Fishing in White Sulphur Springs, Montana
The complete local guide to rivers, reservoirs, seasons, tactics, access—and where to gear up
White Sulphur Springs isn’t just hot pools and mountain views—it’s a sneaky-great fishing basecamp. Within 5–45 minutes you can reach a famous multi-day float (the Smith), easy-access reservoirs for shore casting with kids, and cool mountain creeks where trout rise to small dries. This guide keeps it practical: where to go, what you’ll catch, how to fish it, and the rules that actually matter—plus the local shops and services that make your day easier.
Quick-start: where to fish (fast picks)
Smith River (Camp Baker → Eden Bridge) — A 59-mile canyon float with brown and rainbow trout. Permits are required year-round. Launches Apr 1–Aug 15 are issued by lottery; outside that window, you self-register at Camp Baker when flows allow. Shore fishing is possible at public access points and below the ordinary high-water mark where legally accessed.
Newlan Creek Reservoir (≈12 mi N; 46.64273, -110.93724) — Stocked rainbows, kokanee, other cool-water species; shore, boat, and kayak friendly; family camps around the lake.
Martinsdale Reservoir / Lake Sutherlin (≈35–40 min E; 46.45061, -110.28213) — Gentle shorelines, consistent action for trout; classic picnic + bobber water. Nearby Bair Reservoir is a quieter option.
Mountain creeks (Castles & Belts) — Cold, clear streams with brook, cutthroat, and small rainbows. Ideal for light fly rods or ultralight spinners. See Section 4 below for three easy, public day-trip starts.
First stops in town
Access intel (maps & road status)
Helena–Lewis & Clark National Forest Ranger District — 204 W Folsom, White Sulphur Springs. Ask for the MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Map) to see which forest roads are open. You can also download the latest MVUM online from the Forest Service website if you’d rather check ahead. Gold for finding legal creek access and current closures.
Gear, licenses & last-minute tackle
Twin Sisters Trading Company — 14 S Central Ave, 📞 [Call (406) 547-3259](tel:+14065473259) • (406) 547-3259. Flies, leaders, tackle, licenses, camping basics, Montana-made goods—and a state liquor store for the campfire. Hours: Mon–Sat 9–6, Sun 10–2.
The waters, one by one
1) Smith River — what most people dream about
Why go: Dramatic limestone cliffs, classic brown-trout structure, and a true “you’re-out-there” feel.
Reality check: Floating the 59 miles from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge requires a permit—awarded by lottery each winter for launch dates April–Aug. If you didn’t draw a permit, you can still enjoy shoreline fishing at designated access points and where the stream access law allows travel below the ordinary high-water mark (reach the water legally; respect private land above that line).
Tactics by season (high level):
April (pre-runoff): Nymphs (stonefly, midge, mayfly) tight to cliff seams; watch for Baetis on cloudy middays.
Mid-May–June (runoff/salmonflies): If you time the salmonfly window, bring adults (#4–8) and rubberleg nymphs. In color, fish streamers to rock walls and slower edges.
Late June–July: PMDs and caddis; later, terrestrials (ants/hoppers). Morning/evening windows on hot days.
Flows (very rough rules of thumb):
Rafts shine ~250–500 cfs.
Drift boats are happiest >~350 cfs; below that you’ll scrape.
At <250 cfs, expect some dragging the first day.
Launch logistics & key rules (condensed):
Two days before launch: Rangers call (usually 1–3:30 p.m. MDT) to finalize camps, group/boats, fees, and assign your one-hour ramp window.
Human waste: Approved hard-sided portable toilets are required; bag systems are not allowed. A SCAT machine for cleaning/dumping is at Eden Bridge.
Food & wildlife: Bear-resistant storage is required whenever food/garbage is unattended (Mar 1–Dec 1).
Pets: Not allowed in the corridor (exceptions for legitimate service dogs and hunting dogs during legal seasons).
Camp Baker: Day-use only; no overnight camping except Sept 1–Nov 30.
Shuttles (book early): Charlie’s Think Wild Shuttle Service — 📞 [Call (406) 547-6338](tel:+14065476338) • (406) 547-6338. The go-to for moving your vehicle from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge while you’re on the water.
