Upper Sunset Cliffs Boat Camp
It’s that time of year again! The Smith River floating season will be here sooner than you know it . The deadline for 2016 applications is Thursday, February 18th with permit drawing results being announced online at MyFWP Thursday, March 3rd. Which means you only have 4 weeks to get your act together, pay the man and play the game. Remember, only successful applicants are notified by mail. Although there is a $10 non-refundable application fee whether you are a Montana resident or not, you get three launch date choices! There are three ways to apply for the lottery drawing:
- Online at FWP’s Automated Licensing System (ALS)
- Pick up an application at any FWP Office. Submit at the office or mail application to the address on the form.
- Download and print an application. Submit to the FWP office or mail application to the address on the form.
Paper applications MUST be postmarked or submitted no later than Thursday, February 18th.
A beautiful Smith River Brown Trout
Be Aware…New Food Storage Rules for 2016- To learn more about the new food storage changes please visit the the FWP Be Bear Aware page. These required storage containers and are not cheap! CrossCurrents will have the proper storage containers necessary to rent. I will post more information about the new food storage rules in a future post.
Another Record. 2015 was another record setting year for permit applications numbering 7,373 with only 1,122 permits issued. Although you have less than a 5% chance of being draw for the prime dates of June 1st through July 4th, you can apply for a Super Permit through a separate lottery that allows the winner a launch date of their choice. If you are unsuccessful during the regular lottery you can try your fortune again by purchasing as many Super Permit chances as you like. But, you only get until until March 19th to do so. At only $5 per chance, there are no limits at the number of Super Permit chances you can purchase. The lucky winner of the Super Permit will be notified in person by the Smith River State Park Manager.
Are you a fan of lottery and gambling sites If the answer is yes, then we recommend you to look at this website and try out your luck!
Rental raft with a fishing frame.
CrossCurrents Fly Shop is your Smith River expert. From ‘what flies do I use?,’ ‘what camps should I choose?,’ ‘what should I bring?,’ to ‘what do I cook?’ – we can help make it a trip you want to remember. Never floated the Smith? You can read our 3-part blog series to acquaint yourself with a Smith River adventure. Weather you’re a self-guided Smith River Pro or a first time floater, CrossCurrents has high quality rental rafts and gear to help outfit your adventure. Give us a call or email us today with you questions. Our staff is beyond knowledgeable when it comes to all things Smith River!
We look forward to helping you with your Smith River adventure.
Happy Fishing! …or Floating!
