Know Before You Go!
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will be extending the Covid-19 contingency plan in 2022 for registering all private and commercial float groups, in order to continue strict social distancing. This contingency plan will remain in effect until further notice.
IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS
Registration Process
Registration will occur via phone, two days in advance of permit holders’ launch date. River Rangers will call permit holders, in a randomly selected order, between 1:00 and 3:30 pm, Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). For example, if your launch date is May 10, the Rangers will call you on May 08 between 1:00 and 3:30 pm, MDT. Permit holders must be prepared to provide the following information, prior to the phone call:
- Number of nights on the river and boat camp preference
- Names, ages and state of residence of all members of float group
- Number and type of watercraft
- Be prepared to pay full balance of permit fees via one credit cars
Please open the following documents to assist you with boat camp selection
- Smith River Site Map: Map of the Smith River with boat camps and river mileages.
- Boat Camps & Mileages: Listing all 52 boat camps and their respective river mileages.
No Overnight Camping at Camp Baker
Overnight camping will not be allowed at Camp Baker to comply with strict social distancing.
Ranger Station Will be Closed to the Public
The Ranger Station at Camp Baker will be closed to the public to comply with strict social distancing.
Thank you for your cooperation. Have a safe and enjoyable trip on the Smith River!
Additional Permit Info
Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Permit holders must bring photo ID to the put-in. Permit holders must cancel their permit if they are not going to use their launch regardless of weather or water flows above 100 cfs. Failure to cancel a permit at least 2 days prior to your launch date, at flows above 100 cfs, will result in losing next years’ privileges for the Smith River permit drawing.
Successful applicants who receive a permit during the time period of May 15 through July 15 (peak season) will not be eligible to apply for a permit for this time period the following year. This pertains even if the permit is cancelled. They may still apply for launch dates outside this time period, accompany other permitted trips or acquire a cancelled permit for any launch date.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) provides this list of private services (shuttles, equipment rentals, and accommodations) solely for the convenience of the recreating public. In providing this list FWP assumes no liability whatsoever for any loss incurred by anyone, including any person who may choose to make use of these services nor does FWP make any express or implied warranty or representation of competency or fitness of these services.
Shuttles and Equipment Rentals
All River Equipment
Dana Corson
201 N Hannaford (office); 2920 Billings Ave (rental delivery and pick-up)
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 431-1815
Email: rentals@allriverequipment.com
Website: allriverequipment.com
Services offered: All River Equipment specializes in sales and rentals of self bailing rafts and NRS raft accessories, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, canoes, bear resistant coolers, camp gear, dry bags, camp kitchen gear and logistic services at the best prices around. Smith River packages are available and All River offers equipment drop off and pick up services.
The Base Camp
5 W. Broadway
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 443-5360
Email: Tim@thebasecamp.net
Website: thebasecamp.com
Services offered: Great selection of rental kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, PFD's, paddles and throw bags. Our store has a variety of dry bags, gloves and water accessories, and quality outdoor clothing and footwear to outfit your trip on the Smith River. We sell UDAP Bear Spray, and IGBC approved bear resistant Yeti coolers and UDAP Food Storage Bear Fences.
Bozeman Boat Rental
8118 Rolling Hills Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 404-6931
E-mail: reservations@bozemanboatrental.com
Website: bozemanboatrental.com
Services offered: Aire and NRS raft rentals with the fisherman and family in mind. Multi-day package discounts specifically for the Smith River. Dry boxes, 3 oars, raft trailer, fishing platforms, pfd’s, patch kit, Yeti 110 cooler and deluxe NRS fish frame included with every rental. Every raft is inflated and customized to your preference when you show up for pickup.
Castle Mountain Grocery
Shane Sereday
4273 E US HWY 12
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
(406) 547-3731
E-mail: castlemtnpllc@yahoo.com
Website: facebook.com/castlemountaingrocery
Services offered: IGBC approved Counter Assault bear fences for rental or purchase. Full grocery and drug store. Pre-made sandwiches, burger patties, homemade brats, precooked ring sausage. Flies, fishing tackle and bait. Camping supplies.
Charlie’s Think Wild Shuttle Service
Charlie Meeks
P.O. Box 282
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
(406) 547-6338
E-mail: charliesthinkwildshuttleservice@yahoo.com
Website: charliesthinkwildshuttleservice.com
Services offered: Vehicle shuttles.
CrossCurrents Fly Shop
Chris Strainer, Jennifer Harris
326 N Jackson
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 449-2292
E-mail: crosscurrentsflyshop@gmail.com
Website: crosscurrents.com
Services offered: Full service boat and equipment rental and sales only. Rentals include new to one year old AIRE and NRS self-bailing rafts with NRS adjustable rowing and fishing frames, inflatable kayaks and canoes, personal pontoons, SUP boards, flat bed trailers; river camping equipment including dry bags, dry boxes, super coolers, cots and shelters; and fly fishing gear including Orvis rods, reels, waders, and boots. Multi-day rental specials offered.
Craig Madsen’s Montana River Outfitters
Craig Madsen, Tim McKnight
923 10th Ave North
Great Falls, MT 59401
(406) 761-1677 or 1-800-800-8218
E-mail: mro@montana.com
Website: montanariveroutfitters.com
Services offered: Rentals, shuttles and sales of rafts, catarafts, canoes, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, personal pontoons, SUP boards, trailers, IGBC approved Yeti Coolers and UDAP Bear Shock electric food storage fences. Our rafts are state of the art, self-bailing boats complete with Smith River specialized and adjustable NRS rowing and fishing frames, with multi-day discounts. Complete river camping and fishing equipment rentals are available. Vehicle shuttles can be provided, as well as full service pick up and drop off service for people and equipment. Deluxe rental packages are a popular option, which include boats, camping, cooking gear, food packed in coolers and delivered to the put in and picked up at the take out.
