Swan River
Wilderness Fly Fishing
Our outfitter and shop owner has been fishing the upper Swan River since 1996 and guiding it since our fly shop opened in 2008. Bigfork Anglers is permitted on multiple stretches of the upper Swan River through the Swan River State Forest DNRC. Space is limited so plan ahead.
Our outfitter and shop owner has been fishing the upper Swan River since 1996 and guiding it since our fly shop opened in 2008. Bigfork Anglers is permitted on multiple stretches of the upper Swan River through the Swan River State Forest DNRC. Space is limited so plan ahead.
Swan River Fly Fishing
First things first, the upper Swan River is NOT for everyone. It requires athletic ability, strenuous portaging, hiking, and wade fishing. For the most part, this river demands a spry individual with a decent amount of fly fishing experience to have a successful outing. Also, the fishing on these sections of river can be challenging. There are lots of snags and log jams that require constant attention and drift manipulation when presenting your flies through the runs. The trout population is also not abundant. There are a few big beautiful rainbows in this drainage that make it appealing but they are hard to come by. This is a scenic float with the possibility of a nice fish, it’s not a numbers game and the fishing can be a bust. If you want to get away from the crowds and have a shot at a good fish, this might be a good fit for you.
Swan River Fly Fishing
First things first, the upper Swan River is NOT for everyone. It requires athletic ability, strenuous portaging, hiking, and wade fishing. For the most part, this river demands a spry individual with a decent amount of fly fishing experience to have a successful outing. Also, the fishing on these sections of river can be challenging. There are lots of snags and log jams that require constant attention and drift manipulation when presenting your flies through the runs. The trout population is also not abundant. There are a few big beautiful rainbows in this drainage that make it appealing but they are hard to come by. This is a scenic float with the possibility of a nice fish, it’s not a numbers game and the fishing can be a bust. If you want to get away from the crowds and have a shot at a good fish, this might be a good fit for you.