Smith River State Park | Montana FWP (original) (raw)

Know Before You Go

IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS

Registration Process

Greetings Smith River Permit Holder(s),
IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS
Registration Process
Registration will occur via phone, two days in advance of permit holders’ launch date. River Ranger(s) 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:

In addition, the River Ranger(s) will assign a “one-hour” time interval for each float group to approach the boat ramp to launch.

Please open the following documents to assist you with boat camp selection

  1. Smith River Site Map: Map of the Smith River with boat camps and river mileages.
  2. Boat Camps & Mileages: Listing all 52 boat camps and their respective river mileages.

No Overnight Camping at Camp Baker
Camp Baker is managed as a “day use only” site. No overnight camping, except for the period of September 01 through November 30.

Thank you for your cooperation and I wish you 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 thistime period, accompany other permitted trips or acquire a cancelled permit for any launch date.

Bonus Point System

Pursuant to House Bill No. 846 enacted by the 2023 Montana Legislature, the MT FWP State Parks and Recreation Board authorizes two administrative rules:

Smith River Bonus Point System

10% Nonresident Permit availability:

Human Waste Packout Requirement

All private and commercial float parties are required to pack out their human waste from the Smith River corridor. There are multiple types of agency approved, portable, hard-sided toilets acceptable for human waste disposal (see document below.) Alternative waste disposal systems, including bag systems (i.e., Clean Waste, RESTOP2 etc.), are not allowed.

A SCAT (Sanitizing Containers with Alternative Technology) Machine providing for a user-friendly means of disposal has been installed at the Eden Bridge take-out. Agency approved portable, hard-sided toilets are designed to be washed and sanitized in the SCAT Machine after use. Alternative waste disposal systems, including bag systems (i.e., Clean Waste, RESTOP2 etc.), are not allowed.

Smith River Regulations

Be a good steward and help protect Montana’s public lands by following these rules and regulations:

Camp Baker

River Corridor

Related Documents

Food Storage Regulations

To minimize human-bear and other wildlife conflicts and thereby provide for public Safety the following food, garbage and attractant storage regulations are established for Smith River State Park and Rive Corridor from March 1 to December 1 annually.

Smith River 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

Angler & Boating Ethics – River recreationists can avoid conflicts by being considerate of all users.

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.

Fishing Ethics – Be aware of how you can prevent the spread of aquatic disease and exotic species, and protect waterbirds.

Authorized Smith River Outfitters

The following list of commercial outfitters are the only outfitters currently permitted and authorized by both Montana FWP and the U.S. Forest Service to provide float trips on the Smith River. It is illegal for any unauthorized outfitter or individual to provide commercial services to Smith River floaters (This does not apply to vehicle shuttles or bed and breakfasts).

If you wish to hire the services of an outfitter, do not apply for a private permit in the drawing, since each outfitter is allocated a specific number of launches for specific days of the week and month. Outfitter launch calendar

406-682-4420
Email: weflythedry@gmail.com
Website: blastandcastoutfitters.com

1-800-521-7238
Email: info@glacierguides.com
Website: glacierguides.com

406-522-9854
Email: brian@montanaangler.com
Website: montanaangler.com

406-370-2868
Email: joe@smithriverflyfishing.com
Website: montanaflyfishingconnection.com

1-800-858-3497
Email: brandonboedecker@gmail.com
Website: prooutfitters.com

Vendor Services

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

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. We also rent and sell Selway Fabrication’s River Bank II portable toilet system that complies with the Smith River human waste pack-out requirement.

406-223-4224
Email: 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.

Services offered: With two convenient locations in Great Falls, we are committed to providing top-notch gear and equipment to make for an unforgettable trip down the Smith River. From quality bear resistant coolers, insulated tumblers, camp furniture, utensils, stoves, dry bags, Smith and Rogue tents & sleeping bags to NRS/Fly Project rafts, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards and life jackets. Classic gear fishing brands like Daiwa, Shimano and Swate and quality fly fishing brands like Fly Project Sage & Echo. Plus, we sell Eco-Safe toilet systems, 5-gallon buckets with optional Camco toilet lid and 20mm ammo cans, which are all compliant with the Smith River human waste pack-out requirement.

Restaurants, Lodging, and Retail Services

Website: smithrivercustomapparel.net

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 at 406-461-2775.

Smith River Flow Data

Smith River Plans and Reports

Drawing Statistics Reports
View the total number of Smith River Permit applicants who applied for a specific date on the calendar in a given year, success rates for applicants with varying numbers of Bonus Points.

Other Plans and Reports