Pro tip: If you’re pairing the Smith with a lodge stay, Bar Z Riverside Ranch offers guided, private-water walk-and-wade days on the Smith system (must reserve in advance).
2) Newlan Creek Reservoir — most versatile
Drive: ~25 minutes north of White Sulphur Springs; easy roads.
Why go: Mix of stocked rainbows and kokanee, room to spread out, and camping around the lake. It fishes from shore, small boats, and kayaks.
How to fish it:
Spin: Panther Martin/Mepps 1–3, small spoons (Kastmaster/Little Cleo 1/8–1/4 oz), slip-bobber + worm or salmon eggs for kids.
Fly: Intermediate line with small buggers/leeches; inlets and points on a floating line with damsels/callibaetis nymphs.
Kokanee: Simple dodger + small pink/orange spinner hoochie, 15–35 ft down once it warms (small craft only when wind is civilized).
When: Ice-out through June is great for trout; summer evenings for surface activity; fall can fire up again.
3) Martinsdale Reservoir / Lake Sutherlin — easy family water
Drive: ~35–40 minutes east via US-12 to Martinsdale, then local roads.
Why go: Broad, forgiving shorelines and usually cooperative trout. Bair Reservoir (nearby) gives a quieter alternative.
How to fish it:
Spin: Slip-bobber + worm/PowerBait for set-and-wait, or slow-rolled 1/8 oz spoon/spinner along drop-offs.
Fly: Floating line with #10–14 woolly buggers or damsel nymphs; watch for callibaetis on calm afternoons.
Good to know: Wind is the boss—mornings/evenings are friendliest for small craft.
4) Mountain Creeks — Your “Montana Postcard” Day
Why go: Cold, clear water, eager trout, and short walks. A perfect first step beyond lakes and the Smith.
Species: Brook trout, cutthroat, and small rainbows—ideal for light tackle and relaxed days.
Three simple, public day trips
Sheep Creek — Jumping Creek Campground (Little Belts)
Drive: From White Sulphur Springs, take US-89 N ~22 miles; signed Jumping Creek Campground (USFS) on the right.
Access: Park at the campground/day-use pullouts and step right to the creek on public land.
Fish/feel: Brookies and rainbows in riffles, runs, and beavered pockets; gentle wading.
How to fish:
• Fly: #12–16 Elk Hair Caddis or Hippie Stomper with a #16–18 beadhead dropper.
• Spin: 1/16 oz Panther Martin or Mepps; pinch barbs for quick releases.
Editor’s note: Access and facilities verified via USFS and local sources as of 2025. Check current road and campground conditions before traveling, as seasonal closures and maintenance may affect entry.
Bair Creek — Smoky Mountain Road (Castles)
Drive: US-12 E ~35–40 min to Checkerboard; turn south onto Smoky Mountain Rd (USFS road) toward Bair Creek pullouts.
Access: Public along USFS segments; mixed ownership lower down—if the bank above is private, stay below the ordinary high-water mark. Confirm open roads on the MVUM or with the Helena–Lewis & Clark National Forest office before traveling.
Fish/feel: Meadow-and-pine small stream with bends, undercuts, and occasional beaver ponds.
How to fish:
• Fly: Attractor dry (Royal Wulff / Hippie Stomper #12–14) + #16 PT / Perdigon dropper.
• Spin: Tiny spoons /spinners (1/16 oz) slow and steady through bends.
Editor’s note: Field details for Bair Creek are based on USFS and MTFWP data; on-site verification is in progress. Always confirm current access, gates, and road status before visiting. If you explore it before we do, email a quick update—locals will thank you.
Upper Newlan Creek — Above the Reservoir (Big Belts)
Drive: Go to Newlan Creek Reservoir (≈ 12 mi N), then continue upstream on open USFS roads (check with the Ranger Station early season).
Access: Short walks from pullouts to pocketwater and shaded runs.
Fish/feel: Small browns/rainbows; cooler water than the lake on hot days.
How to fish:
• Fly: #10–14 woolly bugger in deeper slots; #14 parachute Adams in riffles.
• Spin: 1/16 oz inline spinner; keep retrieves tight to current seams.
Editor’s note: Road access above Newlan Creek Reservoir can vary year-to-year. Confirm which forest roads are open on the MVUM or by calling the White Sulphur Springs Ranger District before heading upstream.
