Montana's Smith River Open

Smith River open for floaters

Smith Permit holders and others may call the Smith River Reservation Line at
(406) 454-5861 between 8 AM and noon, Monday through Friday, to cancel or obtain information on future floats dates that may be available. For water and boating safety tips, visit "Stay Safe Outdoors"

Low clearance under private bridge on Smith River

Due to high sustained flows on the Smith River, Montana State Parks is advising floaters to exercise caution when floating under a private bridge located approximately 2 miles below the Camp Baker put-in. Recently the Smith River at this bridge was flowing at 3,250 cfs; with clearance estimated to be between 46 to 52 inches. Floaters planning a Smith River trip during the remainder of June are urged to determine whether the vertical height of their particular water craft is well below this range to safely clear underneath the bridge. River Rangers at Camp Baker will physically measure all water craft prior to launching until the river levels drop sufficiently.

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. Boat camps located along the remote river canyon help preserve the unique quality of this area. The Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge is the only river corridor managed by 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.

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.

New for 2011 Float Season

The following changes will go into effect beginning with the 2011 float season:
On November 18, 2010 the FWP Commission updated the Smith River State Park and River Corridor Biennial Rule. The Commission made some changes to the rule to enhance floater opportunities and improve management of the park. Beginning with the 2011 float season, the following changes will be in effect (This list also includes changes made in 2010.):

• $10 nonrefundable permit application fee.
  
  FWP will no longer require applicants to submit floater fees with their application. This will eliminate the practice of refunding money to unsuccessful applicants. All float fees are due when registering at Camp Baker.
  
   
• 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 will issue 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 will no longer notify unsuccessful permit applicants. Lottery results will be posted on the FWP website.
  
   
• The float fee for nonresidents age 13 and older is now $60.
   
• Launch 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 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 the Smith River program 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.