Book a Montana Fly Fishing Trip
Quick Booking
Choose your date and the trip is matched to conditions, experience level, and the kind of day you want on the water.
Booking Policies
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.
Small outfitters reserve guides and dates specifically for each party, so clear communication is appreciated if plans change.
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, What’s Included & 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 fees are in addition to guide rates and are paid when applicable.
What’s Included – Full Day
- Licensed professional guide for approximately 8 hours on the water
- All flies and terminal tackle
- Rods and reels if needed
- Use of boat where applicable
- River shuttle fees
- Non‑alcoholic drinks and a riverside lunch
What’s Included – Half Day
- Licensed professional guide for approximately 4–5 hours on the water (morning or afternoon)
- All flies and terminal tackle
- Rods and reels if needed
- Use of boat 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
Fishing Licenses
- Montana fishing licenses can be purchased online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at ols.fwp.mt.gov or at local license providers and fly shops[web:243].
- Yellowstone National Park requires a separate park fishing permit; state licenses are not valid inside the park[web:182].
- YNP fishing permits can be purchased online via Recreation.gov at recreation.gov or in person at park visitor centers[web:182][web:189].
What to Bring
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hat, sunscreen, and weather‑appropriate layers
- Waders and boots for wade trips and colder conditions
- Any personal items or medications you may need
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.
Rates
$700 per boat
1–2 anglers per guide
Includes flies, rods and reels if needed, tackle, drinks, and riverside lunch. Gratuity and fishing licenses not included.
$600 per boat
1–2 anglers per guide
Morning or afternoon. Includes flies, rods and reels if needed, tackle, drinks, and light snacks. No lunch. Gratuity and licenses not included.
$700
1–2 anglers per guide
DePuy’s, Armstrong’s, and other private options when available. Private rod fees or trespass fees are additional.
For the best fishing and learning experience, most trips are limited to two anglers per guide.
Reserve Your Date
Southwest Montana is a mix of freestone rivers, spring creeks, and stillwaters. Flows, clarity, weather, and time of year decide what fishes best. When a date is reserved with Swan’s Fly Fishing, the trip is built around conditions and the goals of the group.
Matt Swan · Licensed Montana Outfitter #26324 · Livingston, MT · (406) 224‑8972 · swanmatt@yahoo.com
Trip Questions
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.
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. Share your dates and goals for recommendations tailored to your window.
Float trip or wade trip?
Float trips cover more water and are ideal for the Yellowstone and Madison. Walk‑and‑wade trips are common on Paradise Valley spring creeks and select freestones where slower fishing and technical work make sense.
Do I need my own fly rod and waders?
Rods and reels are available if needed. 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. Half‑day trips include drinks and light snacks but no lunch.
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.
Where can I buy a Montana or Yellowstone fishing license?
Montana licenses are available online at ols.fwp.mt.gov and at local license providers. Yellowstone National Park fishing permits are sold online via Recreation.gov at recreation.gov and at park visitor centers[web:182][web:189].
