Floating the Smith River, May 2007

What happens when an old man, a boy and a fool decide to float the Smith River?

Looking Downstream on the Smith River.

The Smith River, located just south of Great Falls, MT,  has to be one of the most scenic rivers in the United States, if not the world.  Over thousands of years, the river has carved deep into the sandstone, creating wonderful

Trout Creek Campsite Sign

canyons and towering cliffs. The float is about 60 miles from the put-in at Camp Baker to the take out at Eden Bridge and there is not a dull spot to be found (as long as you ignore the last few miles of the float where the river comes clear of the canyons and meanders through pastures filled with drowsy sheep.)

Old Gerald, my neighbor and friend,  had offered to take my son and I down the river. Did I mention that Old Gerald is about seventy-five years old?  My secret plan was that if he were to, –how do I say this politely?… expire? –on the trip, then I would lash his old body to the side of the raft and keep on fishing all the way to the end. In my mind, I was sure that is what the old man would have wanted. WE being my son Hunter, age 10, who was able to skip out of school for the 5 days it would take to make the trip.

On the day before our float trip, we stayed overnight at White Sulfur Springs, a small town about 15 miles from the put-in. There Old Gerald arranged for the shuttle to pick up his old Toyota truck and drive it to the take-out spot at Eden Bridge close to Great Falls MT.  (See the map here)

Day One, the Big Put-In

We woke up early and drove with the raft in tow to Camp Baker. When we arrived, there were probably about ten other rafts being prepped for the trip. Everyone was busy jamming gear into their boats, and lashing supplies to the decks of the rafts. Most of the other boats were owned by outfitters, their clients were carrying the expensive fly rods and wearing designer waders. (I on the other hand had my 13 year old Kmart ugly stick rod, and worn out waders with patched knees)

The water was muddy.  Not ideal, but at least it was wet. First things first, we had to talk with the ranger who made a point of letting everyone know that Hunter would probably out fish everyone else. Kids are allowed to use live bait on the Smith River. Everyone else must use artificial lures.

Old Gerald Giving Hunter Bunny Ears...