Montana's Premier Bighorn River Resort Experience Unparalleled Luxury: Hunt, Fish, and Relax in Montana's Finest Wilderness

Bighorn Lake Pontoon Floats

Enjoy a full day or just an evening on the incredibly beautiful Bighorn Canyon Lake. Nature abounds - and you may even see a bear or two with their cubs!

Plan your stay at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort. Call (406) 333-1449 or book your stay now.

Nature Trails

If you would like to get out and about and enjoy even more of what Montana has to offer, let us tell you about nearby nature trails or fitness runs.

Just past the end of the parking lot at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Ranger Station is a trail that heads west and then drops down into a ravine.

A bench just below the rim is perfect for sitting and observing wildlife – or continue down the trail to the little suspension bridge.

There are a few other trails in the area, just let us know if you are interested and we will point you in the right direction.

Local History

From the National Park Service's Little Bighorn Battlefield to Plenty Coups State Park, there are ample parks and museums nearby to take in the incredible stories of:

  • The US Calvary
  • The Indian Wars
  • The Bozeman Trail
  • Lewis and Clark
  • The culture of the Crow Nation
  • And even prehistoric pictographs

We can provide you with information about these and more.

  • "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
  • "Can't Wait to Return to Forrester's!"
    Our first visit to Forrester's will definitely not be our last! Cozy, well-appointed cabin, yummy cuisine, and best of all, our fishing experience! We're still newbies at fly-fishing, and our fantastic guide, Matthew Granberg, could not have been more patient, knowledgeable and accommodating (as well as humorous and entertaining!). Being on the river with Matthew as our guide was definitely the high-point of the trip. Will definitely be back!
    - Rusty
  • "Owners are gracious"
    Recently my wife and I experienced for the second time the wonderful amenities of this first rate lodge on the Bighorn River. The temperature was hot, the fishing good, and the cuisine as usual was over the top. Nike and Francine the owners are gracious, the lodge staff very friendly and accommodating, and the fishing guides very professional. I was able to sight fish, hook and land a very nice 22” rainbow on a very small dry fly. The rating scale only goes to 5. A 10 would be more appropriate. Dale Sponaugle.
    - H. S.
  • "Great place to relax"
    Great place to relax; go with the refuge foundation.
    - Patrick M.
  • "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.
  • "Everything we hoped it would be and more."
    Second trip to Forrester's this past June -- once again, it was everything we hoped it would be and more. We enjoyed our first trip so much last year, that we returned this spring with 7 more of our friends (total of 10). Nick and Francine are incredibly generous hosts and in my experience, you won't find a better combination of quality fishing, spectacular views, comfortable accommodations and five-star dining anywhere else. Frank (head chef) turns out meals that rival anything you can find in the top big-city restaurants and the food was one of the many reasons we came back for a second season. Of course, the fishing, quality guides and great location were factors too. Book this place with confidence and enjoy your Montana fly fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler! We will be back next year for another adventure.
    - Christopher T.
  • "This place is awesome."
    This place is awesome. Picturesque location overlooking the river, very close to town and the dam where you put in for fishing. The cabins are neat, clean, and well appointed. This is where we will stay every time we are in Fort Smith to fish the legendary Big Horn River.
    - Mark M.
  • "Exceptional Experience"
    My parents and I spent 4 fabulous days at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort. We caught lots of good-sized trout and had the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation. We hope to return there this fall or next year. The lodge and lodging was first class, the food was exceptional, the staff was wonderful, and the fly fishing with their guides Jaime Anderson and Jim Wilkins was fantastic! My parents are beginner fly fishers, and I had never fly fished before. Thankfully, our hardworking, patient, and enthusiastic (and humorous) guides were really excellent instructors who helped us master the basics. Thank you to Fran and Nick, Chefs Frank, Fran and Leanne, Jean, Matt, and the wonderful staff at Forrester's for a vacation that exceeded all our expectations.
    - Stephen B.

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