Floating Swan Lake

Come float and fish beautiful Swan Lake in our pontoon boat! We cater to fly-fisherman, spin casters and bait casters for trophy sized pike and lake trout, whether you are a novice angler that likes to watch a bobber or a hardcore fly fishing enthusiast. We’ll spend a full day (7 hours) of fishing on the lake and enjoy a hot grilled lunch on the boat. Though this 26 foot boat can accommodate 9 people, we will limit capacity to just 4 anglers to ensure a high quality experience.

This is a great opportunity to bust out your fly rod or spinner when the rivers are flooded and muddy but you still want to scratch that fishing itch after a long cold winter! The best time to go out and target pike on Swan Lake is from April 15-June 15 each year. During the spring season right after the ice breaks up Northern Pike come in droves to the shallows to feed on smaller bait fish and eventually lay eggs. The hunt for pike is a spot and stock sight-fishing game much like Bonefish and other flats species. We can spin cast or fly fish for the Rainbow trout and we typically jig or troll for the lake trout.

If bringing your own equipment we recommend a 8 weight fly rod with a sink tip and floating line as well as a wire leader. For spinner fisherman we recommend a 9 ft rod with 250 yards of braided line and a wire leader. Don’t have a pike rod? Not to worry, we have all the equipment necessary!

There’s nothing better than fly fishing in the Swan Valley. Imagine yourself floating along the river on a beautiful sunny day, taking in the pristine beauty of your surroundings and relishing in the excitement of outstanding fly fishing conditions.

Float and Fish the Swan River

Swan Mountain Outfitters is privileged to be permitted by the Flathead National Forest with guide rights to fish the Swan River in the Swan Seeley Valley. This river offers anglers the opportunity to catch and release rainbow trout, brook trout and west slope cutthroat trout in a section of truly “wild and scenic” waters. Although there are bull trout in this river and we do occasionally incidentally catch them, we are not allowed to target them. Unlike so many of the better known rivers in Montana, the Swan River is a best kept secret. If you are looking for less crowds and a more intimate river float experience, add the Swan River to your list!

Your Fishing Experience

At Swan Mountain Outfitters, our primary goal is to ensure that our guests have the most safe and enjoyable fly fishing float trip experience possible. That is why the price of this Montana fly fishing trip includes both lessons and a lunch or a snack (depending on the duration of your trip). For those guests who need an introductory lesson or a refresher on fly fishing, our professional fly fishing and river rafting guide will be there to provide fly fishing lessons and make sure you feel completely comfortable before you get out on the river. Each boat only accommodate 2 guests, plus the guide, ensuring your experience is always perfectly tailored with as much attention from your guide as you need.

Trip Options

Float and fish trips are offered as a

• Half Day
• Full Day
• Overnight Trip

Check out our rates, dates, and availability for details. Come experience the best of northwest Montana fishing with Swan Mountain Outfitters today!

Photos from the River