7 Reasons Why Forrester's is the

Ultimate BIGHORN Vacation Spot

  • Only Resort With On-Property River Access

    Who wants to drive 45-minutes or more just to get to the river? Ski-in, Ski-out… try Fish-in, Fish-out! Did you know that Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort is the ONLY lodge or resort with ON-PROPERTY-ACCESS to the Bighorn River's prime fishing waters with only ¼ mile transit to the launch on the river. Learn More>

  • Only Resort With On-site, Active Owners

    We’re the ONLY Orvis-Endorsed lodge/resort with owners that are active, involved and on-property EVERY DAY. Owners Nick Forrester, a passionate wildlife biologist, and Francine Forrester, a trained macrobiotic chef and holistic health coach, are happy to call the Bighorn Valley their home. Having lived and worked in the Bighorn River Valley for over 30 years, they know the river, the land and the local people. It is their passion to deliver a truly Authentic Montana experience to all who visit Forrester’s, both on and off the river. Have a question about the Bighorn, email Nick and Fran here! Learn More>

  • Only Resort with Private Cabins and River Views

    Yes, we are the ONLY lodge/resort to offer cozy private cabins with picturesque views of the Bighorn River! Wake up, grab a cup of joe and take in your a picturesque view of the Bighorn River framed by our majestic Montana mountains and foothills. Learn More>

  • A Culinary Experience Like No Other, with Executive Chef Frank

    Put simply, it is not possible to find a dining experience like this anywhere else in Montana. We are proud and overjoyed to call Frank Kerstetter our Executive Chef. With over 30 years of culinary experience, a decade of which he has spent with us, Frank affords Forrester’s a level of excellence that continues to set us apart from our competition. Frank’s expertise with wine pairing, pastries, breads, charcuterie, and artistic meat and fish preparation allow for a ever-changing menu of only the finest and freshest fare. It is no joke that our guests come for the fishing, but return for the cuisine. Learn More>

  • Super Experienced, Friendly, & Passionate Fly Fishing Guides

    Each season, Nick and Francine Forrester handpick the most experienced anglers from around the Bighorn River Valley who have a passion to teach and lead expedition. Our guides not only love to fish, but truly love to pass on the tricks of the trade and lead bountiful trips down the Bighorn River. Have a question about our guides and/or any aspect of our trips, feel free to reach out to our Fly Fishing Director, Matthew Granberg here. Learn More>

  • Custom-Tailored Wellness Services to Enhance Your Stay

    Owner Francine Forrester has decades of experience in the field of holistic health and personal wellness. Under her guidance, Francine will assist you in choosing the optimal therapeutic service for your needs. Through her own studies and travels, Francine has been blessed with a profound knowledge of the healing arts. Whether you simply desire a therapeutic massage or a calming 1-on-1 restorative yoga class, the custom-tailored wellness services will work to not only support but deeply enhance your overall experience at Forrester's. Learn More>

  • The Forrester's Experience Itself

    Everything we have shared thus far (1 to 6), works cohesively to set the stage for an unforgettable experience, both on and off the river. It is our passion to be able to offer an experience that goes way beyond what happens on the River itself. Yes, without a doubt, the fishing will be spectacular and bountiful, as the famed Bighorn’s reputation speaks for itself, but it is the lodging, cuisine and unparalleled customer service at Forrester's that truly sets us apart from our competitors. We seriously hope you consider Forrester's for your next Fly Fishing trip. Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions or would like a reference from one of our past clients. Learn More>

Our Guests Say it Best

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort We have visited Forrester's many times over the years and always experienced great fishing, knowledgeable and fun guides, cozy cabin accommodations, and exquisite cuisine. Nick and Francine and their staff are all wonderful hosts. We love to fish, and the fishing has been the main reason for our visits.
  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort You know those places you keep coming back to, either literally or at least in your mind? This is one of those places. Nick and Francine ensure that your trip is top-notch. Cozy, deluxe cabins, warm lodge, great loft for watching a game and unwinding, and the food - 5-star cuisine by the talented Chef Frank! You just can't eat this well anywhere else! You can bird hunt or boat brown trout - all in the same day! This is a special place on the Bighorn River.
  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort My wife and I have been Flyfishing and bird hunting at Forresters Bighorn Resort for ten years. Our last trip was great. Nick and Francene Forrester are genial , knowledgable hosts. The accommodation is perfect for this setting overlooking the Bighorn River in Montana. The dinners are possibly the best food in Southern Montana. Our fishing guide, Kevin, was skilled and a good companion . on the river. We will definitely be back
  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort 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.
  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort 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.
  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort Having never fly fished or been to Montana for that matter, I had no idea what to expect. Arriving at Forrester's we were greeted with warm smiles, sandwiches, drinks and all types of snacks. That was just the tip of the ice berg as far as food goes. Every meal was 5 courses and way beyond my expectations. I tell my friends it was by far the 3 best consecutive meals Ive ever eaten. 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. We caught 32 fish the second day and had to skip the last 3 miles of the river due to heavy rain! Forrester's is a First Class family owned fishing resort that I will definitely be returning to. It could not have been a more perfect trip.
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Forrester's Bighorn River Resort
40.754 Hwy 313,
Fort Smith, MT 59035

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