Smith River Full Day Float Trip in Virginia
Private Trip
River Fishing
Seven-hour guided float trip on Virginia's Smith RiverExpert fly fishing instruction for two anglers includedFull-day experience priced at $450 for both guests
The Smith River cuts through some of Virginia's most pristine water, and Lucky Strips Fly Co. knows every bend, pool, and run where trout like to hold. This 7-hour guided float trip takes two anglers down stretches of river that most folks never see from the bank. You'll drift through mountain scenery while working flies through deep pools and riffle sections where brook, brown, and rainbow trout feed throughout the day. At $450 for the full experience, you're getting access to prime water with a guide who's spent years learning where fish stack up during different seasons and water conditions.
We'll launch early and spend the day working downstream, hitting the best holding water as we float. The Smith River flows clear and cold through mountain valleys, creating perfect habitat for wild trout populations. Your guide will handle the boat positioning while you focus on reading the water and presenting flies to rising fish. We'll anchor up in productive pools, work the banks in slower sections, and drift-fish through faster runs where trout ambush food coming downstream. The river changes character throughout the day - from deeper pools in the morning to shallow gravel beds perfect for sight-fishing by afternoon. You'll learn to read different water types and adjust your approach as conditions change. This isn't a put-and-take fishery where stocked trout sit in obvious spots. These are wild fish that require skill and patience, but when you hook into a Smith River native, you'll know the difference immediately.
We fish primarily with fly rods on the Smith, matching hatches and adjusting tactics based on what's working each day. Your guide carries boxes full of local patterns - everything from size 18 blue-winged olives to bigger streamers that trigger aggressive strikes from territorial browns. In deeper pools, we'll often nymph-fish with weighted flies, drifting them through current seams where trout hold and feed. When surface activity picks up, usually mid-morning or late afternoon, we switch to dry flies and work rising fish individually. The river has excellent mayfly and caddis hatches throughout the season, plus terrestrial patterns work well during summer months when ants and beetles fall from overhanging trees. Streamer fishing can be deadly here too, especially for larger brown trout that prefer chasing baitfish to sipping bugs off the surface. Your guide will tie on flies and help with technique, but experienced anglers appreciate having their own favorite patterns along for the ride.
Brook trout are the true natives here, and catching one feels like connecting with Virginia's fishing heritage. These colorful char prefer the coldest, cleanest water and typically run 8-12 inches, though the Smith holds some chunky 14-inchers that'll surprise you. They're most active during cooler months and early mornings, often rising to dry flies in shallow pocket water. Brooks are aggressive feeders but spook easily, so stealth and accurate casting pay off. The white-tipped fins and vivid orange bellies make them unmistakable, and their willingness to hit dry flies creates some of the most visual fishing you'll find.
Brown trout bring the fight and cunning that serious anglers crave. The Smith's browns average 10-14 inches but occasionally produce fish pushing 18 inches that'll test your gear and skills. They're most active during low-light periods and often hold in undercut banks or deeper pools during bright conditions. Browns become more aggressive in fall as they prepare for spawning, making October and November prime months for targeting larger fish. They're notorious for following flies multiple times before committing, and experienced browns often require perfect presentations to fool. When you do hook one, expect powerful runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart racing.
Rainbow trout complete the slam and offer perhaps the most aerial displays once hooked. Smith River rainbows typically run 9-13 inches and prefer faster water with good oxygen levels. They're active throughout the day and readily take both nymphs and dry flies, making them great fish for learning different techniques. Spring months see the best rainbow action as water temperatures climb and insect activity increases. These fish jump repeatedly when hooked and make blistering runs that test your drag system. Their silver sides and pink stripe make them beautiful fish to photograph before release.
The Smith River offers consistent fishing through multiple seasons, but prime dates fill up quickly with repeat customers who know what they're getting. This full-day float gives you maximum time on quality water with professional guidance that'll improve your skills whether you're new to fly fishing or looking to fine-tune your technique. At $450 for two anglers, you're splitting the cost of a world-class fishing experience that includes boat transportation, expert instruction, and access to private or lightly-fished stretches of river. Lucky Strips Fly Co. has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching proper techniques and conservation practices. The 7-hour timeframe lets you experience different water types and fishing situations without feeling rushed, and most trips produce multiple species for a true Virginia trout slam.
The River Rat is your ticket to exploring Virginia's Smith River in comfort and style. This compact 12-foot Utah-built motorboat seats three but accommodates two guests perfectly for a full day of fly fishing. With a zippy 23-knot top speed, she'll get you to those prime fishing holes quickly, then drift smoothly through deeper pools where the big ones hide. Her shallow draft design lets you navigate skinny water that bigger boats can't reach, opening up secluded stretches where fish haven't seen many flies. The three-seat layout gives you plenty of room to cast without tangling lines with your fishing partner. Whether you're working dry flies through morning hatches or nymphing deep runs in the afternoon, the River Rat's stable platform keeps you positioned right where the action is. Perfect for accessing those hard-to-reach spots along Virginia's scenic waterways.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are Virginia's native jewels - small, spirited fish that rarely exceed 12 inches in our mountain streams. You'll spot them by their olive backs with yellow spots and signature red dots circled in blue. These beauties love cold, clean water under 68°F, hiding near fallen logs, undercut banks, and boulder pools in our smaller creeks. They're incredibly wary and require stealth to catch. Fall through early spring offers the best action when water temps drop. What makes them special? They're wild, native fish that fight hard for their size and taste amazing. My go-to tip: cast upstream and let your fly drift naturally - any drag will spook them instantly.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Virginia waters, averaging 12-18 inches with some monsters pushing 24 inches. These golden-brown beauties with black spots prefer deeper pools, undercut banks, and structure in our cooler rivers. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, evening, and overcast days work best. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter. What draws anglers? Their incredible fighting ability and wariness that makes landing one a real achievement. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Here's my secret: fish the deeper runs during bright days - while other trout hide, browns often stay active in the shadows of deeper water.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the acrobats of Virginia rivers, typically running 10-16 inches with that classic pink stripe and black-spotted silver body. They love fast-moving water with good oxygen - look for them in riffles, pocket water, and below rapids. Spring through fall fishing is productive, but they really turn on during hatches and cooler weather. What makes them a blast? They jump, run, and fight harder than their size suggests. Plus they're great eating with that mild, sweet flavor. They're stocked regularly in the Smith River system, so numbers stay strong. Pro tip: when you see them rising to insects, switch to a dry fly that matches what's hatching - they can be picky but it's worth the effort.
Richmond