Rowing, Casting & Fly-Fishing Skills
Instruction is for anglers who want real skill and real calm on the water. Whether you’re learning to row your own boat, sharpening your casting before a guided trip, or taking a focused day with a clear curriculum, these sessions are built around your pace and your goals.
The focus is practical: safety, clarity, reading water, and decision-making that actually shows up when the river gets busy.
Quick question? Call or text (406) 224-8972.
Jump to a program
Not sure which format fits? Text your dates and goals and I’ll steer you toward the best option for the season.
Yellowstone Rowing School
This is our Yellowstone-specific version of the rowing course, built around the decisions that matter on a big, changing freestone. Same core curriculum. Same rate. We just teach it the way the Yellowstone actually behaves: channels, wind, speed management, and moving-water problem solving.
What we work on:
Boat control and positioning, reading water at speed, ferry angles, speed control, setting up drifts, anchor decisions,
shallow channels, wind management, and clean recovery when things go sideways.
Hands-on all day. Built for real river situations.
Format: 1–2 days depending on your comfort level and goals.
Rate: $700 per day (1–2 people).
Boat options: your boat, our drift boat, raft with fishing frame, or classic wooden dory (including whitewater dory) depending on conditions.
We’ll confirm the best fit when you book.
Want to talk timing first? Text (406) 224-8972.
Rowing Course
A full-day rowing course for real rivers. Ideal for new boat owners, anglers preparing for the season, or anyone who wants to feel safer and more in control behind the oars. We can run it on the Yellowstone when conditions are right, or choose a better training section for the day.
What we work on:
Boat setup, oar positioning, anchor management, river reading, ferry angles, speed control, setting up drifts,
approaching structure, and smooth recovery.
Practical and calm. No fluff.
Format: 1–2 days depending on goals and comfort level.
Rate: $700 per day (1–2 people).
Boat options: bring your own, or learn in one of ours (drift boat, raft with frame, classic wooden dory).
We’ll confirm the best fit when you book.
If you’ve got a boat and want the fastest plan, text the make/model and your dates: (406) 224-8972.
Fly-fishing instruction
A relaxed, supportive day designed to build real confidence. Great for beginners, families, and anglers who want to sharpen skills before a bigger trip or a specific season.
Common focuses:
Casting fundamentals and accuracy, line control, dry-fly presentation and drift, nymphing (indicator and tight-line),
reading seams and holding water, fly selection, and calmer problem-solving on the water.
We’ll tailor the day to your goals and where you’ll be fishing next.
Rate: $700 per day.
Groups: best with 1–4 anglers per instructor.
If you have a bigger group, we’ll add an instructor or adjust format so it stays productive.
Montana fly-fishing camp
A small-group, week-long immersion in Livingston designed for anglers who want a meaningful skills jump. This is instruction-first, with real fishing built in.
What it is:
Daily coaching, focused practice, technical water, and evening breakdowns. Casting, presentation, water reading,
and the small decisions that separate an okay day from a great one.
Space stays intentionally limited for real attention.
Rate: $3,750 per angler (week).
Includes: lodging, meals, guided instruction-focused fishing, and rod fees.
Travel and gratuities not included.
If you want to reserve camp early, text (406) 224-8972 and I’ll send details.
Instruction FAQs
Is Yellowstone Rowing School different from rowing instruction?
It’s the same course and same rate. “Yellowstone Rowing School” is simply the Yellowstone-specific version of the curriculum and positioning. We can run it on the Yellowstone when conditions are right, or choose a better training section for the day.
Do I need my own boat?
No. Bring your boat if you have one, or learn in one of ours depending on the day and format (drift boat, raft with frame, classic wooden dory).
Is it one day or two days?
Most people do one day. Two days is great if you want more repetition, more confidence in current and wind, or you’re preparing to row a lot this season. It’s $700 per day for 1–2 people.
When can we do rowing school?
Best windows are pre-runoff (through early May), plus select summer and fall days. During runoff, we can still train when conditions are safe, even if fishing isn’t the goal.
Matthew Swan | MT Outfitter #26324 | Call/Text (406) 224-8972
Conservation & Professional Affiliations
Supporting local rivers, professional instruction, and long-term guide development through these organizations.
