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 1-3:30 p.m., MDT. For example, if your launch date is May 10, the Rangers will call you on May 08 between 1-3:30 p.m., MDT.
Permit holders must be prepared to provide the following information, priorto 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 card (Visa or Mastercard)
In addition, the River Ranger(s) will assign a "one-hour" time interval for each float group to approach the boat ramp to launch.
The following documents will assist you with boat camp selection
Smith River Site Map (PDF) - Map of the Smith River with boat camps and river mileages
Boat Camps & Mileage (PDF) - 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 Sept. 1 through Nov. 30.
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 apermit at least 2 days prior to your launch date, at flows above 100 cfs, will result in losing next years’ privileges for theSmith 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
A person may purchase only one bonus point per year that does not apply to hunting permits or licenses.
Purchase of a resident bonus point is $5; Purchase of a nonresident bonus point is $50.
The department may only apply accumulated bonus points to a person’s chance to obtain a Smith River permit during the lottery if the person purchases a bonus point when applying for the permit.
The department shall mathematically square the number of bonus points a person has accumulated when conducting the lottery for Smith River permits.
If a Smith River applicant is unsuccessful in the drawing, they shall retain the bonus points they purchased.
An applicant’s bonus points accumulate until the applicant is successful in drawing a permit.
If an applicant is successful in drawing a Smith River permit, the applicant’s bonus points are reduced to zero for the Smith River.
The number of permits that can be purchased by nonresidents may not exceed 10% of the available permits.
Human Waste Packout Requirement
Beginning in the 2024 float season, all private and commercial float parties will be 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 notallowed.
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.
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
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
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
Blackfoot River Outfitters (BRO)
John Herzer
4555 Mallard Way
Missoula, MT 59808
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
Services offered: All River Equipment specializes in sales and rentals of self-bailing rafts and NRS raft accessories, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, bear resistant Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) coolers and portable electric fences, camp gear, dry bags, camp kitchen gear and logistic services at the best prices around. We also rent and sell the Eco-Safe portable toilet system that complies with the Smith River human waste pack-out requirement. Smith River packages are available and All River offers equipment drop off and pick up services.
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
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 comply with the Smith River human waste pack-out requirement.
Castle Mountain Grocery
Shane Sereday
4273 E US HWY 12
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
406-547-3731
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
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
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
Services offered: Star rafts professionally designed and rigged for Smith River overnight trips, inflatable SUPs and kayaks. We rent IGBC compliant electric bear fences and coolers, Selway River Bank II portable electric toilets (that comply with the Smith River human waste pack-out requirement), Paco Pads, dry bags Big Agnes tents and sleeping bags, river cooking kits, Helinox camp furniture, NRS river shelters and the most extensive inventory of rental camping gear in Montana. Plus, rental Orvis rods, waders and boots. We’re also selling 20mm ammo cans (Groovers) that comply with the Smith River human waste pack-out requirement. Rafts come loaded on a trailer, ready to float, and hooked up to one of our rental trucks, if needed. Located next to the Bozeman Airport. Renting cool stuff for Montana adventures since 2010.
Hatch Adventures
Stephan Morris
81549 Gallatin Rd, U
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.
NORTH 40 OUTFITTERS
East Location West Location
4400 10th Ave South 1000 3rd Street NW
Great Falls, MT 59405 Great Falls, MT 59404
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.
Rubber Ducky River Rentals
Marlie Anderson; Sissy Hampton
15 Mount Baldy
P.O. Box 808
Livingston, MT 59047
Services offered: Boat rentals, including: rafts with rowing and fishing frames, kayaks, canoes, catarafts, trailer, and equipment rental and sales. Smith River trip rental specials offered. We also rent the Coyote portable toilet system that comply with the Smith River human waste pack-out requirement.
Smith River Shuttle
Jody & Caroline Cox
1699 Millegan Rd
Great Falls MT 59405
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
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.
Restaurants, Lodging, and Retail Services
The Barnwood Cabin
Owned and Operated by Twin Sisters Trading Company
Bodie and Alaina Morrison
509 3rd Ave SW
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Services offered: House with attached garage on 20-acres one mile from White Sulphur Springs. Sleeps 10-12 people, 4 bedrooms (2 queen beds, 2 twin beds, 1 twin bunk bed & 2 futons), 4 bathrooms, full kitchen, WI-FI, TV, Pool table.
The Edith Hotel
808 3rd Avenue SW
P.O. Box 318
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
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.
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
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.
Twin Sisters Trading Company
Bodie & Alaina Morrison
14 S Central Ave
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
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.
Launch Choice Reports
See how many Smith River Permit applicants applied for specific dates on the calendar the previous year, including first, second and third choices and the grand total.
Smith River Management Plan (PDF)
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.
2022 Smith River Annual Report (PDF)
A summary of visitor use statistics, management activities and resource and social conditions on the Smith River corridor during the 2022 field season.
Biennial Smith River Fee Rule (PDF)
Fees and administrative rules for private, commercial and landowner float trips in Smith River State Park.
Know before you go
River recreation on the Smith River
Smith River State Park offers gorgeous scenery in a remote setting. Renowned trout fishing is just one of the recreational opportunities that make a float trip on the 59-mile Smith River an unforgettable experience. The Smith River is so popular that a permit is required to float it. The permit process allows visitors a quality, multi-day float in relative solitude. Since the Smith River flows through a remote canyon, there are some things to keep in mind for this adventure. This video will highlight what floaters need to know before their adventure.
Smith River Floater Information Packet
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
If you're considering floating the Smith River, but not sure where to start, how to apply, what you'll need, etc., read this essential information and find answers to some Smith River frequently asked questions.
