smith river montana fishing regulations 2023

After flowing through the canyons of Smith River State Park the river enters a greener, more forested area that is full of various local wildlife. In addition, much hotter air temperatures have spiked water temperatures in the Smith River above 77 degrees this week. Montana Fishing Regs 2023 State of Montana Fishing Regulations Save Share Tweet Free Shipping in the USA! A permit and payment of fees is required to float year-round. Feeding and harassing wildlife is prohibited and unsafe. Sizing down your fly choices and your tippet size will still put you into plenty of fish throughout the day. Don't cut fences, camp on private land without permission, litter or vandalize equipment. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Biennial Smith River Fee Rule(PDF) Fees and administrative rules for private, commercial and landowner float trips in Smith River State Park. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. Parties of up to 15 people can float with one permit. Joe Lamson*:Interested citizen, Helena Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. A permit and payment of fees is required to float the Smith River year-round. McGeehan says it is paramount to protect and preserve the Smith, believing the proposed regulations will help ensure the experience is available for generations to come, Without those kind of regulations you get a different sort of experience. The float runs through canyon lands and open agricultural areas where you encounter livestock and wildlife. All party members must have the same bonus point participation, by all purchasing points or not purchasing This means low pressured trout that are eager to eat a well-presented fly. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Food, garbage and other attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner when unattended, day or night. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions below or apply for a permit through the lottery. Colin earned his B.S. Packed with fly fishing focused content on the world's finest fly fishing lodges, outfitters and destinations. The party establisher will then be prompted to indicate if they are the first member of the party to apply. Q. The application receipt contains the name Click the Native Montanan button if you are a nonresident born in Montana with immediate family still residing in Montana and do not have the QUALIFIED NR NATIVE MT certification for the current license year. Renowned trout fishing is just one of the recreational opportunities that make a float trip on the 59-mile Smith River an unforgettable experience. All approved food and attractant storage methods or equipment must be installed and/or utilized in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. Usually by June the high water of spring run-off has subsided and the river has begun to clear. Region 4 Information and Education Program Manager Along with the unique feel and the gorgeous scenery, the Smith river is packed full of great opportunities for brown trout of up to 18 inches and rainbows of up to 15 inches. Blue Wing Olive hatches accompany the cooling water temps especially on cloudy days. 100 dollar rate as of 2018. Feel free to contact the ranger at Camp Baker 406-547-3893 to ask about current flow levels and up to date information and advice on floating conditions. Once you pass Rattlesnake Bend (the last campsite), the river leaves the cliff walls youve been accustomed to for your entire float and enters 10 miles of agriculture fields and a sheep ranch. Click the I am a Nonresident button if you are not a resident of Montana. Please repay the favor by respecting the landowner's property rights. The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. ENTERED, BASED ON THE PARTY NUMBER SHOWN ON THE APPLICATION RECEIPT OF THE PARTY ESTABLISHER. A bunch of bathrooms available. The restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. Let the fish recover before releasing it. Remember that Montana law requires the following: Launch Choice Reports To help preserve the unique quality of the Smith River canyon, overnight camping must take place at designated boat camps. of the party establisher, the PARTY NUMBER assigned by the system to this party, and names of party members. To float the Smith River State Park typically requires 4 days. Shown on the map are river miles from Camp Baker, the only boat launch, to Eden Bridge, the only take-out point some 60 miles down river. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. If using bolts and nuts, we highly recommend bring multiple spares in case you lose them. For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page. If another group does not show, you can take their place. CLEAN: Completely remove all mud, water and vegetation and then use water to wash your equipment clean, before leaving the access area. The popularity of floaters diminishes, and the fall colors begin their yearly change this is a time to find true solidarity on The Smith. Learn more ways you can Be Bear Aware(PDF), Complete list of approved Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) products. FWP officials said one of the best short-term strategies to address heat-induced stress in Montanas wild trout is to reduce catch-and-release mortality by alerting anglers to fish only in the morning. 