SMOOTH RIVER GUIDING CO.
A day on the water should be smooth
"Because the best fishing happens when everything slows down"
A good day on the water doesn’t feel rushed. It unfolds naturally—clean drifts, thoughtful casts, and time to pay attention. That’s the idea behind Smooth River Guiding Co.
Based in Southern Ontario, we offer guided fishing experiences focused on fly fishing, light tackle and conventional fishing techniques, with an emphasis on learning and long-term improvement. Whether you’re picking up a fly rod for the first time or refining your spin fishing presentations, each trip is built to help you fish more effectively and understand the water in front of you.
Smooth River Guiding is owned and operated by Matt Martin, a multi-species angler who spends his seasons moving between trout rivers and open water lakes. One day might be introducing a client to wild resident trout; the next, running his boat only to jump out and wade clear shallows in search of carp, northern pike, or hard-charging smallmouth bass. No matter the species, the approach stays the same—patient, thoughtful, and rooted in respect for the fish and the places they live.
TRIPS OFFERED
Lets hit the water
INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING
$500 - Up to two anglers
Want to bring an extra friend or two? Additional anglers can be accommodated. *
Inquire for pricing.
This trip is designed for anglers who are new to fly fishing or looking for a solid foundation.
During this four-hour guided session, you’ll learn the fundamentals that matter most—reading the water, choosing the right fly, tying essential knots, and developing a reliable casting stroke.
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The focus is on education and understanding, giving you the tools and confidence to continue your fly fishing journey long after the day is over.
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All gear can be provided, so there’s no need to invest in equipment before you’re ready.
WALK AND WADE GUIDE DAY- TROUT,
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$600 - up to two anglers
Want to bring an extra friend or two? Additional anglers can be accommodated. Inquire for pricing.
Spend a full day on some of Southern Ontario’s finest trout waters, including the Credit and Grand Rivers, and other hidden creeks. Whether your goal is dry fly fishing for brook trout, euro nymphing for brown trout, or casting big streamers for aggressive fish, a guided day with Smooth River will greatly improve your chances of success.
Our focus is more than just catching fish. Every trip emphasizes education—teaching you the skills and techniques that ensure you continue to be successful long after your guide day
ends.
STEELHEAD
$650 — up to two anglers
Want to bring an extra friend or two? Additional anglers can be accommodated. Inquire for pricing.
Steelhead are among Ontario’s most thrilling freshwater fish—powerful, aggressive, and full of explosive runs that will test both skill and stamina. Whether fly fishing or float fishing, the fight these fish put up makes every cast worthwhile.
Trips are available as drift boat adventures or walk-and-wade excursions on the Nottawasaga River, Bighead River, Credit River, and eastern tributaries of Lake Ontario. Each outing is designed to maximize your success while focusing on technique, water reading, and the knowledge you can carry forward to future
trips.
WALK AND WADE/FLOAT TRIPS- WARM WATER SPECIES
$650 — up to two anglers
Want to bring an extra friend or two? Additional anglers can be accommodated. Inquire for pricing.
As the waters warm, the fishing heats up. Spend a day chasing smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, longnose gar, and northern pike across Georgian bays scenic flats.
If the wind kicks up or clouds roll in, we also have excellent nearby rivers for smallmouth bass—there’s nothing quite like throwing surface flies to provoke explosive strikes from trophy fish.
Trips are available as walk-and-wade adventures on Southern Georgian Bay, or drift boat excursions on Nottawasga, Bighead and Saugeen rivers, providing a productive and memorable day on the water
POWER BOAT- BASS TRIPS
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$750 - up to two anglers for local trips
Trailering costs vary depending on distance traveled.
​Inquire for pricing.
We’re excited to announce that Smooth River Guiding has joined the StarCraft Marine Pro Staff team for 2025! Step aboard our 185 StarCraft Delta and explore the shallow-water flats of Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching and surrounding Muskoka lakes in search of trophy smallmouth and largemouth bass.
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Sight fishing these flats is an unforgettable experience—spotting a large fish and making the perfect presentation is what summer fishing dreams are made of. While we specialize in fly fishing tactics, we also guide anglers using spinning and baitcasting setups, offering a fresh perspective on Ontario’s fisheries.
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Trips run late June through October, providing the ideal window to target big bass in some of Ontario’s most scenic waters
POWER BOAT- PIKE OR MUSKY FISHING
$750 - up to two anglers for local trips
Trailering costs vary depending on distance traveled.
Inquire for pricing.
Warm spring days, cold water, big flies, and powerful fish—this is pike fishing at its finest. As the season progresses, we chase Musky across Ontario’s lakes and rivers, targeting these sunbathing predators in Simcoe, Muskoka, Grey Bruce, and beyond.
No specialized 10- or 11-weight fly rod? No problem. We provide all the gear you need to cast large flies and experience the thrill of hooking these giant fish.
Trips are available May through November for pike and June through November for Musky, with cooler months often producing the best action. We guide fly and conventional fishing trips on Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching, Muskoka lakes, and many Kawartha-region waters.
ICE FISHING TRIPS​
$600 - up to two anglers for local trips
Travel costs may apply depending on distance.
Inquire for pricing.
Experience the thrill of ice fishing in comfort. We provide heated huts, brand-new Shimano rods and reels, Garmin Livescope, Eskimo electric Augers and a Yamaha venture RS snowmobile to make transportation and set up easy—so you can focus on fishing. This isn’t just a hut rental; we’ll be right beside you, coaching through every opportunity and sharing the techniques and setups that put more fish on the ice.
Wild Georgian Bay lake trout are our specialty, and early-season trips for perch, crappie and pike on lake Simcoe, lake Couchiching and a variety of lakes in Muskoka, are perfect for first-time ice anglers looking to experience the excitement of winter fishing.
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"Really, the only thing a psychiatrist can do that a good (fishing) guide can't is write prescriptions"
CONTACT ME
Get in touch today to schedule a day on the water with Smooth River Guiding Co.
