Southwest Montana, July 3rd, 2024

Top water fishing is advancing up the Madison River, and the impact is the same as is happening on the South Fork of the Snake River. Crowds are arriving to enjoy the river in any way.  There are some places that offer solitude and good fishing. Smith Lake is one. It is three miles up the West fork of the Madison Road and can be fished form shore or a carried in flotation device. It hosts brown trout up to trophy size.   Because of weed growth, it is best fished by suspending such as a damselfly nymph or scud pattern under an indicator. Good Luck!