Matthew Swan
Boulder River vs Stillwater River Fly Fishing ...

The Boulder and Stillwater are both worth watching, but they do not fish their best at the same times or for the same travel plans. This is a straightforward look at which river makes more sense based on timing, where you are staying, and the kind of day you want.

Boulder River vs Stillwater River Fly Fishing in Montana
FISHING REPORT
Matthew Swan
Baetis On the Brain

Spring Baetis are showing on the Yellowstone River near Livingston, Paradise Valley, Emigrant, and Big Timber. Here is a simple dry dropper program, a brown trout story with guide Matt Kelly, and spring trip timing for the Yellowstone.

Baetis On the Brain
Matthew Swan
Fish For Some. Secenic Float For Others

A lot of Montana trips end up with one person wanting to fish and another wanting a scenic float. This explains how Swan’s Fly Fishing and Montana Classic Boat Tours run both at the same time on the Yellowstone so the group stays together.

Fish For Some. Secenic Float For Others
FLY FISHING EDUCATION
Matthew Swan
Drift Boat Rowing Lessons on the Yellowstone ...

Private rowing lessons on the Yellowstone River near Livingston and Bozeman, Montana. Learn drift boat, raft, and river rowing skills with one-on-one instruction.

Drift Boat Rowing Lessons on the Yellowstone River
FLY FISHING EDUCATION
Matthew Swan
Professional Affiliations, Conservation, and ...

This post brings together the teaching, conservation, and community side of Swan’s Fly Fishing and Montana Classic Boat Tours, and the bigger picture behind time on the water.

Professional Affiliations, Conservation, and the Bigger Picture on the Water

FLY FISHING EDUCATION

Drift Boat Rowing Lessons on the Yellowstone River

Drift Boat Rowing Lessons on the Yellowstone River

Private rowing lessons on the Yellowstone River near Livingston and Bozeman, Montana. Learn drift boat, raft, and river rowing skills with one-on-one instruction.

Professional Affiliations, Conservation, and the Bigger Picture on the Water

Professional Affiliations, Conservation, and the Bigger Picture on the Water

This post brings together the teaching, conservation, and community side of Swan’s Fly Fishing and Montana Classic Boat Tours, and the bigger picture behind time on the water.

Choosing the Right Water from March Through Early June

Choosing the Right Water from March Through Early June

Some of Montana’s best fishing happens before most people think the season even starts. This piece looks at early spring conditions on the Yellowstone, Lower Madison, and Bighorn, and how to choose the right water from March through early June. It’s about timing, clarity, and knowing where the fish actually are.

Why Spring Creeks Make More Complete Anglers

Why Spring Creeks Make More Complete Anglers

Spring creeks slow anglers down and expose every detail. Clean drifts, thoughtful adjustments, and patience are required. The lessons learned here carry into every other trout fishery.

The Western Native Trout Challenge

The Western Native Trout Challenge

A long term project to document and catch native trout across the West beginning right here in the greater Yellowstone region.

Winter Fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks

Winter Fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks

Winter is one of the most underrated times to fish the Paradise Valley spring creeks. With steady water temps and fewer weeds, Armstrong’s and DePuy’s offer the most consistent winter fishing near Livingston.

Winter Fly Fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks

Winter Fly Fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks

A winter fly fishing day on the Paradise Valley spring creeks, exploring cold-season tactics, trout behavior, and why these waters remain productive even when temperatures drop.