Guides

Bighorn River Fishing Guides

Making Your Stay At Our Montana Fly Fishing Resort Perfect

Sean Fritzler

Director of Fly Fishing Guide Program
Sean is a member of the Crow tribe who grew up hunting and fishing here on the Crow reservation. Sean is a third generation hunting and fishing guide who has been with us for the last 28 years. Both Sean's Grandfather and Uncle worked for us here at the lodge for many years. This is where Sean gained most of his knowledge of the Bighorn river, and the surrounding area. Sean is also in charge of our guide program. With his extensive knowledge of what it takes to be an excellent guide, Sean has strategically put together a great team of guides to successfully take care of all your hunting and fishing needs.

Ray McCarn

Ray McCarn grew up on the banks of the Trinity, Klamath and Ell Rivers, amongst numerous others in Northern California. Ray made his way fishing and rodeoing to Montana where attended Montana State University, and became a cattle rancher on the Crow Reservation and a fly fishing guide on the famed Bighorn River. Ray is one of our elite top guides, bringing fly fishing to a whole new level with a blend of passion, years of experience and personality to the river each day. From the most experienced angler to a total beginner, you will surely have the best time learning and laughing.

Wayne Egbert

Wayne Egbert brings over 25 years of guiding experience to Bighorn River Resort. While growing up in Hardin, Wayne began fishing the Bighorn at age eleven so it was only natural he started guiding at age 18. Over the years, Wayne has gained extensive knowledge of the Bighorn fishery. He is also known for the fly patterns he creates. Wayno’s Cotton Candy is a staple in most Bighorn guide’s tackle boxes.

For Wayne, there is nothing more rewarding than teaching the art of fly fishing to a new fisherman and getting them “hooked” on the sport. When Wayne is not guiding, he can be found chasing a bugling bull elk during archery season, hunting big bucks or doing his part in keeping predators at bay during trapping season.

Tyrell Blake

I grew up in Idaho fishing and hunting my whole life. My passion for fly fishing began when I was 16, but even before that my Dad taught me everything I know in the mountains and streams where I grew up. I came to Montana to guide fly fishing in 2016 on the Bighorn. I made lots of friends and met my wife Ashley. Now I continue my dream job of guiding with a family of my own in Montana!

Ryan Petis

Bio Coming Soon!

Wyatt Rivers Skunkcap

Wyatt Rivers Skunkcap is a member of the Crow Tribe of Indians and a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation. Growing up in the foothills of the Pryor Mountains, Wyatt developed a love for the outdoors. His passion for flyfishing came at the young age of 9. He was lucky to have a well-respected uncle that invested in teaching him the gifts of the great outdoors and the art of flyfishing. Guiding is a passion for Wyatt and has been his dream from a young age. Wyatt’s says that “The Bighorn River is the greatest place in the world”.

Cody Mack

I've been on the Bighorn River for three years and have been guiding professionally for five.

I was born and raised in Billings and have been fishing local Montana rivers and streams my entire life. I was trained on the Bighorn River by a professional guide of over 30 years. Although I didn't start fly fishing until later in my life it quickly became more of an obsession than a hobby, and now a dream job.

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"Amazing place to stay"
Amazing place to stay with cute cabins off the Big Horn River. Great fishing and pheseant hunting. Friendly staff, very accommodating, excellent dinner service.

- Jeni F.
"Great hunting. Great Fishing!"
Great hunting. Great Fishing! Choose either, you will not be disappointed.

- John Havlicek
"Most memorable family reunion!"
Family Reunion! None of us are from Montana, but we gathered here to take advantage of the blue ribbon fishing on the river and the nearby lake for incredible boat rides through the beautiful Bighorn Canyon. My husband and I live here in Fort Smith and invited everyone to join us "out west". Family members have been thanking me for putting it all together but just between you and me - Nick and Fran helped us every step of the way - getting everything just right for our special weekend! Chef Frank pulled out all the stops when preparing dinner - I am still dreaming about that dessert.... Thank you to all the staff, Nick, Fran and Frank for a most memorable family reunion!

- Jean M.
"Great Getaway"
My 12 year old son and my husband had the chance to spend time here for 4 nights and 5 days. They came back with wonderful stories about the fishing, the food, and their wonderful hosts. Great pictures were sent back to us in New York. They hope to return soon. Hopefully, next time, our daughters and I will join them for a full family trip!

- Y. B.
"Incredible Positive Experience!"
Have you ever thought about fly fishing and catching rainbow trout? Have you ever thought of staying in a special place away from it all? Have you thought about staying in a place where there is a resident chief and professional fishing guides? Then you must consider taking a vacation in the south of Montana, close to Yellowstone Park, called Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort! For example, I have barely fished in my life yet on one outing on the Big Horn river, with our guide, I caught 11 trout! After the fishing experience our family was treated to a five-star dinner that was also served professionally and the portions were very generous. We live in Tennessee, which is not very close to Montana, but my wife and I are still hoping to return to Montana just to stay at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort.

- D. Saw
"Novice or expert, you’ll succeed."
With thousands of fish per mile, and the guide to put you on them, novice or expert, you’ll succeed.

- Tim Boyle
"The best luxury fly fishing and bird hunting in the USA"
The accommodations are excellent, total attention to very detail, need and want. The food is 5 star dining at every meal. The wine selection is wonderful. Every staff member caters to all of your needs and desires. Fly fishing the Bighorn River is incredible. The bird hunting, guides and dogs are among the finest in the lower 48. The remote location feels like a luxury home.

- G. C.
"Simply Amazing! Strongly Recommended!"
My Father and I spent 5 days there hunting and fishing with Forresters. This place is absolutely world class! Francine and Nick are super nice and extremely attentive and will ensure you have everything you need - down to the last detail. The guides (Cash, Sean, and Ray) were truly experts in their craft. Oh, and the food was amazing! I would strongly recommend them.

- Adam R.

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Where Every Moment is Exceptional

Unparalleled Luxury
Experience the epitome of luxury at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, where every detail is meticulously curated to provide guests with a lavish and unforgettable retreat amidst the stunning landscapes of Montana.
Culinary Excellence
Indulge in the finest cuisine at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, where our expert chefs create culinary masterpieces using locally sourced ingredients, promising a gastronomic journey that delights the senses.
Tailored Experiences
At Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, we specialize in crafting personalized adventures, ensuring each guest enjoys tailored excursions tailored to their preferences and skill levels.

Book Your Stay

Visit our world-class Montana hunting & fishing lodge!

Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, perched above Montana's Bighorn River, offers unparalleled luxury hunting and fly fishing experiences amidst breathtaking vistas, private riverbanks, and deluxe accommodations, making it the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable adventures in the untamed Montana foothills.

Book Your Stay

Contact 406-333-1449

Address

40.754 Hwy 313
Fort Smith, MT 59035

Map & Directions

Hours

Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 7am - 7pm

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