Give or book "Smith River Guided Day Float"
Guided Float day(s). If a gift, when you get to the option for dates just select "Gift-TBD." We will promptly mail you a gift certificate. If you are booking for yourself then we will confirm date(s) next business day.
Full Day Float Trip on Smith River
Raft for 2-Person float $575 total daily
Raft for 1-Person $525 total daily
+ Included
Guide, lunch, hydration (non-alcoholic) drinks, equipment use (fly rods & reels and waders if you need them).
+Not included
Va state fishing license, guide tip at client discretion, lost flies.
Full Day Walk & Wade on Smith River
1-Person $475
2-Person $525
+ Included
Guide, lunch, hydration (non-alcoholic) drinks, equipment use (fly rods & reels and waders if you need them).
+ Not included
Va state fishing license, guide tip at client discretion, lost flies.
CONTACT US or call 434-385-0200 to book your trip on the Smith.
Smith River tailwater was created from construction of Philpot Dam in the late 1940's to early 1950's. Coldwater fishery was created and stocked by VDGIF the next year and the brown trout immediately "took" and reproduced to create an excellent wild trout fishery. A fluke event in the early 1970's led to Billy Neese's state record Brown of 18 lbs, 11 oz which still stands today. Billy used to call our shop every 10 yrs and tell us how he caught it! The state also stocks rainbow and occasionally brook trout in the Smith. While the average trout range from 6" - 13" we catch larger fish on some occasions to which our guides can take you if you book with us.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of licenses do we need?
Virginia residents 16 and over need a valid Va freshwater fishing license. Non-Virginia residents 12 and over need a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license. If you are over the age of 65 you need a Va fishing license.
2. Can we keep fish? Can we spin fish?
No to both questions, Our guided trips are fly fishing only, catch and release! We do not like to kill our business associates. While we have nothing against spin fishermen personally, we are a fly shop and agree with the owners that fly fishing is the most sporting way to fish for trout.
3. What are the best times of year to fish?
One can fish the Smith all year round from late February - late November and sometimes December so long as the water level is sufficient. We will review our favorite times when we speak with you.
4. Billing - what is deposit & cancellation policy?
At time of booking we require a 50% deposit with balance due a day or two before the trip. (Store is located away from the SMith and is not open Sundays.) If you have to reschedule we work with you with sufficient notice to reschedule. As a policy we do not provide outright refunds because, like airline flights, we cannot resell these days as we get closer to the event without taking a bath.
5. What type of trout can we expect to catch? Wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout are standard on the Smith. You may also encounter brook trout as well.
6. What is the program for flies, especially if we are taking a guided trip with you? If guided, then basic flies are included but not lost flies, as these vary from client to client based on proficiency. Guides will be taking flies out of their box as they really are working hard for you to catch fish. Most clients buy some flies from the shop ahead of time and keep those remaining flies at end of trip; so we dont' tend to worry about their lost flies. The rare clients who don't go with this program settle up with guides on lost flies at end of trip.
7. What is a typical tip for our guide? A good question, albeit an awkward one to answer. Our guides will be working hard to ensure you have a fun trip and Lord willing catch fish. Each appreciates your recognition at the end of the day. Percentages are similar to a restaurant.
Does guide use Veemo? Some do, some do not. Some can use Zelle. Please Call shop if you are in a jam.
