It is that time of the year again to get your application to float Montana’s Smith River in to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).

FWP will begin taking applications January 3, 2012 through February 15, 2012. Drawing results will be posted online February 28, 2012. There is a $10 nonrefundable permit application fee.

Float permit applications are available here:

• FWP’s Automated Licensing System
• Through FWP regional or area offices
• Mail Application. Applications can be downloaded at link above or picked up at one of the regional/area offices

Important Smith River Float Permit Application Dates:

• January 3, 2012: The application period begins for Smith River permits and the Smith River Super Permit
• February 15, 2012: Deadline to apply for Smith River permit, post-marked on or before this date (application period for Super Permit remains open)
• February 28, 2012: Permit lottery results available online (successful applicants will also be notified through the mail)
• March 15, 2012: Deadline to purchase Super Permit chance
• March 19, 2012: Super Permit Drawing

Smith River Super Permit Lottery

In addition to the regular private float trip permits, FWP will issue one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. There is no limit to the number of chances someone may purchase ($5 per chance). All proceeds from the sale of Super Permit chances will be deposited in the Smith River Corridor Enhancement Account.

JB Klyap offers some of the best fly fishing vacations to be found anywhere. JB will be a regular contributor to our fly fishing reports in 2011 and beyond. Below is a short video JB has put together. Enjoy the video and look for our first fishing report with JB toward the end of April. We are very happy to have JB aboard.

Listen in as I speak with fishing guide Steve Summerhill from The Rivers Edge about the fly fishing prospects on the Gallatin River, Madison River and Yellowstone River. Steve also discusses the fishing conditions on some area lakes.

Enjoy the podcast.
Have a safe Memorial Weekend, and as always…

Good Fishing!!!

Greg Smith gives us the latest on the fly fishing outlook for this holiday weekend. You can visit Greg on the web at Four Rivers Fishing Company or call him at his shop in Twin Bridges (406) 684-5651.

Have a safe Memorial Weekend and as always…

Good Fishing!!!

Today I spoke with Greg Smith, owner of Four Rivers Fishing Company in Twin Bridges. Greg discusses fly fishing conditions on the Beaverhead River, Big Hole River, Ruby River and Jefferson River in southwest Montana. Greg gives us the latest fly hatches and water conditions along with a discussion about Arctic Grayling fishing on the Big Hole River and a faily new population of Grayling doing well on the Ruby River.

Listen to the podcast for up to date fishing tips and conditions.

John Gould, owner of Double Up Outfitters, gives us the lowdown on fly fishing conditions for the Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River and Bitterroot River. Despite the latest weather setbacks, the fishing has been terrific. Listen to the podcast to find out what is hatching and what techniques the pros are using.

Brad Downey, owner of Anglers Edge talks about fly fishing conditions on Montana’s Bighorn River. Listen to the podcast for the latest fishing information.

Steve Summerhill of The Rivers Edge in Bozeman, Montana gives us the lowdown on the Yellowstone and Gallatin Rivers.

If you would like to book a guided fly fishing trip with Steve, visit The Rivers Edge website or give him a call at (406) 586-5373.

Good Fishing!

I spoke with Greg Smith, Four Rivers Fishing Company, today. Greg guides on five Montana rivers. As Greg told me, he is focusing on the Big Hole and Jefferson Rivers currently. The skwala stonefly hatch should be picking up any time.

Enough from me. Listen to the fly fishing report to get the low down on the Big Hole River and Jefferson River.

Good fishing!!!

Today I am talking with John Gould of Double Up Outfitters about the fly fishing on the Bitterroot River, Clark Fork River and the Blackfoot River. John also talks about his new “half down” fly patterns. The “Half Down” is available in various stone flies, including a Skwala and Salmonfly.

The Bitterroot River is fishing very well, so get out there this weekend.

Good Fishing!