Smith River fishing guide

Public access & launches

Explore public access points and the exact bank on the interactive map in the app.

Regulations

• NOTECentral Fishing District

  NOTE: Floating on the Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge is strictly limited. Mandatory registration, floater’s fee and other regulations apply. A drawing for launch dates is held in February with remaining launches filled on a first-come basis. Contact the Great Falls FWP office at 406-454-5840 for more information. Sheep Creek from bridge upstream of Moose Creek to the mouth, Rock Creek from bridge at Lingshire Road to the mouth, Tenderfoot Creek from falls just upstream of Daisy Creek to the mouth, and Hound Creek from Upper Millegan Road bridge to the mouth. Open third Saturday in May to Nov. 30. Camp Baker Bridge to Eden Bridge Combined trout: 3 under 13 inches daily and in possession and only 1 over 22 inches daily and in possession. Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait. SODA BUTTE CREEK (Yellowstone River drainage) Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches. SOUTH FORK MADISON RIVER (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir) Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.

• All species

  Float Fishing: When a water is closed to Float Fishing, an angler may not fish from a boat or vessel, and may not wade fish in the river or stream, or from the bank or shoreline of the river or stream, when fishing access is gained by boat or vessel.

• All species

  Ice Fishing - Size of Hole: In waters not open to spearing, the maximum size hole that may be used for ice fishing is 144 square inches or 12 inches in diameter. There is no size limit for a hole used for fishing with a spear.

• All species

  Fishing Methods: Fish may be taken only by hook and line or other approved methods. Regulations for the taking of fish are listed in the standard regulations for each fishing district (see pages 23, 50 & 79).

• All species

  Handling and Transporting Legally Taken Fish: While fishing or on the water/ice, all fish in possession must be visibly identifiable to species. Unless size limits apply, fish may be cleaned prior to transport so long as the entire skin remains attached to the fish or fillet for identification. Two fillets will be counted as one fish. If frozen prior to transport, each fish or fillet must be packaged so it can be counted. Consumption of fish on the ice or water is allowed but counts toward daily limit.

• All species

  Once off the water, fish may be dressed, filleted, and skin removed for transport to permanent residence, unless size limits apply: all fish can be counted and identified; two fillets counted as one fish; frozen catch must be packaged so it can be counted. Salmonids (trout, salmon, arctic grayling, char and whitefish): entire skin must remain attached to the fillet for identification.

• All species

  Float Outfitting: When a water is closed to Float Outfitting, the operation of any boat or vessel for the commercial purpose of float fishing by a fishing outfitter or fishing guide is prohibited.

• All species

  Ice Fishing Shelters: Unlawful to use any ice fishing shelter not conforming to waste/rubbish disposal rules. Owners/occupants must keep shelters and surrounding area free from rubbish and trash and remove waste materials before leaving for the day. Daily removal of shelters required on some waterbodies (see district exceptions). Owner must remove shelter from ice before it becomes irretrievable at end of season, or within five days of notification from FWP.

• All species

  Methods of Taking Fish: Spears and bows are counted as lines for determining line limits. When multiple lines are allowed, the number of lines shall not exceed the combination of attended lines, setlines, or spears. All unattended fishing devices (crayfish traps, minnow traps, fish traps, setlines, etc.) must have the angler's name and phone number or name and individual identifying number issued by the department attached.

• All species

  Fishing From Boats/Vessels: When a water is closed to Fishing From Boats/Vessels, an angler may not fish while on any boat or vessel. However, an angler may use a boat or vessel to access wade fishing opportunities; the angler must be completely out of the boat or vessel while wade fishing.

As of 2026-08-28.Guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the state.Official Montana regulations

What’s in it

Recorded in/near this water. Occurrence-based unless a higher-confidence source is shown — see it per-species in the app.

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Montana field notes

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Smith River fishing — FAQ