Photo courtesy of Tim McWilliams

Noted for its spectacular scenery and renowned trout fishery, the Smith River is unique in that it has only one public put-in and one public take-out for the entire 59-mile segment of river. To help preserve the unique quality of this area, a permit is required and overnight camping must take place at designated boat camps. The Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge is the only river corridor managed by Montana State Parks, a division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, as a permitted river. Permits for private floats on the Smith River are allocated to the public via a lottery system prior to the spring season. Permit applications are typically available the first week of January each year, with an application deadline of mid-February.

Smith River Super Permit applications are available until March 15, 2012. In addition to the regular private float permits, FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. Float fees are not included with the Super Permit and must be paid when registering at Camp Baker. There is no limit to the number of chances someone may purchase ($5 per chance). The money from the sale of Super Permit chances will be deposited into the Smith River Corridor Enhancement Account.

You can only apply for the Super Permit online through FWP's Automated Licensing System.

Super Permit results will be available March 19, 2012.

• 2012 Smith River Common Questions ( 21 KB)

Consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to get an overview of the Smith River and check for Advisories, Restrictions, and Closures. If you don’t find all the answers you’re looking for on this website, you can contact the Smith River State Park office in Great Falls at (406) 454-5840.

Reminders for 2012 Float Season

• $10 nonrefundable permit application fee.
  
  The permit application fee for Montana residents and Non-Residents is a $10 non-refundable fee that must accompany each application.
  
   
• Applicants must be a minimum of 12 years of age.
  
  A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their application. There is no age restriction to participate on a Smith River float trip.
  
   
• Peak Season Waiting Period
  
  A person who receives a permit through the lottery for a launch date during the time period of May 15 through July 15 (peak season) will not be allowed to apply for a permit for this time period the following year. They may still apply for launch dates outside this time period, accompany other permitted trips, or acquire a cancelled permit for any launch date.
  
   
• Super Permit Lottery
  
  In addition to the regular private float permits, FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. Float fees are not included with the Super Permit and must be paid when registering at Camp Baker. There is no limit to the number of chances someone may purchase ($5 per chance). The money from the sale of Super Permit chances will be deposited into the Smith River Corridor Enhancement Account.
  
   
• Human waste pack-out required to use Deep Creek Boat Camp
  
  Floaters wanting to camp at Deep Creek boat camp must pack-out human waste using a commercially produced or other approved human waste pack-out system.
  
   
• Only successful applicants will be notified.
  
  FWP no longer notifies unsuccessful permit applicants. Lottery results will be posted on the FWP website.
  
   
• Float fees for residents age 13 and older are $25; non-residents age 13 and older are $60.
  
  6-12 year olds=$15 (residents and non-residents) and 5 years and under=FREE (residents and non-residents).
   
  
   
• Float fees are applicable year-round.
   
• No pets are allowed on Smith River float trips.
  
  This restriction does not apply to legitimate service dogs and hunting dogs used for lawful hunting purposes during legal hunting seasons.
  
   
• Sign-in at Camp Baker is limited to 24-hours in advance.
  
  Floaters may sign-in (check-in) at Camp Baker beginning at 7:30 AM on the day prior to their launch date in order to secure a "place in line" for registration.
  
   

Permits

A permit is required year-round to float the Smith River. The permit page provides detailed information about applying for a permit—including significant dates, fees, and rules.

Plan Your Float

Once you’ve obtained a permit, you can begin planning your float. The links below will assist you with the planning process.

• Permit Area Float Map —This map shows land ownership and boat camps along the Smith River from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge.
• Smith River State Park and River Corridor Biennial Rule —Here are the official rules relating to the Smith River, as approved by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission.
• Rules and Regulations—Here are the floating and camping regulations for the Camp Baker launch site and the River Corridor.
• USGS Flow Data —Check the current stream flow for the Smith River at this USGS site
• Private Services (Shuttle, Bed & Breakfast) —For your convenience, we have provided a list of shuttle services and bed and breakfasts in the Smith River area.
• Fishing Guide —The Smith River Fishing Guide has information on species present, fishing and boating regulations, fishing pressure and more.

Ethics

The Smith River is a special place. As a visitor, you have the responsibility to be a steward of the land and the fishery, as well as respect private property and the experiences of other floaters.

• Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics —To protect the pristine nature of the Smith River, it is very important to recreate with minimal impact. Please practice these outdoor ethics when visiting this river corridor.
• Respect Private Property —Approximately 80% of the property through the Smith River corridor is private property. The success of Smith River State Park & River Corridor depends upon cooperation with private property owners.
• Angler & Boating Ethics —Here are some ways in which river recreationists can avoid conflicts by being considerate and mannerly to other users.

Authorized Smith River Outfitters

FWP maintains a list of the only outfitters permitted and authorized to conduct guided float trips on the Smith River.

Management Plans & Reports

• Smith River Management Plan ( 3.0 MB)—To ensure that the resources are protected and the Smith River experience remains high, this plan directs the long range development and management of the river corridor.
• Smith River Annual Report —View this comprehensive summary of management activities, visitor use statistics, and social and resource conditions on the Smith River corridor during the past field season.