Yellowstone River trips for anglers and non-anglers
Not everyone in a group wants the same river day. Some guests want a guided fly fishing trip. Others want a slower float with mountain views, wildlife, photographs, food, and time on the Yellowstone without fishing.
This page is built for mixed groups. Swan's Fly Fishing handles the angling side. Montana Classic Boat Tours handles the scenic wooden boat side. When timing, flows, and logistics line up, both boats can share the same stretch of river on the same day.
One group, two ways to use the river
This page is for groups where some guests want a real fishing day and others want the Yellowstone without spending the day casting.
The Anglers
Anglers fish from a guided drift boat through Swan's Fly Fishing. That side of the day is built for casting, rowing, working structure, and fishing the Yellowstone the right way.
The Scenic Guests
Non-anglers ride in a classic wooden dory with Montana Classic Boat Tours. They get the river, mountain views, wildlife, photographs, drinks, blankets, and optional food without needing to fish.
The point is simple: nobody has to sit out the river day. One boat fishes. One boat floats. When conditions and logistics line up, both boats can use the same stretch so the whole group still shares the Yellowstone in two different ways.
Simple planning for mixed groups
1. Tell Us the Group
Let us know how many guests want to fish and how many guests want the scenic wooden boat.
2. Pick a Date
We look at season, weather, river conditions, and whether the group wants a morning, afternoon, or evening setup.
3. Match the Boats
The fishing side is coordinated through Swan's Fly Fishing. The scenic side is coordinated through Montana Classic Boat Tours.
4. Share the River
When logistics line up, both boats can run the same section so the group shares one Yellowstone day in two different ways.
Same rates as the main scenic float
The scenic side of the day follows the same pricing structure as Montana Classic Boat Tours. Guided fishing is priced separately through Swan's Fly Fishing. [web:195][web:214]
Private Scenic Boat
For up to 3 scenic guests. Includes boat, guide, cooler, ice, bottled water or non-alcoholic drinks, blankets, and safety gear.
Additional Scenic Guests
Per additional scenic guest. Scenic boat capacity is generally up to 6 guests depending on boat assignment and river conditions.
Add boards, snacks, or sandwiches
Food is optional and handled separately from the scenic boat price, and the contact page already supports requesting food add-ons during booking. [web:214]
Morning Board
Best for: Morning scenic float
1 to 3 guests: $155
4 to 6 guests: $195
Afternoon / Evening Board
Best for: Afternoon or evening scenic float
1 to 3 guests: $175
4 to 6 guests: $215
Sandwich Add-On
Available: Afternoon and evening floats, Tuesday through Saturday
Not available: Morning floats, Sunday, or Monday
Scenic guests can also bring their own snacks, beer, wine, or preferred drinks. Cooler space, ice, non-alcoholic drinks, blankets, and the boat setup are included on the scenic side. [web:214]
Built for real mixed groups
Couples
One person wants to fish. The other wants a scenic float. Both still get a Yellowstone day that makes sense.
Families
Parents, grandparents, kids, and guests often want different things from the river. Hybrid planning keeps everyone included.
Wedding Guests
A good fit for groups who want a Montana river day without making every guest commit to a full fishing trip.
Corporate or Retreat Groups
Some guests choose the fishing boats. Others choose the scenic boat. The day still runs as one coordinated local plan.
Swan's Fly Fishing + Montana Classic Boat Tours
Swan's Fly Fishing and Montana Classic Boat Tours are built around the same local water knowledge. The fishing program is for anglers. The wooden boat program is for scenic guests. Together, they make it easier to plan a Yellowstone River day for groups with mixed interests. [web:191][web:216]
Guided Fly Fishing
Yellowstone River trips, Paradise Valley spring creeks, Madison River days, private lakes, and regional Montana fly fishing options.
View guided fly fishing tripsMain Scenic Float Page
Private scenic wooden boat tours with morning, midday, and evening options, direct booking, and food add-ons for guests who want the river without the fishing side.
View the main scenic float pageCommon questions
Do the boats stay together?
We try to keep both boats on the same section when possible, but river conditions, fishing pace, timing, and safety all factor into the final plan.
Can scenic guests add food?
Yes. Food add-ons are a natural fit for the scenic boat because those guests are not actively fishing and have more room to relax.
Can this be a full day?
The fishing side can be half day or full day. The scenic side is usually around two hours, so full-day fishing may continue after the scenic boat finishes.
How should we book it?
The best move is to call or text with your total group breakdown, preferred date, and whether you want morning, afternoon, or evening. The scenic side can also be booked online. [web:214]
Is this only for couples?
No. It works for couples, families, wedding groups, retreats, and any group where some guests want to fish and others do not.
Who handles the fishing side?
Swan's Fly Fishing handles guided fly fishing logistics, pricing, and boat setup for the angling side of the day. [web:191]
Plan the group first, then book the scenic side
Planning a Yellowstone River day with anglers and non-anglers? Call or text with the number of fishing guests, scenic guests, preferred date, and whether you want a morning, afternoon, or evening setup.