Fly Fishing the Bighorn River

The Bighorn's course is as unique as its fishing. After flowing out of the Rocky Mountains and through much of Wyoming the river flows into Bighorn Lake which is created by Yellowtail Dam.

Yellowtail is a 525 foot concrete dam that fills a remarkable 71 mile “breath taking” canyon and offers recreation for boating enthusiasts. But it isn't until the river releases from the bottom of the dam that the fishing becomes world-class.

This clear and cold release creates nearly 30 miles of prime wild trout habitat. Also worth mentioning is the Afterbay Dam, one mile below Yellowtail Dam, which takes the fluctuation out of this hydroelectric dam, which is prominent in tail water fisheries.

The result is constant flows year round.

Book your stay at our Montana fishing resort now. Call (406) 333-1449!

Enjoy The Luxury and Comfort of Montana's Premier Fishing Lodge

The Bighorn is arguably one of the finest streams in the state - and in the world. The high fish count per-mile is one thing, but the potential for a lifetime trophy brown or rainbow trout is very good on this river.

Browns average around 16 inches and rainbows average just a touch larger. Hatches are prolific the entire year and because the Bighorn is in the southeastern corner of the state and at a lower elevation than many Montana streams it can, and does, fish well the entire year.

The landscape is equally impressive with rolling plains, sparsely placed cottonwoods, and willows. Gravel and grass islands, with the oh-so-inviting side-channels, are found throughout the river.

These islands create unique riffle corners, side channels and drop-offs that always yield some great fish and great memories.

As one of Montana's premier fly fishing locations, the Bighorn truly is one of the great fisheries in the world. It offers the fly fisherperson the experience of a lifetime. This river always lives up to the legendary status it has earned.

Call (406) 333-1449 today to book your stay at our Montana fly fishing resort.

  • "With the terrific bird hunting and excellent food at Forrester’s, we have a great vacation every time."
    Mayo and I have come to the Bighorn for four years now, and for the last three years, we have arrived at the lodge to find the same convergence of fun repeat guests who hail from all over the country. We’ve become good friends, and will even be meeting up for some quail hunting in Georgia this winter. The group has a good mix of men and women. Some of us women hunt, some walk with the hunters, and some stay in and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lodge. We’re a little raucous at cocktail hour which we enjoy. With the terrific bird hunting and excellent food at Forrester’s, we have a great vacation every time.
    - Susan
  • "Fantastic!"
    What a great place filled with great people. From the Forresters to the kitchen staff to the guides and everyone else, all the people working here are just plain good people who will go the end of the earth to make their clients happy. The food was beyond good. The dinners were some of the best, most creative and unique meals I have ever eaten. They not only tasted great, they were works of art. You would be hard pressed to find this quality of food anywhere. We did a cast and blast fishing and duck hunting trip. Warm weather kept the ducks from flying much, but we all got shooting and a few of us shot limits of mallards. We even got a few pheasants on the river's islands. The fishing was tough, but not because of the guides. The river was a bit stained, making fishing tough for everyone. Everyone caught trout, though. Can't wait to go back!
    - David
  • "Great place to relax"
    Great place to relax; go with the refuge foundation.
    - Patrick M.
  • "Great hunting. Great Fishing!"
    Great hunting. Great Fishing! Choose either, you will not be disappointed.
    - John Havlicek
  • "I always try to schedule a trip to Nick Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort!"
    As a professional fishing guide, I get paid to fish all over the world. When it comes time to plan a personal vacation, I always try to schedule a trip to Nick Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort!
    - Ed Beattie
  • "Great choice for the Bighorn"
    Nick is very friendly and helpful when planning your fishing adventure on the Bighorn. Our guide was new but with adequate knowledge of the river, willing to rerow different hotspots. The river itself has a lot of green vegetation growth so you will spend a lot of time cleaning your flies. Shop is limited in selection, primarily Orvis products. Good choice for a float rip on the Bighorn.
    - Thomas
  • "It was an awesome trip"
    I spent six days with my dad at Forrester's in mid-October 2017. The original intent was to split the time between upland hunting and fishing. We were so impressed after our first day of hunting, we altered our plans to hunt as many days as possible. Having brought my 3 year old red setter all the way from Minnesota, I was a bit nervous about how she'd handle the big Montana terrain. I'm happy to report she did awesome, and truly made the trip extra special. Our hunting guide was very helpful and worked with me to get my dog hunting well. It was an awesome trip. I hope this review helps for anyone bringing a dog. We had multiple moments where we had to pinch ourselves. That's how good the entire experience was.
    - Guest
  • "I plan to take my City Slicker self back to Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort."
    Great lodging, a lot of savvy, and a great river for anyone interested in the near-spiritual experience of fly-fishing. Here is a place I only knew from postcards, now I can truly brag that I’ve been there and done that! If Nick and his guides have any patience left, I plan to take my City Slicker self back to Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort.
    - Phil Donahue

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.

Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort
Contact 406-333-1449
Address
40.754 Hwy 313
Fort Smith, MT 59035
Map & Directions
Hours
  • Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm
  • Saturday - Sunday 7am - 7pm