Approximately 80% of the property within the Smith River corridor is private property. The success of the Smith River program depends upon cooperation with private property owners. It is critical that recreational floaters respect private property rights in the corridor by adhering to the following advice:

• Please be aware of private property while floating the river. This can be easily done by following the changing land ownerships and boundaries indicated on the river maps provided to each float group at Camp Baker. Each boatcamp has a mileage marker associated with it on the map so floaters can tell how far they have traveled.
• Please pay attention to all private property and any signs posted along the river. It is the floaters responsibility to know where they are at all times.
• Do not pull over on private lands. Do not camp, build fires, or trespass on private property.
• Please note the last 12 miles of river between Rattlesnake Boatcamp and the Eden Bridge take-out point is entirely privately owned on both sides of the river.
• FWP leases the following boatcamps from private landowners: Staigmiller, Upper/Middle/Lower Ridgetop, Upper/Lower Givens Gulch, and Upper/Lower Rattlesnake. The ability of FWP to continue to lease these important boatcamps for use by the public depends upon floaters respecting these private properties. Please do your part to ensure that all the boatcamps are kept clean of garbage and litter, and that all campfires are completely out before leaving the site.
• Please do not trespass onto private property to collect firewood, either from the river or from the boatcamps. Firewood is becoming more difficult to find along the river each year. Consider bringing all firewood you plan to use with you on your trip. More and more floaters are realizing the benefit of this effort each year. Additionally, note that due to floater requests, firewood bundles are now available for purchase at Camp Baker.
• We ask that floaters respect individual private property owners and not stop in front of cabins to fish.
• The Montana Stream Access law allows people to access streams within the ordinary high water mark. If you choose to stop along your float to wade fish on the Smith River or any side tributaries (Sheep Creek, Rock Creek, Tenderfoot Creek or Hound Creek) be sure to stay within the ordinary high water mark. If you are not within the ordinary high water mark or on public property, you are trespassing on private property.
  
• Please report trespassers to a River Ranger or 1-800-TIP-MONT.