What Should I Bring - Fishing and Paddle Trips
Trip Preparation
Trip Preparation
You are responsible for yourself and your personal items on the river. You must be in good health and be physically fit. You should be in good mental condition and know your limitations. You should expect fun and relaxation, but know that there will be some challenges. You may need to assist in loading and unloading your vessel if on a flyfishing raft trip. and carry it over short distances. Because of the risks associated with any water sport, it is recommended that you be a competent swimmer. If you have any special medical conditions, consult your doctor before taking any trips and notify us about your condition before participating. Outdoor recreational activities have inherent risks, dangers, and hazards. Your participation in such activities, including use of Smith River Outfiiters services and equipment, may result in injury, illness, or death. Smith River Outfiiters assumes no responsibility for personal safety
Things we provide-
For flyfishing float and wade trips, we provide all flyfishing tackle and gear. We also provide snacks and drinks and lunch on full day floats.
Things you should bring-
1. Comfortable fishing attire. Shirts and shorts / pants of breathable fabric appropriate for summer months. Its is highly recommend you bring a rain jacket or warm shirt in a dry bag to carry on the river. The Smith River flows from the bottom of Philpott dam at 45 degrees and although it warms up as you move downstream, "natures AC" will chill you even in the heat of summer.
2. Old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals – NO FLIP FLOPS!
3. Sunscreen and a hat.
4. If you wear glasses, a retainer strap is recommended.
5. Towel and dry clothes for after the trip.
6. In cool weather, you should wear wool clothing and a windbreaker or a rain jacket.
7. Please do not bring along any jewelry or other valuables.
8. Plenty to drink!! Cold drinks for hot weather and warm drinks for cold weather. (You can even pack a picnic.)
9. Valid Virginia Fishing License is required for all persons age 16 or older planning to fish. If you are a non-resident of Virginia, you are required to have a permit if you are 12 or older.
For flyfishing float and wade trips, we provide all flyfishing tackle and gear. We also provide snacks and drinks and lunch on full day floats.
Things you should bring-
1. Comfortable fishing attire. Shirts and shorts / pants of breathable fabric appropriate for summer months. Its is highly recommend you bring a rain jacket or warm shirt in a dry bag to carry on the river. The Smith River flows from the bottom of Philpott dam at 45 degrees and although it warms up as you move downstream, "natures AC" will chill you even in the heat of summer.
2. Old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals – NO FLIP FLOPS!
3. Sunscreen and a hat.
4. If you wear glasses, a retainer strap is recommended.
5. Towel and dry clothes for after the trip.
6. In cool weather, you should wear wool clothing and a windbreaker or a rain jacket.
7. Please do not bring along any jewelry or other valuables.
8. Plenty to drink!! Cold drinks for hot weather and warm drinks for cold weather. (You can even pack a picnic.)
9. Valid Virginia Fishing License is required for all persons age 16 or older planning to fish. If you are a non-resident of Virginia, you are required to have a permit if you are 12 or older.
Fishing -
There is a 7 inch minimum on Rainbows and Brooks and a slot limit on Browns No Browns may be kept in the 10 - 24 inch slot.
Smith River Outfitters practices catch and release on all trips.
See the VDGIF website for up to date info on Trout regulations and license
We are an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide Service offering float and wade trips to all ages and ability levels . It is our mission to get new people into the sport of fly fishing as well as show the seasoned veteran all the Smith River has to offer. The Smith has 31 miles of crystal clear water from Philpott Dam to Mitchel Bridge with ten access points. The fishing is mainly for wild Brown trout with an average of 1800 fish per mile.
There is a 7 inch minimum on Rainbows and Brooks and a slot limit on Browns No Browns may be kept in the 10 - 24 inch slot.
Smith River Outfitters practices catch and release on all trips.
See the VDGIF website for up to date info on Trout regulations and license
We are an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide Service offering float and wade trips to all ages and ability levels . It is our mission to get new people into the sport of fly fishing as well as show the seasoned veteran all the Smith River has to offer. The Smith has 31 miles of crystal clear water from Philpott Dam to Mitchel Bridge with ten access points. The fishing is mainly for wild Brown trout with an average of 1800 fish per mile.
