Class III-IV Swan River, MT
Wild Mile (Bigfork Dam to Powerhouse)
As flows drop in summer, scheduled opportunities are provided thanks to the advocacy of American Whitewater. During the month of July and August the generators are turned off on Wednesday evenings to restore the full project flow into the river channel. These releases take place from 5 pm - 9 pm and are contingent on project inflows equal to or greater than 800 cfs at 8 am the day of the release. In most years this provides boatable flows on Wednesday evenings through the month of July but by August inflow typically drops below 800 cfs and the releases are no longer provided. (American Whitewater)
Section Details
| Trip Length | Partial Day, 1.3 Miles |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| Manager | Private, PacifiCorp |
| Wild & Scenic | No |
| Water Trail | No |
| Description | American Whitewater |
| River Flow Information |
https://www.pacificorp.com/community/recreation/montana.html This section of river is dependent on flow being released from an upstream hydropower dam. Flows are released annaully for the whitewater festival. As part of the license agreement, the boat lunch was improved and this area includes a picnic area, nature trail, fishing, and a kayak put-in/take-out. (Bigfork Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission P-2652) |
