The following is a press release by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks:
A lottery to fill three available permits for commercial fishing and floating on the upper and West Fork of the Bitterroot River is open for entry through May 18, 2026. The upper and West Fork Bitterroot River is a restricted use river, and outfitters are required to obtain a permit before conducting commercial operations.
The lottery opened for entry on April 20, and you can still apply online at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/specialuseriverpermits through May 18.
The three available permits are for a portion of West Fork of the Bitterroot and the upper Bitterroot River from C. Ben White Fishing Access Site (FAS) downstream to Wally Crawford FAS. River access points above C. Ben White FAS are managed by the Forest Service and are not included in this drawing.
The number of commercial permits is capped at 53 annually. Permits become available periodically when the department conducts a lottery for permits that have been revoked or abandoned. Three new permittees will be selected from those that enter the lottery.
The lottery drawing for permits is scheduled for the week of May 18, 2026. The drawing will be randomized by FWP licensing, and successful applicants will be notified via email shortly after. Those successful must then complete an application to receive their permit prior to conducting any commercial use.
Permitted outfitters have specific requirements for operations, and some of the details can be found online at: fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/specialuseriverpermits. For more information on the permit lottery and operating requirements, contact FWP Bitterroot District Recreation Manager, Jess Martin, at Jessica.Martin@mt.gov or 406-273-4253.