All about the family behind Swift River Cast and Paddle!
Welcome to Swift River Cast & Paddle, where family, community, and nature come together!
Our business is proudly woman-owned, family-owned, and veteran-owned, rooted along the beautiful Swift River that boarders Belchertown and Ware in Massachusetts.
For over ten years, Jennie Murphy has called the Swift River in Ware, Massachusetts home. As an avid kayaker and lifelong outdoorswoman, she believes deeply in the power of nature to bring peace, joy, and real connection. By day, Jennie serves as the Executive Director of a nonprofit that supports veteran entrepreneurs, and by heart, she is a steward of this land and river.
Christian (Dream) Davidson is co-owner and operator of Swift River Cast and Paddle and has a passion for everything outdoors. Dream has owned small businesses, is a railroad engineer, and is a proud Texan that fell in love with the Swift River! You can find Dream on the Swift River year-round enjoying early morning casts and quiet sunset floats.
Caleb, Jennie’s oldest son, is a member of the Air Force Reserves and a college student with a deep love for the outdoors. When he’s home, you’ll find him helping guests launch, sharing stories, and enjoying every moment under the open sky!
Connor and Brandon, Jennie’s younger sons, spend their days exploring every bend and current. They love swimming, paddling, and learning all that the river provides, inspiring us to protect and care for this incredible resource for generations to come.
When we say family owned and operated, we mean that! Don’t be surprised when you see all members of our family supporting the operations of Swift River Cast and Paddle!
At Swift River Cast & Paddle, we are dedicated to being stewards of this land and water, preserving its beauty, and bringing families together to experience the timeless magic of the river. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an unforgettable family adventure, we welcome you to join ours.
About the Swift River!
The Swift River is a 32.3 mile long river that flows into Ware River and was formed when the Quabbin Reservoir was built.
The Swift River is renowned for its trout fishing, particularly for wild and stocked trout. The river is abundant with insects and has a thriving population of wild brook trout.
MassWildlife conducts active research using antenna arrays and tagging to track brook trout movements in the river. We are proud to partner with MassWildlife to conduct research by hosting equipment for their array on our property on the Swift River!
The nearby Swift River Reservation offers 439 acres of scenic trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing—and provides great river access too!
Before the Quabbin Reservoir’s creation (filling from 1939 to 1946), the Swift River Valley was home to Pocumtuck and Nipmuck peoples, as well as settlers in small towns later drowned by the reservoir’s creation.
The USGS operates a river gauge at West Ware, MA, measuring flow and levels. The Swift’s drainage area covers approximately 189 square miles.
