Director of Fishing

Bighorn Fishing & Hunting Resort Guide

Matthew Granberg

Matt has been a lifelong fly fisherman, upland bird, waterfowl hunter and outdoor enthusiast. Having been an Orvis endorsed guide for the past seven years, Matt has been working beautiful trout waters with his guests on the rivers and lakes of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

Matt’s primary focus is to make sure Forrester’s Bighorn guests have a memorable fly fishing and wingshooting experience. Should you have specific requests for a favorite guide, want to learn a new technique, take a casting lesson or refresher, or perhaps you’d like to pull the trigger on our clay target range prior to going to the field - Matt is here to assist with personalizing your trip.

You can find Matt at his desk in the lobby bright and early every morning with a warm welcome. He will schedule your guide for the day, help you rig your rod, fit you with waders and is always happy to talk hunting and fishing with you. During the day he is often sharing his love for the sport while guiding guests, and as the day winds down he is happy to share a cold one and swap fish stories.

Please feel free to contact him directly at matt@forrestersbighorn.com to have him assist with any questions or needs prior to your trip.

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  • "It could not have been a more perfect trip"
    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.
    - Guest
  • "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
  • "The staff is always on point"
    Foresters is the spot to get out in the great outdoors and do some darn fly-fishing (and hunting during the proper seasons). The staff is always on point and they top it off with food that is on another level (possibly from a different planet), and will keep you guessing until your last night !!!
    - Justin T.
  • "That Place You Keep Coming Back To"
    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.
    - B.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.
  • "Flyfishing luxury in Montana"
    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
    - G. F.
  • "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
  • "All Inclusive"
    Forrester's Bighorn River Resort is a gem for those who want to float/wade the 13 miles of the tail out waters of the Bighorn Rive or go hunting for upland game birds. I opted for fishing and spent four nights with three days of fishing. The owners, Nick and Francine are wonderful hosts and have developed a wonderful lodge with wonderful accommodations, food guide service. Now the All-Inclusive package included transportation to a from the Billings, Montana airport to the lodge in Fort Smith, an hour and half drive. All lodging, meals, guides, fishing equipment and license, and the liquor of your choice. Now the lodge has two main floors. When you enter the lodge there is an open area that has a small lounge area with comfy leather chairs and a great fireplace, the reception desk, a gift shop and a small computer area. Down the hall is the kitchen and dining room. Breakfast is served at 8am each morning and dinner at 8pm and the meals are fantastic Upstairs is the Cigar Room where smoking is allowed when the heap exhaust fans are working, a large seating area, wide screen TV, which was never on, a game table and bar. Ones drink of choice will be at the bar with mixes and a small frig with beers. I stayed in one of the six cabins and my room had a rustic western motif with a wonderful bed, nice full bathroom, reading desk and a deck overlooking the river. Of course there was no TV or radio so it required you to read or connect with your device of choice. I read. Now this is not a hotel but a lodge so answers about a hotel do not apply.
    - W. J.

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 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