Montana ·
Smith River Fly Fishing Report - June 14, 2026
SMITH RIVER
ReportJUN 14 — 21, 2026
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Flow
218CFS
Smith River bl Eagle Cr nr Fort Logan MT
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Water Temp
52.3°F
Updated 2026-06-14
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Weather
34–71°F
Mostly Clear
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
The Smith River is running at a very fishable 218 cfs with a gauge height of 3.46 ft and a cool water temperature of 52.3°F — right in the sweet spot for Brown Drake and early PMD activity. Clear skies, light winds, and daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s set the stage for exceptional dry fly and nymph fishing through the weekend.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Olsen's Straggle Stone Brown Barbless #12
#12
Tasmanian Devil Hare's Ear #12
#12
Egan's Frenchie #12
#12
Tungsten Split Case Nymph - PMD #20
#20
Egan's Silver Bullet - Baetis #14
#14
Egan's GTI Caddis - Olive #12
#12
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
#20
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black #16
#16
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonfly (Pteronarcys) | #4–8 | Winding down — stragglers still drawing aggressive strikes | Midday, warm canyon walls |
| Brown Drake | #12–14 | Active — water temp at 52°F is prime for nymphs; adults emerging on warm afternoons | Late afternoon, 3–6 PM |
| Pale Morning Dun (PMD) | #16–20 | Just beginning — nymphs highly available, first adults appearing on sunny afternoons | Afternoon, 11 AM–3 PM |
| Caddis (Brachycentrus / Hydropsyche) | #14–18 | Strong — building toward peak mid-June; morning and evening surface activity | Early morning & dusk |
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | #18–22 | Moderate — reliable in overcast or shaded canyon sections | Morning, 8–11 AM |
| Terrestrials (Ants) | #14–18 | Emerging — ants beginning to fall on warm afternoons as canyon temps rise | Afternoon, 1–5 PM |
Best Time Window
- Early Morning (6–9 AM): Caddis emergers and BWO nymphs in the riffles; cool air keeps fish active and near the surface
- Afternoon (2–6 PM): Brown Drake and early PMD hatch window — prime dry fly opportunity in the runs and slower pools
- Dusk (7–9 PM): Peak caddis surface activity; aggressive rises from rainbows in the riffles and tailouts
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith water at 52°F and flows at a very wade-friendly 218 cfs, the Smith is fishing beautifully right now — but time your day strategically. Start with a stonefly nymph or Frenchie through the riffles in the cool morning hours, then switch to a caddis dry or PMD nymph as the canyon warms and hatches begin around midday. The afternoon Brown Drake window (3–6 PM) is your best shot at rising fish — watch for subtle sipping rises in the slower runs and match with a size 14 dry. As the light fades, tie on the GTI Caddis and work the riffles hard; the evening caddis hatch on the Smith can produce some of the most exciting dry fly fishing of the season.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