Explore Rentals
Will Casella
32 Dollar Drive
Belgrade, MT 59714
(406) 922-0179
E-mail: office@explore-rentals.com
Website: explore-rentals.com
Services offered: NRS, Star, and Smithfly rafts professionally rigged for Smith River trips. IGBC compliant bear fences, coolers, dry boxes and bags, cooking kits, camp furniture, river shelters, and the most extensive inventory of rental camping gear in Montana. And rental cars to tow your boats up to the river!
Hatch Adventures
Stephan Morris
81549 Gallatin Rd, Unit #5
Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 223-4224
E-mail: info@hatchadventures.com
Website: hatchadventures.com
Services offered: NRS raft rentals, camping gear and everything you need for a memorable Smith River trip. Our NRS Outlaw rafts are fitted with a comfortable NRS fishing frame and come inflated on a trailer for easy transport. Lockable bear proof cooler, PFDs, patch kit, 3 oars and dry bag included with each rental. Smith River packages are available.
Rubber Ducky River Rentals
Marlie Anderson; Sissy Hampton
15 Mount Baldy
P.O. Box 808
Livingston, MT 59047
(406) 222-3746
Email: info@riverservices.com
Website: rubberduckyrentals.com
Services offered: Boat rentals only, including: rafts with rowing and fishing frames, kayaks, canoes, catarafts, trailer, and equipment rental and sales. Smith River trip rental specials offered.
Smith River Shuttle
Jody & Caroline Cox
1699 Millegan Rd
Great Falls MT 59405
(406) 866-3522 or 1 (866) 500-3522
E-mail: contact@smithrivershuttle.com
Website: smithrivershuttle.com/
Services offered: Vehicle shuttles, minor repairs. We wash and detail every vehicle we shuttle. Original owners/operators since 1996. Located ½ mile from the Eden Bridge take-out. You float, we drive. Clean car when you arrive!
The Trail Head
221 East Front St
Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 543-6966
E-mail: info@trailheadmontana.net
Website: trailheadmontana.ne
Services offered: Offering the largest selection of boats and river supplies for sale and rent in Montana—including highest quality AIRE or NRS self-bailing rafts; Mad River and Wenonah canoes; Wilderness Designs, Dagger and Perception kayaks; AIRE and Alpacka pack rafts; SUPs and pontoon boats. IGBC approved as bear resistant aluminum dry boxes and Yeti coolers; PFDs, oars, throw ropes, dry bags and more.
Twin Sisters Trading Company
Bodie & Alaina Morrison
14 S Central Ave
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
406-547-3259
Email: twinsisterstradingwss@gmail.com
Website: www.twinsisterstrading.com [twinsisterstrading.com]
Services Offered: NRS Raft Rentals (pick up and drop off options available!). Bear Fence Rentals, Yeti Cooler Rentals, and more. Montana State Liquor Store, sporting goods, fly shop, camping gear, clothing, footwear, and gifts available in our shop.
Restaurants, Lodging and Apparel
All Seasons Inn & Suites
808 3rd Avenue SW
P.O. Box 318
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
(406) 547-8888
Reservations: (877) 314-0241
Fax: (406) 547-2573
E-mail: info@allseasonsinnandsuites.net
Website: allseasonsinnandsuites.net
Services offered: hotel, open 24 hours, continental breakfast, free WI-FI, business services, free floater parking, ice, large sulphur-free hot tub, and guest laundry.
The Barnwood Cabin
Owned and Operated by Twin Sisters Trading Company
Bodie and Alaina Morrison
509 3rd Ave SW
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Book your stay on airbnb.com [airbnb.com]
https://airbnb.com/h/thebarnwoodcabin [airbnb.com]
Services Offered: 2 Bedrooms, 5 beds, full kitchen, TV, Wifi, large parking lot, conveniently located right in White Sulphur Springs.
Heaven On Earth Ranch
Vic Anderson
PO Box 389
Ulm, MT 59485
(406) 866-3316
(406) 799-0461
Services offered: Bed & Breakfast (Mile 28) – Golf, ice, firewood, cabins. By reservation only.
Smith River Custom Apparel
Heather Novark
200 S. Central Ave.
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
(406) 461-2775
E-mail: smithriver406@gmail.com
Services Offered: We offer custom imprinted garments featuring the Smith River, Montana, White Sulphur Springs and much more. We carry hoodies, t-shirts and hats in all colors and sizes. Stop by for your local souvenir apparel. Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, MST, Monday through Friday. RENTAL: Smith River Gateway Apartment located in the apparel shop, 2 blocks off Main St. in White Sulphur Springs. Sleeps three; contact Heather for more information @ (406) 461-2775.
Willow Creek Cabins
Connie Townsend
PO Box 504
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
(406) 580-6928
E-mail: willowcreekcabins@gmail.com
Website: willowcreekcabinsmontana.com
Services offered: Two large cabins each sleeping 12 (6 bedrooms), full kitchen, and 2 bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi and secure, private parking. Two private, stocked fishing ponds. 5 miles from White Sulphur Springs.
