Smith River Permit Applications Available Tomorrow, January 6
By OutdoorAly

Posted: January 5, 2014

Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that permit applications to float the Smith River State Park will be available from Monday, January 6 – Thursday, February 20, 2014.
The lottery drawing permit results will be posted on March 4.

Permits are required to float the 59-mile section of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge and are issued each year through a lottery. The Smith River is noted for its spectacular scenery, remote setting and renowned trout fishing.

“Floating the Smith River is a Montana tradition,” said Chas Van Genderen, Administrator for Montana State Parks. “It’s a premier outdoor recreation destination and a true gem of our state parks’ system. We look forward to a safe and enjoyable, float season.”

Up to 15 people can float with one permit. A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their permit application. There is no age restriction to participate on a Smith River float trip.

Applications must be submitted or post marked by Thursday, February 20. Applicants will pay a $10 dollar non-refundable permit application fee. Permit lottery results will be available online on at stateparks.mt.gov. Successful applicants will also be notified through the mail. Those who receive a permit will pay the appropriate float fees at Camp Baker just prior to launching.

In 2013, more than 1,100 permits were awarded by the lottery drawing, with the highest number of applications submitted in the history of the program at 6,662!

Smith River

Photo: Tracy Moore www.montanaflygirl.com

Applications are available beginning Monday, January 6 here:
There are 3 ways you can apply:
• Apply online (beginning January 6, 2014) through the FWP Automated Licensing System.
• Download and print out a paper application and instructions (available January 6, 2014 http://stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river/). Mail completed application to the address on the form, or
• Pick up a paper application at any FWP office. (See locations)

Super Permit chances will also be available, again, this year, and the public can purchase as many $5 chances as they’d like. Montana State Parks issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. The recipient of the Super Permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that float season. The opportunity to purchase chances for the Smith River “Super Permit” will be available from January 6 through March 20, 2014. Chances may be purchased online through the Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Automated Licensing System and at any FWP regional office or license provider. This is a good option for another chance for a float, if you aren’t awarded a permit in the regular drawing.

For more information about the Smith River State Park visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river/

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