37.9 Parker Flat 3 different campgrounds here. Q. WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is currently taking public comment on regulation revision for the Smith River. Determine who will be the first one in your party to apply. Q. Keep in mind that there are no kennel options at Camp Baker; if you bring a dog or pet to Camp Baker, they will not be allowed to accompany you down the river and you will not be permitted to leave the animal at Camp Baker. dhagengruber@mt.gov. Although it may be possible to catch some fish toward the middle of Autumn, April through September will certainly provide the best opportunities. In the early summer, golden stones are still prevalent, so be sure to pack chubbies, water walkers, etc. is currently taking public comment on regulation revision for the Smith River. River floating requires a permit year-round. The campgrounds are well labeled and you should see the signs. Enter the Permit Lottery About the Park Smith River State Park offers gorgeous scenery in a remote setting. Expect all types of weather conditions, especially in the spring. The original 7-strand electric fence developed by the USFS Technology Development Center is also an acceptable food storage option. Here's everything that you need to know: What kind of license do you need to fish in Montana? You have the option to choose the dirt or highway route with no price difference. For the lucky few, when water conditions align, you can cast large foam flies tight against the cliff walls each year, large browns over 20 are caught doing just this. We encourage you to consider using one of the commercially available human waste pack-out systems. April has better odds but you risk river closures and extreme weather. There are no public services from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge. July is prime. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout. Factor in probable river flows, distances you wish to cover each day and the type of experience you are seeking. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says the new process will be simpler, and allow the department to be more responsive to public input and resource needs. At the end of the Internet session, the party establisher must print their application receipt. It is advisable to bring all the drinking water you will need for the duration of your trip, as there is no drinking water available at Camp Baker. GREAT FALLS The deadline for Smith River float application is Feb. 15. Mary Moe*:FWP Parks and Recreation Board member, Great Falls Licenses, permits and carcass tags should be printed on plain white 8" x 11" paper. There are currently three manufactured portable electric fences available for sale and/or rent on the market that meet the IGBC standards. The float season varies widely depending on snow pack, rainfall and amount and timing of irrigation. At the end of your five days off-the-grid in the Smith River Canyon, youll come to appreciate some of the beauty that Montana has to offer. applications will go into the drawing without the party designation. You can input campsites into a GPS for complete accuracy. Depending on the time of year, theres always an effective form of fishing. After July the flows will drop too low to float. Those who receive a permit will be contacted by phone two days prior to their scheduled launch date to complete the registration process, which includes declaring boat camps and paying the appropriate float fees. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Smith River State Park has one put-in point (Camp Baker) and one take-out point (Eden Bridge) for the entire 59-mile stretch. The latest measurement of flows on the Smith recorded June 29 at the gauge station below Eagle Creek near Fort Logan indicate a flow of 69 cubic feet per second, which is the lowest flow ever recorded for this date, and meets established criteria to prompt the restriction. Although the weather is not always ideal, April provides excellent fishing along the Smith River. There are only two main access areas of the river, and permits are required for fishing any area of it. This remote stretch of river between the Big Belt and Little Belt Mountains is unique in several ways and allows for a real getting back to nature feel unlike many of the more famous and populated river areas in the state. For assistance with FishMT please use the contact information below. The permitted outfitters are listed in this packet on page 20. The ranger usually passes out a few as well. 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. They do have pit toilets at each camp and there really isnt a bad campground option. