Where We Fish
Southwest Montana is not one fishery. It is a system of rivers, spring creeks, and stillwaters that all fish differently throughout the year.
We don’t guide a river. We guide a system of rivers, choosing the right water based on conditions, your experience level, and what you want out of the day. The writeups below are here to show the range, but the actual plan is built around the week you are here.
If you already have dates and lodging lined up, call or text (406) 224-8972 and I’ll point you toward the best options.
The Waters Around Livingston
You do not need to pick a river ahead of time. We match your dates and goals with the right mix of freestones, spring creeks, and stillwaters based on current conditions.
Yellowstone River
The main river we guide from Gardiner to Columbus. Long freestone runs, classic seams, side channels, and a full season of hatches.
DePuy’s & Armstrong’s
True spring creeks with clear water, steady flows, and technical sight-fishing. A great place to improve fast and a strong winter option.
Madison & Bighorn
Early-season anchors when flows, clarity, and water temperatures line up better than local freestones.
Stillwater, Boulder & Shields
Fast pocket water, short seasonal windows, and local favorites that feel very different from big-river float days.
Private Lakes
Quiet stillwater options with room to work on casting, retrieve, and presentation. Great for families, newer anglers, and calmer days.
Winter & Spring Rate
Winter and early spring are usually built around Paradise Valley spring creeks, but mild stretches can also put the Yellowstone or Lower Madison in play.
Why Fish With Swan’s Fly Fishing
Swan’s Fly Fishing is a year-round, owner-operated guide service based in Livingston, Montana. The whole program is built around reading conditions week to week and putting you on the best water for the dates you actually have.
