Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is reminding the public that they can still apply online, through March 15, to be the 2012 “Super Permit” winner to float the Smith River. 

 

The Smith River State Park and River Corridor is a 59-mile section of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge south of Great Falls, known for its spectacular scenery and amazing trout fishing. This is the second year that the public can apply for the “Super Permit” which is issued through a lottery drawing.

 

There will only be one Super Permit recipient and the lucky winner will be eligible to launch on any date of their choosing. The cost is $5 per chance to enter the Super Permit lottery and participants may purchase an unlimited number of chances. The Super Permit winner will be notified on March 19.

 

Sean O’Connor of Drummond, Montana won the “Super Permit” last year. He bought 5 chances and said his friends thought he was crazy for applying.

 

“I’ve never won anything, when I found out I was the winner, I immediately started calling my friends and they didn’t believe me,” said O’Connor. “We launched late in July and had a great trip, the weather was unbelievable and the flows were perfect for fishing. It’s neat to be out there in the middle of nowhere. Most of the rivers we float around here you can hear a highway or a train, but the Smith is quiet and peaceful.”

O’Connor said his friends are buying ‘Super Permit’ chances this year.

 

Chances for the “Super Permit” can only be purchased online through the FWP licensing system at: https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index

(Or go to the fwp.mt.gov homepage – click in the upper right hand corner on “Buy a License”)

 

Additional information about the permit application process can be found at stateparks.mt.gov or contact Montana State Parks’ staff in Great Falls at (406) 454-5840.

 

Revenue from the sale of the “Super Permit” chances will be used for the protection and enhancement of the Smith River corridor.

Montana State Parks received more than 5,700 applications, this year, for the general launch permit drawing. Those results will be available online February 28 at stateparks.mt.gov.