Season notes: Spring melt can swell or muddy creeks; late June–September is the most reliable window. Afternoon thunderstorms are common—pack a shell.
Access Basics
Enter via USFS campgrounds, trailheads, or public bridges.
Carry the MVUM to know which forest roads are open.
Once you’ve reached the water legally, you may walk and fish below the ordinary high-water mark, even if banks above are private—just don’t cross fences or yards to get there.
Clean, Drain, Dry between waters and carry bear spray.
Small-Stream Kit (Fits in a Pocket)
Fly: Elk Hair Caddis #14–16, Parachute Adams #14–18, Hippie Stomper/Chubby #10–12; droppers: PT or Perdigon #16–18.
Spin: 1/16 oz gold/silver inline spinners; micro spoon.
Tippet: 4–5X Net: Short-handle rubber bag.
Seasons at a glance
April: Smith: low/clear if you hit it early; nymphs/dry-dropper; cold water and cold nights. Reservoirs: ice-out trout cruise the shallows—great shore bite. Creeks: snowy/muddy approaches; lower elevations may fish.
May–June: Smith: rising flows, salmonflies possible mid-May into June; streamers and rubberlegs in color. Reservoirs: strong trout bite; start kokanee searches as temps climb. Creeks: come alive—small dries with a beadhead dropper.
July–August: Smith: warmer temps; fish mornings/evenings and watch for moss. Terrestrials shine. Reservoirs: early/late windows, deeper mid-day. Creeks: classic dry-fly hopscotch; bring bug spray.
September–October: Smith: occasional float windows post-runoff; short days, chilly nights. Reservoirs: trout turn on in cool spells; kokanee color up. Creeks: low/clear and spooky—long leaders, careful wading.
Simple tackle plans that work
Fly (pack once, fish everywhere)
Rods: 9’ 5-wt (all-around), optional 6-wt for streamers/wind on lakes.
Leaders: 9’ 3X–5X; add 4X/5X tippet.
Nymphs: Rubberlegs (coffee/black #6–10), Pheasant Tail/Perdigon (#14–18), Zebra Midge (#18–20).
Dries: Parachute Adams (#14–18), Elk Hair Caddis (#12–16), PMD Sparkle Dun (#16–18), Hoppers (tan/olive #8–12), Ants (#14–16).
Streamers: Thin-mint / olive/black woolly buggers (#6–10), small sculpin patterns on a floating or intermediate line.
Lake adds: Damsel nymphs, callibaetis nymphs, a simple foam beetle for fun evenings.
Spin (ultralight + medium-light)
Creeks: 1/16 oz inline spinners (gold/silver/black), tiny spoons; single hooks, gently pinched barbs.
Rivers: 1/8–1/4 oz spoons/spinners; small jerkbaits in overcast, drifted worms where legal.
Reservoirs: Slip-bobber + worm or PowerBait; 1/8 oz spoon/undressed spinner slow-rolled along the first drop.
Access, etiquette, and staying legal
Licenses: Montana fishing licenses required (age 12+). Buy online or at Twin Sisters Trading Co. Carry it.
Stream Access: You can walk and fish below the ordinary high-water mark when you legally access the water. Don’t cross or linger on private land above that line.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS): Clean, Drain, Dry boats and gear. Use inspection stations when entering MT or crossing basins. Carry your AIS pass if required.
Bears & food storage: This is bear country. Keep food/garbage locked and out of camp when unattended. On the Smith corridor, bear-resistant storage is required.
Campfires: Use designated rings where provided, follow current restrictions, and make fires dead-out.
Hoot-owl & closures: Hot summers can trigger afternoon fishing closures on some waters. Check current notices and adjust your plan.
Safety: Weather flips quickly. Wear a PFD in any boat. Wading staff + felt or studs help on slick rock. Lightning? Get off ridges and away from tall, isolated trees.
Easy plans for different trips
Half day with kids (zero stress)
Head to Newlan Creek Reservoir. Rig slip-bobbers with worms near a drop-off, toss spoons/spinners between snacks. Bring a net and a camp chair.
One day, road & wade
Start on a mountain creek for dry-fly hopscotch. Afternoon/evening at Martinsdale/Sutherlin tossing small buggers or soaking a slip-bobber as the wind dies.
