FWP to conduct lottery for upper, West Fork Bitterroot River commercial permits

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will conduct a lottery to fill three available permits for commercial fishing and floating on the upper and West Fork of the Bitterroot River according to a statement released by the agency on Wednesday.

The upper and West Fork of the Bitterroot are restricted-use river areas. Outfitters are required to obtain a permit before taking commercial trips.

The three available permits are for a portion of West Fork of the Bitterroot and the upper Bitterroot River from C. Ben White Fishing Access Site downstream to Wally Crawford. The lottery will be open for entry April 20 through May 18.

River access points above C. Ben White Fishing Access Site are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and are not included in this drawing.

Only 53 commercial permits are allowed annually. Permits become available periodically when the department conducts a lottery for permits that have been revoked or abandoned, according to FWP.

The lottery drawing is set to take place the week of May 18. The drawing will be randomized by FWP licensing. Successful applicants will be notified via email shortly after. Those who are chosen must then complete an application to receive their permit prior to any commercial use.

Outfitters can apply online at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/specialuseriverpermits.

Permitted outfitters have specific requirements for operations. Details can be found at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/specialuseriverpermits.

For more information, contact FWP Bitterroot District Recreation Manager Jess Martin at Jessica.Martin@mt.gov or 406-273-4253.