Photography The agency’s fishery and wildlife divisions manage fish and wildlife under the eye of the FWP Commission. Beach Snowboarding Ice Skating Though bearproof containers might very well be necessary for certain camps, acquiring them could mean Montanans of limited means, which once comprised most of the use on the river, might not be able to afford floating the Smith. Cooney If a float must begin on this section, put in at the Smith River Access Site and float the nine miles to Camp Baker. How do you get a permit to float the Smith River? Smith River Please help us safeguard Montana's Smith River. Milltown Are there other ways to float the Smith River, besides applying through the general lottery? The recipient of the Super Permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that season. Yes, each year Parks issues a “Super Permit” to float the Smith. FWP will notify successful applicants by email. Big Arm-Flathead Lake Montana TU proposed a more affordable approach, including parks staff installing bear-proof boxes at camps where bears are known to frequent, and complimenting them with permanent poles with pulley systems for hanging food and garbage. The 59-mile float trip down the Smith River is a must-do for anyone who likes the Montana outdoors. Mailing Address: This is a good option for another chance for a float, if you aren't awarded a permit in the regular drawing. Hiking Fish Creek Rosebud Battlefield About the Smith Floating Background. Except during high water, floating the upper stretch of the Smith River, between its origin and Camp Baker Access Site, is not possible. Sluice Boxes ©2020 Montana Trout UnlimitedWebsite Created by Studio Verde Creative. Where does the revenue from float fees go? There are seven (7) commercial outfitters who are authorized and permitted by Montana State Parks and the United States Forest Service to conduct commercial float trips on the Smith River. Picnicking Lost Creek River Fishing Designated campsites along the river are leased by FWP from landowners, or owned by the Forest Service or DNRC. Fishing Snowshoeing (. Logan Wild Horse Island-Flathead Lake It is advisable to bring all the drinking water you will need for the duration of your trip, as there is no drinking water available at the put-in location of Camp Baker. Most of the revenue collected from Smith River applicants and users goes to the general budget of the Parks Division. The Parks Division collects around $250K a year from Smith River fees. Mountain Biking Chief Plenty Coups From May 15 - July 15 floaters can stay on the river a maximum of four nights only. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) provides this list of private services (shuttles, equipment rentals, and accommodations) solely for the convenience of the recreating public. Flathead Lake / Big Arm The odds percentage of getting a permit in the lottery during the high-use season is now in the single digits. The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. Web Template Design MT Office of Tourism, Photographs on this website may not be used for commercial purposes without the permission of Finley Point-Flathead Lake Heritage Fly Fishing Lake Mary Ronan Clark's Lookout Details on restrictions and how to apply can be found at http://stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river under the “Permits” tab. Late July and August are generally too low for floating. It sounds like the it may be tough getting a permit, but the trip itself sounds awesome. However, these outfitters are allocated a specific number of launches on specific days throughout the float season and conduct fully outfitted float trips for persons not possessing a private float permit. The permit process allows visitors a quality, multi-day float in relative solitude. A commemorative poster of the painting sold out and is no longer available. Food, garbage and other attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner when unattended, day or night.