Our Waters Across Southwest Montana
A look at the rivers, spring creeks, and winter fisheries we guide throughout the Livingston and Bozeman area.
Our guided trips are based in Livingston, Montana and cover a wide range of productive waters across Southwest Montana. We guide the Yellowstone River, the Paradise Valley spring creeks, the Madison River, the Stillwater, Boulder, and Shields Rivers, along with winter ice-fishing on Harrison Reservoir. These fisheries offer everything from technical sight-fishing to classic drift-boat days and reliable winter options, giving anglers year-round access to great water.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER
The Yellowstone River is our home water and the core of our program. From Yankee Jim Canyon through Paradise Valley and into Livingston, it offers miles of riffles, banks, and side channels. The river fishes well from early spring through late fall and offers a mix of dry-fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer opportunities depending on the season.
Ready to fish the Yellowstone River? Book your day.
PARADISE VALLEY SPRING CREEKS
DePuy’s • Armstrong’s
These spring creeks offer clear water, steady flows, and some of the most technical sight-fishing in Montana. Small flies, accurate presentations, and patient reading of trout behavior define these creeks. Because they stay warm and consistent in winter, they provide one of the best cold-weather fishing options in Southwest Montana.
Few outfitters have spent more time on the spring creeks than we have. You need a real pulse on these waters to guide them efficiently, and our experience here makes a difference. The spring creeks are also a great alternative in the winter when you need a break from skiing or want something different to do. They’re an ideal option for intermediate to advanced anglers who enjoy technical, rewarding fishing.
Ready to fish the Paradise Valley spring creeks? Book your day.
MADISON RIVER
We guide the Madison near Ennis and the Lower Madison depending on flows and season. The river offers consistent fishing, strong hatches, and classic pocket water. It’s also a reliable option when the Yellowstone River or nearby freestones are too high to fish. When other rivers are blown out, the Madison often stays in shape and provides steady opportunity throughout the spring and early summer..
Ready to fish the Madison River? Book your day.
STILLWATER RIVER
The Stillwater is a fast, lively freestone with cold water, active pocket runs, and aggressive trout. Like the Boulder, most trips here are run out of a raft, and the river has a pace that’s best suited for intermediate or better anglers. The Stillwater also tends to drop into shape earlier than the Yellowstone, making it a strong option when the Yellowstone is still too high or off-color. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys quicker casting, steady movement, and a little more energy in their day.
Ready to fish the Stillwater River? Book your day.
BOULDER RIVER
The Boulder is a rugged, scenic freestone with fast seams, deep pockets, and strong cutthroat and rainbow trout. When flows allow, it’s one of the most enjoyable small-to-mid sized rivers in the region. Most of our Boulder trips are run out of a raft, and the quick pace feels almost like a fishing video game—fast decisions, fast pockets, and immediate feedback. The Boulder also tends to come into shape earlier than the Yellowstone, making it a good option when the Yellowstone is still too high in early summer. It’s a great fit for intermediate or better anglers who enjoy an energetic, engaging day on the water..
Ready to fish the Boulder River? Book your day.
SHIELDS RIVER
he Shields is a smaller freestone with quick pockets, undercut banks, and braided channels. It tends to fish best in the spring and fall, and it can stay productive well into October and November when the brown trout are still very active. The Shields offers a quieter, more local feel close to Livingston and can be a great option when conditions line up.
Ready to fish the Shields River? Book your day.
HARRISON RESERVOIR (ICE FISHING)
During the winter, our program shifts to ice-fishing on Harrison Reservoir. It’s a great alternative to skiing for families or anyone looking for a different winter activity close to Bozeman. We provide all the gear you need to stay comfortable and enjoy the day—whether it’s just one angler, two people, or the whole family. Our guides are experienced with safe ice travel, reading structure, and understanding cold-season fish behavior. It’s a relaxed, productive option for anglers visiting Livingston or Bozeman.
Ready to fish Harrison Reservoir this winter? Book your day.
WHY FISH WITH SWAN’S FLY FISHING
• Year-round guide service based in Livingston, MT
• Specialists on the Yellowstone River, Paradise Valley spring creeks, Madison River, Stillwater, Boulder, and Shields
• Exclusive winter ice-fishing on Harrison Reservoir
• Patient instruction, family-friendly guiding, and a calm teaching style
• Easy access from Livingston, Bozeman, Paradise Valley, and Yellowstone National Park
READY TO FISH MONTANA?
Book your trip today and we’ll help you make the most of each river, season, and opportunity.