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Summer brings great conditions for dry fishing, particularly if you are hoping to catch rainbow trout. Season:The float season varies widely depending on snowpack, rainfall and amount and timing of irrigation. Destinations / All Saltwater Destinations, Destinations / All Freshwater Destinations, Destinations / Central America & Caribbean. Please camp only at the designated boat camps. The River Ranger, or site host, will give you your packet of materials which includes a copy of your registration form, boat tags, river maps and a floater log. Yes, but they are strictly limited, both in the total number of outfitters and the number of launches that each outfitter is allocated. A. Is there a maximum group size for floating parties? Eden Bridge is 28 miles from Great Fall via Ulm and Interstate 15. Currently, seven outfitters are authorized to conduct commercial use on the Smith River with a total of 73 launches allocated among them. They are not authorized to provide specific services for private permit holders. 44.5 Merganser Bend If you pick this site, pay attention after passing Staigmiller. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier. Applicants can apply for a Smith River float permit online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & ParksOnline Licensing System, and pay a $15 non-refundable permit application fee. Please be prepared to have boats loaded and ready to shove off within the scheduled one-hour time interval. The 2023private float permit application period opens Monday, January 2, 2023, The 2023private float permit application deadline is Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Members must The logistics are one of the most difficult aspects of floating the Smith. River Rangers will call permit holders, in a randomly selected order, between 1:00 and 3:30 pm, Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). Make sure to bring your map. The two licenses that the state requires are: Near this confluence, at the upper part of the river lies the only boat launch that provides access to the 60 miles of river that runs through Smith River State Park the Camp Baker Fishing Access Site. Colin Maas manages Smith River and Sluice Boxes State Parks. Pets are prohibited; exceptions include legitimate service dogs and hunting dogs used for lawful purposes during legal hunting seasons. Q. Started the Busted Oar Lock to share interesting stories and discoveries from the road. July is prime. Its a great resource. The following are questions that FWP personnel are often asked. Drift boats generally begin to have trouble at river flows below 350 cfs, rafts below 250 cfs and canoes below 150 cfs. Anyone looking to fish, boat or float the river must register and obtain a state legislated permit that are limited in number and can only be obtained through an annual random drawing for launch dates. For more information about Smith River State Park visit:http://stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river/, Montana Outdoor Podcast: Buying fishing electronics is one thing, but knowing how to catch fish with it is another, Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act introduced, FWP News: FWP TO USE DROUGHT RESTRICTION CRITERIA AS IN YEARS PAST, FWP News: FWPs response to trout declines in Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers, Brett French reports: Slowing down reveals overlooked forest, When a coyote runs out of things to do with prey, DIY How to make your own sparklers for the 4th of July, Fireworks on Independence Daybecause this is America, 4th of July facts you may or may not know. On the topic of floater opportunities, FWP will explore the development of methods that could be used to increase opportunities for those who have not recently (or ever) floated the Smith River. Camping allowed in designated sites only. CONTACT INFO 2021Smith River Annual Report(PDF) A summary of visitor use statistics, management activities and resource and social conditions on the Smith River corridor during the 2021field season. You can also roll the dice and just show up. Once an application has been entered, or an over the counter license has been purchased, it is final and cannot be changed. Sun River from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 Bridge. Low flows and higher water temperatures have been driven primarily by very low snowpack, water supply and inflows to the river. So, we view them as a positive and I think you know folks that go down the river with their friends and family and their own equipment enjoy that that experience they have has been preserved, the quality of that recreation has been preserved . Great Falls, MT 59405, Phone:406-454-5840 Thank you for your compliance. Q. Visit the Montana USGS Web site at SmithRiverFlowGauge. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is closing portions of the Smith and Sun rivers to all fishing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight beginning June 28. The fishing and water access is tightly restricted and regulated to keep the river naturally beautiful and unpolluted by a large human influence. Prepare boats and gear in the staging areas adjacent to the boat ramp. The 2023 Yellow Dog Flyfishing Travel Guide is here! Continue with Recommended Cookies, Fly Fishing, Whitewater and All Things Outdoors. NOTE: Beginning in 2024, mandatory human waste pack-out will be required. You can get there via Great Falls or White Sulfur Springs. What You Need to Know The following sport fishing regulations (effective through 2/28/23) are summarized as a courtesy to anglers in Redwood National & State Parks. 