The Swan River
The Swan Valley, also known as “The Swan”, is defined by a one hundred mile stretch of Hwy 83. At its southern most beginning at Clearwater Junction to its end at the northern community of Bigfork, the Swan offers outdoor adventurers a veritable paradise.
Flanked on either side by the legendary Bob Marshall wilderness and the Little Mission mountains are unsurpassed hunting and fishing opportunities.
From Salmon Prairie to Swan Lake, the Swan River challenges anglers to catch its trophy Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout that lie in seclusion under woody cover. Massive Bull Trout abide here too in numbers that are plainly visible. Besides excellent fishing, the Swan River offers a solitude like none other.
Fish Species
- Westslope Cutthroat
- Rainbow Trout
- Eastern Brook Trout
River Stats
- Length: 100miles
- Peak Season: July-August
While the hordes flock to the Missouri River, Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River and Blackfoot River, The Swan remains an escape for the crowd weary angler.
The Flathead River
Glacier National Park is bordered by the pristine waters of the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River. From Canada to the Bob Marshall wilderness, the three forks of the Flathead River meander through dense forests and spectacular vistas.
This part of Montana is the crown of the Flathead Valley.
The water below the confluence of the South Fork and Middle Fork at Columbia Falls and Kalispell offers the best fly fishing opportunities.
Fish Species
- Westslope Cutthroat
- Rainbow Trout
- Eastern Brook Trout
River Stats
- Length: 100miles
- Peak Season: July-August
Spawning migrations of Westlope Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout from Flathead Lake make the Flathead River one of the best float/fish destinations in the country.
Mountain Lakes
Crane Mountain Guide Service boasts several secluded, pristine lakes for spectacular fishing. Whether you are looking to catch Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, Large Mouth & Small Mouth Bass or any of the trout species, we have a lake for you.
These lakes offer fine fishing and are excellent for beginning anglers eager to catch their first fish on a fly rod. As soon as ice is off in the spring these mountain lakes are prime, making them perfect for the shoulder seasons when the rivers are not quite ready for floating.
Bass fishing is a major draw for many of our mountain lakes and we even have some that have become famous for it.
Fish Species
- Westslope Cutthroat
- Rainbow Trout
- Eastern Brook Trout
- Arctic Grayling
- Northern Pike
- Large & Small Mouth Bass
