Smith River

I'm heading for Camp Baker in the morning and launching Saturday, taking out Wednesday. I will post a TR when I get back.

We put in on Monday-


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We are putting in on Sunday (7/13) and with the water level heading down towards 300 cfs, I would appreciate any reports from trips this week. Thanks!

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Just off a few days ago...no bear activity, good weather, a little boat dragging if you don't stay in the main channel...even then, still is unavoidable once or twice a day.

Big Golden Stones will do well on top, especially in the morning and evening, had a nice long brown drake hatch about 40 miles into the float, nymphing worked well during the day, both springs are running nice to fill water.

FYI, were told starting next year (2105), mandatory IGBC Certified Bear-Resistant containers or electric fence to float.

PSUFlyFisher said:

FYI, were told starting next year (2105), mandatory IGBC Certified Bear-Resistant containers or electric fence to float.

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That might actually cut use a bit and make permits easier to get... will be interesting to see how this shakes out.

Assume nearby outfitters will begin renting bear proof containers and fences, along with the rafts they already rent, etc. If the policy goes into effect, would be nice to see the park website link to some nearby rental options or even better...obtain a grant to purchase a large quantity of fences from a manufacturer and provide a fence at Camp Baker for a CC deposit or small rental fee and floater checks it back in at the take out. I wouldn't complain if my chances on a permit increase with the proposed regulation change.

PSUFlyFisher said:

Assume nearby outfitters will begin renting bear proof containers and fences, along with the rafts they already rent, etc. If the policy goes into effect, would be nice to see the park website link to some nearby rental options or even better...obtain a grant to purchase a large quantity of fences from a manufacturer and provide a fence at Camp Baker for a CC deposit or small rental fee and floater checks it back in at the take out. I wouldn't complain if my chances on a permit increase with regulation.

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unfortunately, that's way to proactive for FWP, They'll never post a link and wouldn't think about spending money on purchasing equipment for public use. They're probably having a floating bear trap built as we speak so they can play biologists...

I'm sure a few of the rental places will invest, but there really aren't that many anyways and for the first year I'm sure they'll just stock up to rig their package deals.

I'm certain this will cut down on applications, which is fine... I don't know how many seyvlors I've seen on the Smith, but its a lot and if those folks won't spring for a raft rental for safety, they're not going to rent bear boxes nor fences... I bet apps go down by 25%... just a guess. And that makes me happy!

I think you are being optimistic on the apps going down that far.

Luanch tomorrow. Should be great fishing.

Maybe...time will tell I guess.

PSUFlyFisher said:

Assume nearby outfitters will begin renting bear proof containers and fences, along with the rafts they already rent, etc. If the policy goes into effect, would be nice to see the park website link to some nearby rental options or even better...obtain a grant to purchase a large quantity of fences from a manufacturer and provide a fence at Camp Baker for a CC deposit or small rental fee and floater checks it back in at the take out. I wouldn't complain if my chances on a permit increase with the proposed regulation change.

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portable battery powered fencers are cheap.
I have horses so I have a solar fencer and miles of wire. In all honesty though, common sense goes a long way with bears. Sucks that the government has to step in and babysit.