Brown Trout

If you're looking for a classic Montana brown trout experience, White Sulphur Springs offers some fantastic opportunities. The Smith River, a blue-ribbon trout stream, is the main draw here, known for its stunning scenery and healthy brown trout population. While access to the Smith is limited and requires a permit via lottery, the rewards are well worth the effort. You'll find browns holding in deep pools, undercut banks, and along riffles. Spring and fall are prime times, as the fish become more active with cooler water temperatures. For anglers without a Smith River permit, consider exploring some of the smaller tributaries and spring creeks in the area; they can offer surprisingly good fishing for resident browns. Remember to practice catch and release to help maintain the quality of this fishery. A local tip: Check the river flows before heading out, as runoff can impact clarity and fishing conditions, especially in the spring. Look for hatches of mayflies and caddisflies to help you select the right fly patterns.