1420 East 6th Ave. There is no age restriction to participate on a Smith River float trip. Things you should know before getting a license, Securely store and display licenses, permits and digital carcass tags (E-Tags), By Montana law, no GPS location data is shared with FWP, Print your tags at home using the link included in your receipt email from FWP, Choose digital carcass tags (E-tags) to download to your mobile device. Q. DRAIN: Drain all water from your watercraft and equipment. However, some floaters may choose to construct a homemade fence and/or already possess a homemade fence that theyve used elsewhere. If you purchase or apply for carcass tags, you will choose from these delivery options in the Final Shopping Cart: If you do not print carcass tags within 5 days of purchase, FWP will automatically print and mail them to you. The outfitters operate under a permanent launch calendar with their 73 launches scheduled on specific dates during the months of May, June, July and September. FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. For example, if your launch date is May 10, the Rangers will call you on May 08 between 1:00 and 3:30 pm, MDT. (This management plan is currently in the process of being updated, see accordian tab below). Camp Baker is available for all Smith River floaters and their families to stay overnight prior to beginning their float. In addition to the permit lottery, the public may purchase as many $5 Super Permit chances as they choose. The river does have a few sharp turns and will pull into rock walls and danger. The application period for the 2023 season on the Smith River is officially open. Long-term median flow for this date is 328 CFS. Please obey posted speed limits on all roadways and be observant for wildlife, livestock and/or ranch machinery. Through a strictly regulated permit process, each year, only a lucky few can say they experienced the Smith River float. This time interval will be based upon float distance to the first nights camp. Fishing in this section is typically a streamer game casting tight to the banks, looking for big brown trout lurking in the undercut banks. It takes two hours (75 miles) to drive from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge on Millegan Road (State Secondary Road 360). The ranger, or site host, will present the mandatory safety and orientation talk at some point prior to your one-hour boat ramp launch time. While the Smith River does not hold significant amounts of large fish, the river has many trout between 13-16 inches. After July the flows will drop too low to float. Not to be overlooked are the large brown trout that call the Smith home. Copyright 2018 Zach Lazzari Outdoor Media, Lottery Permits, Getting There and How it all Works, A Few Smith River Montana Photos to Get You Excited. Do not attempt to burn anything in the fire ring besides paper, wood or charcoal. They can also be found scattered around the undercut banks and around obstructions like logjams and downed trees. Its a little easier to miss this site. The Montana Stream Access law allows walking and fishing along the river and tributaries within the ordinary high water mark. Please check-in with the River Ranger, or site host, who will direct you to an appropriate staging area for your party and arrange for the orientation and safety talk once all party members arrive. Colin Cooney:Trout Unlimited, Helena During the registration process via phone two days prior to the launch date, the River Ranger will assign a one-hour boat ramp launch time. 4600 Giant Springs Rd The Smith River State Park and River Corridor Recreation Management Plan was last updated in 2009. While much of the direction provided in the plan remains relevant today, there is a set of management issues for which conditions have changed and warrant attention. A planning advisory committee helped with the environmental assessment and is working closely with the department to create the best possible regulation changes. As a part of the changes, fishing regulations booklets will be printed only on odd-numbered years, with the next booklet ready by March 1, 2023, and valid through February 28, 2025. Open Entire Year Downstream from confluence of North and South Forks. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Of the 118 miles of shoreline along the river, only 26 miles are public land. Brian McGeehan, a member of the advisory committee, and owner of Montana Angler Fly Fishing, says there are unique considerations with the Smith when compared to other waterways, Because it takes several days to float through the canyon, you need to camp and float your way down the river. Of the 118 miles of shoreline along the river, only 26 miles border public land. Dave Hagengruber Agency staff members value the public's perspective. It should be noted that there is nothing wrong with setting the rod down, having a beverage of your choice, and watching the cliffs go by. Lottery results will also be available online atstateparks.mt.gov. Smith River State Park The permitted section of The Smith begins at Camp Baker fishing access site (FAS), where youll start your journey. clicking on the View/Print License & Application Details button. As daylight decreases and the water continues to cool, streamer fishing