Applications for permits to float on the Smith River will open from Thursday, January 1st, until Sunday, February 15th. The drawing for these float permits is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th.
Each year, permits are distributed via a lottery system and are necessary for floating the 59-mile stretch of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. A single permit covers a group of up to 15 people. Applicants must be at least 12 years old when they submit their application, but there are no age limitations for those participating in the float trip.
To apply for a float permit, individuals can access the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licenses Service at https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/ and pay a nonrefundable fee of $15 to apply. Those selected in the lottery will receive an email notification shortly after the drawing on February 18th. This email will include links for downloading and printing the float permit, along with essential information about the trip.
Successful permit holders will receive a phone call two days prior to their launch date to finalize the registration process, which includes designating boat camps and paying any required float fees.
Additionally, the public has the option to buy as many $5 Super Permit chances as they desire. Each year, Montana State Parks conducts a separate lottery for one Super Permit, which grants the winner the flexibility to choose any launch date during the float season.
Chances for the Smith River Super Permit will be available until March 15th, with the drawing occurring on March 16th. These chances can also be bought online through the FWP Online Licenses Service.
All float parties, both private and commercial, must carry out their human waste from the Smith River corridor. Floaters are required to use portable toilet systems, and alternative disposal methods, such as bag systems like Clean Waste and RESTOP2, are not permitted. Floaters can sanitize their portable toilet systems using a SCAT (Sanitizing Containers with Alternative Technology) machine available at the Eden Bridge take-out.
For further details about Smith River State Park, please visit: stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river/.
By Karen Anderson: December 31, 2025 – Great Falls, Mt
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
