Seasonal Guided Fishing • Livingston, Montana

Fall, Winter & Spring Fly Fishing

Book one guided day and choose the best water as conditions come into focus. Fish DePuy's or Armstrong's with seasonal rod fees included, or float the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley.

Fall, winter and spring fly fishing near Livingston, Montana
Seasonal Full-Day Rate
$700 All-In
One or two anglers

Choose a guided day on DePuy's or Armstrong's Spring Creek with seasonal $50-per-person rod fees paid by Swan's Fly Fishing, or a Yellowstone River float with the boat and shuttle included.

Spring creek rod fees included Yellowstone float option Lunch and gear included
Check Dates & Book Call or Text 406-224-8972

Spring creek rod fees are included when participating ranch fees are $50 per angler. Creek reservations remain subject to availability.

25+ Years Guiding Experienced local trip planning
FFI Casting Instructor Patient instruction since 1999
Montana Outfitter #26324 Owner operated in Livingston

Two Strong Seasonal Options

Reserve the day first. We will settle on the spring creeks or the Yellowstone as the trip approaches and the weather, flows and your goals become clearer.

Guided fishing on DePuy's or Armstrong's Spring Creek in Paradise Valley
Private Walk-and-Wade Fishing

DePuy's & Armstrong's

Stable spring-fed water, limited rods and a slower, more deliberate style of fishing. Fall, winter and early spring offer lower pressure and room to work carefully on presentation and clean drifts.

  • Seasonal $50 rod fees paid by Swan's
  • Waders and boots available if needed
  • Midges, Baetis, scuds and small-fly fishing
  • Warm-up huts available where provided by the ranch
Explore DePuy's and Armstrong's
Guided Yellowstone River fly fishing float near Livingston, Montana
Classic Montana Float

Yellowstone River

When the river is clear and the forecast is favorable, the Yellowstone can provide an excellent fall or early-spring float. It is a particularly good choice for beginners, mixed-experience groups and anglers who want to cover more water.

  • Drift boat or raft
  • River shuttle included
  • Flexible start time based on temperature
  • Rods, reels, flies and instruction included
Explore the Yellowstone River
Featured Seasonal Value

Spring Creek Access Included

$700
Full guided day for one or two anglers

This is your regular full-day guide rate. During the seasonal $50 rod-fee period, Swan's Fly Fishing pays the DePuy's or Armstrong's access fees for one or two anglers.

  • No separate ranch payment for the included seasonal rod fees
  • DePuy's or Armstrong's selected according to availability and conditions
  • Guide, flies, terminal tackle, lunch and drinks included
  • Waders, boots, rods and reels available when requested
Three anglers: $875 all-in
Add a third angler for $175 on an appropriate spring creek walk-and-wade day. The seasonal rod fees are included.

Why Fish These Seasons?

The pace and tactics change through the year, but fall, winter and spring each offer a reason to be on the water.

Fall

Cooling water, Baetis, active brown trout and fewer anglers on both the Yellowstone and spring creeks.

Winter

Midday starts, stable spring-creek water, quiet banks and time to work carefully through productive holding lanes.

Early Spring

Midges, Baetis and warming trends create opportunities before runoff. The Yellowstone becomes an option when clarity and flows line up.

What Your Full Day Includes

Fishing & Equipment

  • Licensed professional guide
  • One or two anglers
  • Rods and reels if needed
  • Flies, leaders and terminal tackle
  • Waders and boots when requested
  • Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Boat and shuttle on Yellowstone floats

Timing & Instruction

Seasonal trips often start later than summer trips. We use the warmest and most productive part of the day instead of forcing an unnecessarily early start.

Instruction is matched to your experience. New anglers can work on casting, mending and reading water. Experienced anglers can focus on sight-fishing, presentation and technical drifts.

Book the day, then choose the water. If the Yellowstone is clear and fishing well, we can float. If colder weather, ice or changing river conditions favor DePuy's or Armstrong's, we can use the spring creeks. The goal is the best trip for the conditions, not forcing the original plan.

From the Fishing Journal

What Winter Spring Creek Fishing Is Really Like

Read more about winter holding water, small fishing windows, midges and the slower pace that makes the Paradise Valley spring creeks such useful places to learn.

Read the Spring Creek Story

Seasonal Trip Questions

Is the spring creek rod fee really included?

Yes. When the DePuy's or Armstrong's rod fee is $50 per angler, Swan's Fly Fishing pays it for one or two anglers. Your full-day price remains $700.

What if there is only one angler?

The full-day guide rate is $700 for either one or two anglers. Swan's pays the participating spring creek's seasonal rod fee.

Can three anglers fish the spring creeks?

Yes, when the trip and available water are appropriate for three anglers. The third angler is $175 additional, making the all-in seasonal price $875. Seasonal rod fees are included.

Do I have to choose the water when I book?

No. Reserve the day and tell us what you want from the trip. We can decide between the Yellowstone and spring creeks as the date gets closer and the conditions become clearer.

Are these trips suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Yellowstone is especially well suited to beginners. The spring creeks are more technical, but the slower seasonal pace can provide an excellent setting for patient instruction.

What time does the trip begin?

Start times depend on the forecast and selected water. Winter trips usually begin later in the morning so we can fish the warmest and most productive part of the day.

What happens if the weather becomes unsafe?

Rain alone does not usually cancel a trip. High winds, extreme cold, unsafe roads or dangerous river conditions may require a different destination, a new date or cancellation. Trips canceled by the outfitter for safety receive a full refund.

How do I reserve a date?

Use the booking button or call or text Matt at 406-224-8972. A 50% deposit confirms the reservation.

Start With Your Dates

Tell me when you will be near Livingston, how many anglers are fishing and what experience you want. I will help you decide whether the spring creeks or Yellowstone make the most sense.

Check Dates & Book Call or Text 406-224-8972

Matt Swan • Montana Outfitter #26324 • Livingston, Montana