena on June 20 and overnight, launch on June 21, fish 21,22,23,24, and 25, then take out at the end of day on June 25, and transfer back to Helena for late flight or final overnight.  

Healing Waters Lodge and Expeditions

Montana is known for its enormous skies, fresh air, and spectacular scenery. If you must choose one place where you can experience nature in all its beauty, Montana is the place to go. And of all the beautiful places in Montana, the Smith River is one of the most sought-after. Located in the heart of Montana, the Smith River boasts breathtaking views and excellent fly-fishing opportunities. If you're interested in trying your luck on a fly-fishing trip along the Smith River, with the capable and veteran staff and guides of Healing Waters Lodge and Expeditions. 

What to Expect

The famous Smith River corridor is still untouched by major developments and offers anglers a truly unique wilderness experience.  You will be taken on pristine, trout infested waters, floating through limestone canyons for 59 river miles in five days and four nights. Here's what you can expect on a HWL Expeditions float trip down this amazing river:

• Transportation from your lodging in Helena to Camp Baker, the trip departure point on the river. Take out is 59 river miles to Eden Bridge, where they will take you and your gear back to your lodging.
• Each day, their experienced guides will float you down a section of river for a great day of fishing, provide lunch, snacks, and refreshments, and at the end of the day arrive at the camp. Freshly made hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, and refreshments await you, followed by a delicious riverside dinner prepared for you by their talented staff.
• All meals are prepared fresh each day and include fresh fruits and vegetables, full breakfasts, and lunches. For dinner: soups and salads; entrees include fish, pork, chicken, and beef; you can also look forward to a variety of desserts. Drinking water, fruit juice, milk, tea, coffee, pop, beer, and wine are provided as well.
• The experienced staff prepares the camp for you each day with tents (individual or shared), cots, therma-rest pads, transport your personal gear, solar showers are available, dining table and chairs, and campfires. They even do the dishes and turn out the lights!
• As you wait for your rod to bend, you can take in the natural majesty of the Smith River. The river is perhaps best known for its extraordinary limestone canyon walls. There are plenty of chances to stop and wade fish, take photos of wildlife, check out the points of interest (caves and pictographs) and admire the landscape as you float downstream.

Why book a float trip on the Smith River with Frontiers and Healing Waters Lodge Expeditions?

• Ample Resources: Of the eight outfitters permitted to take commercial trips down the Smith River; HWL Expeditions is the largest outfitter with 26 of 73 total commercial trips.  HWLE have been doing this successfully for over 25 years. For you, these numbers translate into prime trip date possibilities and their own Smith River experienced staff will ensure you the best possible experience on the Smith.
• Talented River Guides: Their talented Smith River guides and staff love what they do -- and it shows. They work hard behalf of clients from sunrise to sunset to make sure that you are having a quality experience. The Guides are knowledgeable about the area's flora and fauna and history. They can answer all your questions and offer expert fly-fishing advice.
• They say, "it is all about the fishing" and that may be true, but some just need to find out for themselves.

Cost is $5,550 per angler based on double occupancy/shared guide. 

Contact Joe Koziara for more information about this amazing wilderness float.