Montana’s legendary Smith River just dropped its permit lottery results via MyFWP, and if you’re one of the lucky few, check your inbox—those coveted email permits are waiting to launch your float trip down one of America’s last wild, undammed free-flowing rivers. For the rest of us, Super Permit chances are still up for grabs through March 15 at just $5 a pop, giving die-hard anglers and adventurers another shot at 28 miles of pristine blue-ribbon trout water flanked by stunning limestone canyons. Starting March 2, you can even call 406-454-5861 to snag leftover launch dates, but act fast—these spots vanish quicker than a mayfly hatch.

What makes this more than just a fishing update? The Smith River’s permit frenzy underscores Montana’s fierce commitment to public land access, a bedrock principle that echoes the 2A ethos of individual liberty against overreach. As outfitters and locals gear up for another season of self-reliant backcountry floats—packing rods, rafts, and yes, sidearms for bear country defense—this lottery reinforces why states like Big Sky Country lead the charge in preserving wild spaces for everyday Americans. It’s no coincidence that pro-2A strongholds like Montana prioritize these lotteries over elite auctions; it’s democracy in action, ensuring blue-collar hunters and shooters get equal dibs on public resources without bureaucratic gatekeeping.

For the 2A community, the implications are crystal clear: floating the Smith isn’t just about trout—it’s prime grizzly habitat where concealed carry saves lives, and FWP’s hands-off permitting philosophy aligns perfectly with constitutional carry expansions. Grab those Super Permits now, dial in for leftovers, and hit the water armed with knowledge that Montana’s model of accessible wilderness bolsters our fight to keep public lands free from urban nanny-state encroachments. Who’s ready to paddle and protect?