Noted for its spectacular scenery and blue-ribbon 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. If you don’t find all the answers you’re looking for on this web site, you can contact the Smith River State Park office in Great Falls at (406) 454-5840.
Permits
A permit is required to float the Smith River from April–October. The permit page provides detailed information about applying for a permit—including significant dates, fees, rules, and statistics.
Plan Your Float
Once you’ve obtained a permit, you can begin planning your float. The links below will assist you in that planning process.
- Permit Area Float Map - This map shows land ownership and boat camps along the Smith River from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge.
- Special Use Area Rule - Here are the official rules relating to the Smith River, as approved by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission.
- USGS Flow Data - Check the current streamflow for the Smith River at this USGS site
- Authorized Smith River Outfitters - These outfitters have been authorized by FWP to conduct guided float trips on the Smith River.
- 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 care for the land and the fishery, as well as respect private property and the experiences of other floaters.
- Leave No Trace Backcountry 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.
Management Plans & Reports
- Smith River Management Plan - 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.
- Smith River Annual Report - View this comprehensive summary of management activities, visitor use statistics, and social and resource conditions on the Smith River corridor during the past field season.
- Smith River Floater Log Comments (PDF 62 KB)- This is a compilation of written responses and comments received from floaters during past float seasons.
