Miss Montana's 2025 Smith River floating lotto? Here's what to look for in 2026

If you've missed out on the opportunity to float in Montana's Smith River State Park this year, you're not the only one.
The Smith River offers a unique floating experience as it stretches 59 miles of beautiful scenery through the Little Belt Mountains and is renowned for its fishing.
Floaters can spend up to four nights on and along the river at designated camp sites from the launch point at Camp Baker north of White Sulphur Springs to the takeout point at Eden Bridge near Ulm.
The float is in such high demand that a lottery system has been in place since 1990, and roughly 10 percent of applicants receive a permit.
While you still may need a bit of luck, here's what you can do to maximize your chances for getting river-ready in central Montana next summer.
To enter the Smith River floating lottery, you need to go online to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website at fwp.mt.gov/smith-river starting on Jan. 2. A non-refundable fee of $10 puts each applicant in the lottery and applications are available through Feb. 15.
The lottery will be held shortly after the closing of applications, and winners will be notified by email. Results will also be posted at myfwp.mt.gov.
Those who draw permits are assigned a floating date and will be contacted by phone two days before the launch date.
On top of the regular lotto, FWP offers a Super Permit Lottery for the Smith River in which applicants can purchase as many entries as they wish for $5. The Super Permit allows one party per year to choose which date they wish to float during the season.
The typical floating season for the Smith River runs from mid-April through mid-July, depending on conditions. River access does not get closed down due to low flow, according to FWP, although recommendations will be given as conditions change.
Floating parties can be up to 15 people per permit. The cost per person is $25 for Montana residents 13 and older and $15 for children ages 6-12. The cost per non-Montana resident is $60. All children under the age of 6 are able to float at no cost.
Those who don't draw permits in the lottery are able to hire designated outfitters for a float on the Smith River. Those who wish to hire a commercial outfitter are asked not to apply for a permit as the businesses are allocated a designated number of permits each year.
Commercial outfitters allowed to provide services on the Smith River are designated by Montana State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service. The list of authorized outfitters is listed on FWP's website.
It is illegal for outfitters or individuals not authorized by MSP and the forest service to provide commercial services on the Smith River.
This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Miss out on Montana's Smith River lottery? What to look for in 2026

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