First visit weekend
Day 1: Lake day at Newlan—mix shore fishing and a short kayak lap.
Day 2: Smith River access near town for walking and casting along a public reach (watch the high-water mark), then dinner back in White Sulphur Springs.
Quick Reference: Hatch Calendar & Tackle Cheat Sheets
Hatch & food calendar (what fish eat most months)
April: Midges, Baetis (BWOs) midday.
May: Salmonflies (timing varies), March browns, caddis.
June: Golden stones, PMDs, caddis; damsels/callibaetis on lakes.
July: PMDs taper, caddis evenings; terrestrials (ants/hoppers).
August: Terrestrials rule mornings/evenings; mid-day siesta.
September: Cooler caddis windows; small mayflies return; trout roam shallows on lakes.
October: Fall Baetis; streamer bite bumps on cold snaps.
Grab-and-go fly box (one small box that covers most days)
Dries: Parachute Adams 14–18, Elk Hair Caddis 12–16, PMD 16–18, Hippie Stomper/Chubby 8–12, Ants 14–16, Hoppers 8–10.
Nymphs: Rubberlegs 6–10, Pheasant Tail/Perdigon 14–18, Zebra Midge 18–20.
Streamers: Woolly Bugger (olive/black/thin-mint) 6–10; small sculpin.
Spin kit (fits in a sandwich bag)
Creeks: 1/16 oz gold & silver inline spinners; 1/16 oz micro spoon.
Rivers: 1/8 oz gold spoon; 1/8 oz spinner (gold/black); few snelled hooks for worms where legal.
Reservoirs: Slip-bobbers, size 6–8 bait hooks, split shot, small barrel swivels; 1/8 oz spoon.
Local resources & logistics (handy, not hype)
Twin Sisters Trading Company — White Sulphur Springs’ all-around adventure store
Before you head toward the river, stop for last-minute flies, leaders, licenses, and basic outdoor gear. Locals rely on it year-round, and the state liquor store section makes stocking camp simple.
14 S Central Ave • 📞 [Call (406) 547-3259](tel:+14065473259) • (406) 547-3259 • Hours: Mon–Sat 9–6, Sun 10–2
Charlie’s Think Wild Shuttle Service — The trusted Smith River vehicle shuttle
Floating the Smith means starting at Camp Baker and taking out 59 miles downriver at Eden Bridge. Charlie’s moves your rig while you’re off-grid. Book ahead online or by phone.
📞 [Call (406) 547-6338](tel:+14065476338) • (406) 547-6338 • Register now!
Bar Z Riverside Ranch — Intimate, private-water fishing lodge
For a capstone day before/after a Smith trip—or a dedicated walk-and-wade experience—Bar Z hosts small groups on private trout water with guides, meals, and mountain-view cabins. Reservations in advance required • Book your stay!
More town notes:
Castle Mountain Grocery often has ice, last-minute camp goods, basic tackle/flies, and sometimes firewood.
For a quick bite or caffeine before heading out, Wild Oats Baking has fresh pastries and espresso on Main Street, and Town Pump handles early-morning fuel, coffee, and snacks.
The Ranger Station on W Folsom is the best place to verify road status into the mountains and pick up an MVUM.
FAQs we hear all the time
Do I need a permit to fish the Smith from shore?
Not to fish from shore at legal public access or below the ordinary high-water mark where you reached the river legally. You do need a permit to float the Smith corridor.
Can beginners do well here?
Absolutely. Start with Newlan Creek Reservoir for action and easy access. Then try a small mountain creek with a simple dry-dropper. You don’t have to start on the 59-mile float.
Barbless only?
Not required everywhere, but strongly recommended. It protects fish and makes releases quick.
Best month to plan a first trip?
If you’re flexible, late June hits a sweet spot for many waters (weather permitting). For pure “fun and simple” with kids, June/early July lakes are hard to beat.
Final word
Fishing around White Sulphur Springs blends big-sky scenery with down-to-earth access. You can keep it easy—bobbers on a reservoir shoreline—or go full Montana—sneaking dries along mountain creeks or rowing through limestone walls. Respect the land and the rules, watch the weather and flows, and you’ll leave with exactly what people come here for: a couple fish, a bunch of stories, and that “we’re coming back” feeling.