Forresters Bighorn

Forrester's Bighorn River Resort operates a fly fishing lodge above Montana's Bighorn River—one of the nation's premier trout streams. The river holds one of the largest concentrations of wild brown and rainbow trout in the West. Anglers typically catch trout between 18" and 22", and having a guide doesn't just improve odds—it nearly guarantees results. The resort has private access to the finest fishing spots, located just a quarter-mile from the river launch.

"The Horn," as locals call it, is nationally recognized as one of the premier trout streams in the United States.

• •Bighorn River main stem: Drift boat trips targeting tail-water browns and rainbows
• •Cloud Peak Wilderness expeditions: High-country day trips, overnights, and multi-day pack trips into the Big Horn National Forest
• •Remote outpost camps: Access to streams and lakes full of native brook trout, cutthroat, and golden trout with minimal fishing pressure
• •Combination trips: Two days on the Bighorn River, then horseback into the mountains for an entirely different experience

The landscape surrounding Fort Smith, Montana looks built for bird hunting—and it is. The Bighorn Valley offers excellent upland hunting opportunities with terrain and habitat perfectly suited for multiple species. Guides work the backcountry on horseback and on foot, covering thousands of acres of private land.

The "Cast and Blast" is a three-part day combining waterfowl hunting and fly fishing:

• •Morning hunt: Jump shooting ducks and geese from a drift boat on the Bighorn River, or setting decoys when birds are actively migrating (Canada to winter grounds).

• •Mid-day fishing: By midday, switch to fly rod. Autumn staging brown trout are aggressive and eager for a fight.

• •Afternoon hunt: As ducks return to roost at dusk, switch back to shotgun for late-afternoon action.

All guides are Orvis-endorsed and include:

Guides offer casting lessons, rod rigging, wader fitting, and trip customization based on skill level and preferences.

• •Location: 40.754 Highway 313, Fort Smith, MT 59035 (near Yellowstone, Cloud Peak Wilderness)

• •Lodging: Private cabins with stunning views of the Bighorn River and Montana Mountains. Each cabin is stocked with essentials and fresh ground coffee.

Francine Forrester's kitchen staff are trained across Europe, the East and West coasts, and the Caribbean. Every meal is a five-course gourmet affair:

• •Locally sourced ingredients
• •Your catch of the day expertly prepared
• •Portions are generous; presentation is flawless
• •Warm welcome on arrival with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks

• •Fly-Fishing Packages: Full-day and multi-day guided trips on the Bighorn River
• •Hunting Packages: Upland bird hunting in the Bighorn Valley
• •Waterfowl & Fly Fishing Packages: Cast and Blast combo trips
• •Private Cabins: Luxury lodging with full resort access
• •Corporate Getaway: Team retreats with fishing, hunting, and dining

• •Private river access: Quarter-mile from launch to premier fishing water
• •High-country wilderness access: Licensed to outfit horseback, pack, and hiking trips into Cloud Peak Wilderness
• •Orvis-endorsed guides: All guides meet Orvis standards
• •28-year tenure: Sean Fritzler (Director) has been on staff since the resort's early days
• •Family ownership with expertise: Wildlife biologist + executive chef combine operational excellence with personalized service
• •FAQs & trip prep resources: Fishing reports, gear recommendations, seasonal planning guides

"It could not have been a more perfect trip. The cabins are perfect and stocked with everything you will need including fresh ground coffee. The fishing was everything I had hoped for, patient guides and plenty of fish." — Guest review

Fort Smith sits south of Montana, close to Yellowstone Park. The drive into Forrester's Bighorn River Resort is part of the experience—the landscape naturally lends itself to adventure.