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Spectacular scenery and great trout fishing have made Montana's Smith River so popular that the state now regulates rafting, kayaking and canoeing traffic along 59 river miles.
There are 27 boatcamps with 52 campsites along the river. Some of the boatcamps are on state land and National Forest land while others are on leased private land.
The boatcamps are signed and marked on the Montana AFLOAT maps, which are given out at Camp Baker upon registration.
You must camp only at the designated boatcamps. The Montana Stream Access law allows walking and fishing along the river, however, it must take place below the ordinary high water mark.
The typical boating season is May through mid-July, shorter or longer depending on snowmelt. Use of the Smith is limited to nine launches a day, decided by a drawing late in the winter. Openings due to cancellation are sometimes available. No motorized craft are allowed on the river.
Applications are made to the Region Four office of the state Fish, Wildlife and Parks division. Contact the address above for an application.
There is one section of Class II white water on the river, but the entire length of the trip is fast, rocky and challenging.
Outdoor Activities |
