HELENA — Less than 15 percent of applicants seeking to float central Montana’s scenic Smith River were issued permits through a lottery run by state parks officials.
Montana State Parks says 8,096 applications were received for permits in 2015 and 1,175 were issued.
The river is popular for its remote location and trout fishing.
Applicants who were denied a permit can request any remaining launch dates or cancelled permits by contacting the Smith River Reservation and Information line at (406) 454-5861.