Book a Montana Fly Fishing Trip
Yellowstone River floats, Paradise Valley spring creeks, and the Madison. Pick a date and the day is built around conditions, your experience, and the kind of fishing you want.
See open dates and reserve with a 50% deposit. Full and half days.
Call (406) 224-8972Talk through dates, runoff timing, and which water fits your group.
Text (406) 224-8972On the water most days in season. A text usually gets the quickest reply.
Email swanmatt@yahoo.comBest for group trips, multi-day plans, and lodging questions.
Matt Swan is a licensed Montana outfitter (#26324), FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Trout Unlimited Business Member, and Guiding for the Future graduate based in Livingston, Montana. Affiliations & conservation
Three steps, then we go fishing
No forms to fill out. Reserve the date, and the rest is a short conversation about where you are staying and what you want from the day.
-
Reserve the date
Book online, or call or text to talk through dates, runoff timing, and the best options for your trip. A 50% deposit per boat holds the day.
-
The plan is confirmed
Yellowstone River float, a spring creek wade day on DePuy's or Armstrong's, or another regional option based on current conditions. You get a meeting time and place a day or two before.
-
Conditions change, the day pivots
If the Yellowstone blows out or a cold front shuts things down, the trip moves to the water that is fishing. You stay on good water and the day stays productive.
Simple, per-boat pricing
Every rate covers one or two anglers with the same guide. Most trips are limited to two anglers per guide so there is real instruction and real fishing.
About 8 hours on the water
Yellowstone River, Madison, or the best regional float for the date. Riverside lunch included. 1–2 anglers.
Book a Full DayAbout 4–5 hours, morning or afternoon
A shorter float with drinks and light snacks. A good fit for first-timers, families, and travel days. 1–2 anglers.
Book a Half DayDePuy's, Armstrong's & private options
Technical dry-fly and nymph fishing on the Paradise Valley spring creeks. Ranch rod fees are additional. 1–2 anglers.
Spring Creek TripsFishing in Yellowstone National Park, private lakes, and multi-boat groups are quoted by phone. Winter and early-spring dates run on a flexible off-season schedule.
Full day includes
- Licensed professional guide, about 8 hours
- All flies and terminal tackle
- Rods and reels if you need them
- Drift boat or raft where applicable
- River shuttle fees
- Non-alcoholic drinks and a riverside lunch
Half day includes
- Licensed professional guide, about 4–5 hours
- All flies and terminal tackle
- Rods and reels if you need them
- Drift boat or raft where applicable
- Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks
Not included
- Montana fishing license and associated fees
- Yellowstone National Park fishing permit, when applicable
- Private water rod fees and trespass fees
- Wader and boot rentals, if needed
- Guide gratuity
The fine print, kept short
A small outfitter holds a guide and a date just for your party. Clear communication if plans change is all that is asked in return.
Quick version: 50% deposit per boat holds the date. Balance is due 2 days before the trip. Full refund of the deposit if you cancel 30 or more days out. Inside 48 hours, the full rate may apply.
Deposit, payment & cancellation
Deposit
Half-day and full-day guide days require a 50% deposit per boat to hold the date.
Payment
The remaining balance is due 2 days before the trip. An online invoice or card payment link can be sent, or arrangements can be made by phone or text.
Cancellation
- Trips cancelled 30 or more days before the scheduled date receive a full refund of the deposit.
- Inside 30 days, deposits are refundable only if the guide day can be rebooked.
- Trips cancelled within 48 hours, or no-shows on the day of the trip, may be charged the full trip rate.
Weather, river conditions & safety
Weather & river conditions
- Rain, wind, and changing weather are part of fishing in Montana. Trips generally proceed in less-than-perfect weather.
- If conditions are unsafe or clearly not fishing well (extreme flows, dangerous cold, lightning), the day may be moved, adjusted, or refunded if no reasonable option exists.
- Decisions are made together based on runoff, clarity, water temperatures, and the experience level of the group.
Winter & shoulder seasons
- Winter and early-season trips are booked with extra flexibility.
- If conditions deteriorate quickly, the day can often be shifted to another date with no change fee.
Private water & fishing licenses
Private water fees
Paradise Valley spring creeks, including DePuy's and Armstrong's, require separate rod fees or trespass fees set by the ranch. These are in addition to guide rates and are paid when applicable.
Montana fishing license
Everyone fishing needs a current Montana license. Buy online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at ols.fwp.mt.gov, or at local license providers and fly shops in Livingston and Bozeman.
Yellowstone National Park
The park requires its own fishing permit; Montana licenses are not valid inside Yellowstone. Permits are sold online through Recreation.gov and at park visitor centers.
What to bring & where we meet
What to bring
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hat, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate layers
- Waders and boots for wade trips and colder conditions (rentals are available locally)
- Any personal items or medications you may need
Meeting place
Many trips meet at Sweetwater Fly Shop in Livingston, or at a pre-arranged access point depending on the river and water level. Exact time and place are confirmed before your trip.
Mobility & medical notes
Please share mobility concerns or medical needs ahead of time so access and water can be matched to what is safe and comfortable.
Before you book
Do you guide beginners near Livingston?
Yes. Many trips are designed for newer anglers or mixed-experience groups, with the day paced around clear instruction and simple next steps. Matt is an FFI Certified Casting Instructor, so a first day on the water comes with real coaching, not just a boat ride.
What is the best time to fly fish the Yellowstone River?
Strong windows run from late spring through fall, with different hatches and conditions in each period. Early spring and late fall are quieter and often very good. Share your dates and goals for recommendations tailored to your window, or read the Yellowstone River page.
Float trip or wade trip?
Float trips cover more water and are ideal for the Yellowstone and Madison. Walk-and-wade trips are the norm on the Paradise Valley spring creeks and select freestones, where slower, technical fishing makes sense. Many anglers do one of each on a two-day visit.
Do I need my own fly rod and waders?
Rods and reels are available at no charge if you need them. Waders and boots are recommended for wade trips and colder conditions; they can be rented locally if you do not have your own.
Are lunches included?
Full-day trips include a riverside lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. Half-day trips include drinks and light snacks but no lunch. Let us know about dietary needs when you book.
Where do trips usually meet?
Many trips meet at Sweetwater Fly Shop in Livingston, or at a pre-arranged access point depending on the river and water level. Livingston is about 30 minutes east of Bozeman on I-90.
Where can I buy a Montana or Yellowstone fishing license?
Montana licenses are sold online at ols.fwp.mt.gov and at local license providers. Yellowstone National Park fishing permits are sold online through Recreation.gov and at park visitor centers.
How far ahead should I book?
Prime dates in July, August, and September, plus Mother's Day caddis week in late April and early May, fill well ahead. Shoulder-season and winter dates are usually easier to get on short notice. If your dates are fixed, book early; if they are flexible, a quick call will find the best window.
Tell us when you are coming
Share your dates, where you are staying, and who is fishing. The best water for that window, and the right trip for your group, comes back fast.
Matt Swan · Licensed Montana Outfitter #26324 · Livingston, MT · Where we fish · Casting instruction
