What special fishing regulations apply at Smith River?

Smith River carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). One of them reads: "FWP Smith River Float Permit lottery required to float Camp Baker to Eden Bridge (mandatory registration + floater's fee, February drawing — one of the few US rivers with a limited-entry float-permit system alongside the Grand Canyon + Middle Fork Salmon); Camp Baker to Eden Bridge combined trout 3 under 13 in + only 1 over 22 in daily; artificial lures only (anglers 14 and under may use bait)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Smith River?

Yes. Smith River is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Smith River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.

Do Smith River's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Smith River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Smith River?

Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) has a water-body-specific rule on Smith River, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

2026 regulation year

Smith River 2026 — Montana Fishing Regulations

Montana statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Smith River carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Montana's 2026 fishing rules — covering Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

FWP Smith River Float Permit lottery required to float Camp Baker to Eden Bridge (mandatory registration + floater's fee, February drawing — one of the few US rivers with a limited-entry float-permit system alongside the Grand Canyon + Middle Fork Salmon); Camp Baker to Eden Bridge combined trout 3 under 13 in + only 1 over 22 in daily; artificial lures only (anglers 14 and under may use bait)
Source: Montana special-water list

Per-species rules on Smith River

Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) regulations →
0 / day CATCH-AND-RELEASE-ONLY on listed wild westslope cutthroat reaches; FWP Smith River Float Permit lottery required

Official source

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) publishes the authoritative 2026 Montana fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Montana fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks's emergency-order feed — check it before any Montana trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Montana

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Smith River?: Smith River carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Montana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone). One of them reads: "FWP Smith River Float Permit lottery required to float Camp Baker to Eden Bridge (mandatory registration + floater's fee, February drawing — one of the few US rivers with a limited-entry float-permit system alongside the Grand Canyon + Middle Fork Salmon); Camp Baker to Eden Bridge combined trout 3 under 13 in + only 1 over 22 in daily; artificial lures only (anglers 14 and under may use bait)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Smith River?: Yes. Smith River is in Montana, so a valid Montana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Smith River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Montana rules.
Do Smith River's special rules replace Montana's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Montana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Smith River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Smith River?: Cutthroat trout (native westslope + Yellowstone) has a water-body-specific rule on Smith River, each linking to its full Montana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Montana limits.

← Back to Montana regulations overview