Smith River
Near Great Falls, Montana
The Smith River is Montana's only fully permitted river, flowing 59 miles through a spectacular limestone canyon between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. Celebrated for its remote wilderness setting and excellent trout fishing, this bucket-list float requires winning a highly competitive permit lottery with odds reaching 3,000:1 for peak season dates. The river supports healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout, along with native westslope cutthroat and mountain whitefish. Multi-day float trips of 4-5 days allow anglers to experience world-class scenery including towering limestone cliffs, meadows, and evergreen forests while fishing in relative solitude. The freestone nature means conditions vary with snowpack, with spring through early July typically offering the best flows. Twenty-seven designated boat camps with pictograph sites and hiking trails make each trip a complete wilderness experience. Private floaters apply for permits in January, with drawings held in February.