will heat up as the fish prepare for their yearly spawn. A minimum of two nights and three full days should be planned for normal water levels, which is 300+ cfs. State Park Public Use Regulations(PDF)also apply in the corridor pertaining to littering, fires, firearms, fireworks, disorderly conduct and the prohibition of drones. The same principle applies to driftwood found along the river bank, as it serves as habitat shelter for fish. Party applicants may use this service to submit your special drawing applications. If you wish to hire the services of an outfitter do not apply for a private permit in the drawing: The outfitters are allocated a specific number of launches on specific days of the week and month. The river is very silty in high water and can clog your filter. Its highly recommended to keep a close eye on the cubic feet per second (CFS) of the river during this time of year. In addition, anglers can also help reduce stress and mortality for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur: If high temperatures and extremely low flows persist anglers may want to consider fishing areas with less stressful temperatures and conditions, such as larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation waterbodies. Also, no dogs are allowed on the river. What other type of equipment should we bring? What kind of boats can be used on the Smith River and at what river flows? Please camp only at the designated boat camps. As a courtesy to landowners, please refrain from stopping in front of cabins and homes along the river. After being so far removed from civilization, the sight of the sheep and lambs is quite the sight! Were here to ensure that you end up in the right place, at the right time, and with all the right information at no additional cost to you. This is especially important among catch-and-release anglers who should reel in their catch and release it as quickly as possible. No! Fires permitted in designated fire grates only. Q. Once runoff subsides, classic western trout fishing begins to take shape. The Smith River is predominantly a rainbow and brown trout fishery. The gauge station at Simms reported flows of 125 CFS on June 29, while the long-term median flow for this date is 361 CFS. Cascade, Great Falls and Ulm are the closest services to the Eden Bridge takeout, with gas stations at each town. You must carry all your own food, water, safety and camping equipment and fishing license. Celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent fishing, floating the Smith River is one of Montanas most sought-after outdoor recreation experiences. Mainly good for some peace of mind that someone is around at night with all the vehicles parked. points. You should possess, at a minimum, intermediate rowing or paddling skills before floating the Smith. White Sulfur Springs is the best route with less dirt road driving to the launch site at Camp Baker. Also a camp host at the ramp area. Your process was submitted. In response, FWP received 104 comments from the public during its 30-day public comment period. Please use the metal fire rings within each boat camp and make sure all wood is completely contained within the fire ring and that your fire is dead out before leaving. Those who receive a permit will be contacted by phone two days prior to their launch date to complete the registration process, which includes declaring boat camps and paying the appropriate floats fees. E-mail. respond "no" to this question. Please call the Great Falls FWP office at (406) 454-5840 if you have any additional questions. Several hatches occur all through the spring, lasting all the way into mid-June, and provide for excellent nymph fishing. Yes. There are multiple attractions along the river that elevate the unique Smith River experience that much more. A permit and payment of fees is required to float the Smith River year-round. (2). The party establisher will be asked whether they wish to apply as a party for the selected license type. The float season varies widely depending on snow pack, rainfall and amount and timing of irrigation. High cliffs keep the sun off. Rafts are used by about 75% of floaters; canoes by 10% and the remaining 15% of boats on the Smith River are other types of craft such as drift boats and kayaks. Clean your fire ring after extinguishing your fire. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE CORRECT NUMBER BE A. A. The recipient of the Super Permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that float season. As the water warms, bug activity increases but so does snowmelt. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. A. When can I begin staging gear and/or boats at the boat ramp? Box 200701 The Smith River flows between the Little Belt and Big Belt mountain ranges, which are conducive to dramatic and quick weather changes. (1). Fishing the bank- photo credit fwp.mt.gov. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. The Super Permit drawing will be announced Wednesday, March29, 2023. party establisher is responsible for giving the CORRECT party number to other members of the party so that they Not to be overlooked are the large brown trout that call the Smith home.

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