SWAN RIVER MONTANA FLY FISHING WITH BIGFORK ANGLERS
Beginning in the Mission Mountains, the Upper Swan River runs north through a heavily timbered valley between the Majestic Mission Mountains and the Swan Range (part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area). This section of the river has heavily forested banks, lots of turns, and plenty of logjams that lie in wait for the inattentive floater. Due to logjams and portages, drifting can be dangerous on the upper river if you are not familiar with the obstacles. Even after high water has subsided, new downfalls are common and present hazards throughout the season. Drift boats and canoes are not recomended. Those considering floating the upper river should have some experience behind the oars.
The fish on the Swan average from 8-15" but there are some 20"+ fish around for those that keep the fly in the sweet spot. Swan River fish are not picky when it comes to fly patterns and the majority of our fishing is done with attractor dry flies.
While fly pattern is not critical, presentation is. Gin clear water, debris lined banks, and jammed up holes create chellenges when presenting the fly so good presentation and accurate casting is helpful for the big fish.
The Lower Swan River below Swan Lake also offers some seasonal fly fishing opportunities for trout and Pike. This section is wider and easy to wade or navigate from a boat. The trout population is not great compared to some of our other rivers but there are some nice rainbows and cutts around certain times of year. Mid to late June is a good time to find salmon flies and golden stones fluttering about and large dries can take some nice fish.
Watch some video clips of us fly fishing the Swan River.
Beginning in the Mission Mountains, the Upper Swan River runs north through a heavily timbered valley between the Majestic Mission Mountains and the Swan Range (part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area). This section of the river has heavily forested banks, lots of turns, and plenty of logjams that lie in wait for the inattentive floater. Due to logjams and portages, drifting can be dangerous on the upper river if you are not familiar with the obstacles. Even after high water has subsided, new downfalls are common and present hazards throughout the season. Drift boats and canoes are not recomended. Those considering floating the upper river should have some experience behind the oars. 
While fly pattern is not critical, presentation is. Gin clear water, debris lined banks, and jammed up holes create chellenges when presenting the fly so good presentation and accurate casting is helpful for the big fish.